Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental (Social) Sciences with Expertise in Spatial Analyses (GIS) 80-100% (m/f/d)
- 27 October 2026
- 80 – 100%
- Birmensdorf
About the job
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, with around 600 employees, is part of the ETH domain. It is concerned with the sustainable use and protection of the environment as well as responsible management of natural hazards.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental (Social) Sciences with Expertise in Spatial Analyses (GIS) 80-100% (m/f/d)
The research unit Economic and Social Sciences addresses social science questions related to WSL research topics and is seeking, from
1 January 2027 or by arrangement, a fixed-term position for two years
Within the interdisciplinary research project Dense-Green-Health , you will investigate how the interplay of urban density, building typologies, and the diversity of urban green spaces affects human well-being. The aim of the project is to create scientific foundations for biodiversity-promoting and climate-adapted urban development that simultaneously enhances human well-being. The studies take place in the three Swiss cities of Winterthur, Fribourg, and Sion.
You will analyse spatial data on building typologies, building density, and green spaces (particularly vegetation structure and habitat diversity as indicators of biodiversity) using GIS. With these analyses, you will provide the basis for developing visual scenarios of different urban environments, which will then be incorporated into a population survey (including participatory mapping and a discrete choice experiment). You will link the collected data with spatial environmental indicators and evaluate them statistically. In doing so, you will work closely with other researchers in the same study areas as well as with actors from urban planning. You will publish the results in international scientific journals, present them at scientific conferences, and contribute to the development of practice-oriented planning foundations.
You have completed a degree in environmental (social) sciences or a related field and hold a doctorate in this area. You possess very good knowledge of spatial analysis methods (GIS) and have a solid understanding of biodiversity and ecological relationships, especially in urban areas. You are interested in the connections between the environment and human well-being. Experience with quantitative survey methods and statistical data analysis is required. You communicate fluently in English, both orally and in writing, and have good knowledge of German and French. Furthermore, you convince with an independent, interdisciplinary, and networked working style. You are proactive, committed, communicative, and team-oriented.
Please send your complete application to Michèle Bucher, Human Resources WSL, by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered. For questions, Nicole Bauer, nicole.bauer(at)wsl.ch, will be happy to assist you. At WSL, diversity and inclusion are lived values. We are committed to gender equality and the promotion of an open and inclusive working environment.
