Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
Scientific Staff Member for Sufficiency Policy 60-80% (m/f/d)
- 23 July 2026
- 60 – 80%
- Birmensdorf
Job summary
Join WSL, a leader in environmental research with 600 staff. Engage in impactful projects in a supportive environment.
Tasks
- Lead a one-year research project on sufficiency policy.
- Analyze and evaluate existing interviews and research findings.
- Organize workshops and disseminate research results effectively.
Skills
- Master's in environmental social sciences; knowledge of sufficiency.
- Proficient in qualitative interview methods and analysis.
- Fluent in German and English, excellent communication skills.
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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 deals with the sustainable use and protection of the environment as well as responsible management of natural hazards.
Scientific Staff Member for Sufficiency Policy 60-80% (m/f/d)
The research unit Economic and Social Sciences addresses social science questions related to WSL research topics and is seeking, from
1 September 2026 or by arrangement, a fixed-term position for one year
You will manage a one-year research project on sufficiency policy at the cantonal level. In doing so, you will examine how cantons can promote and support the framework conditions for sufficiency in general and for municipal sufficiency measures in particular (e.g. through legal and financial frameworks, incentives and prohibitions, pilot projects). You will evaluate existing interviews and the current state of research, conduct further interviews, and organise meetings/workshops with cantonal and municipal representatives as well as NGOs. You will analyse and condense the research results, disseminate them in writing (report, article), and conduct a public-oriented event.
You hold a master’s degree in an environmental social science field (e.g. human geography, environmental policy, economics or sociology, transformation research) and ideally have in-depth knowledge of the concept of sufficiency. You are experienced in conducting interviews and their qualitative analysis and are familiar with interaction with administration and politics. You can write up research results well. You are an integrative and committed personality with excellent communication skills. You are fluent in German and English, both spoken and written.
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. The review of received applications will begin on 17 August 2026. For questions, please contact Irmi Seidl, Tel. +41 (0)44 739 23 24, irmi.seidl(at)wsl.ch. At WSL, diversity and inclusion are lived values. We are committed to gender equality and to promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
