Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Cadenazzo
Yesterday
Researcher on Emerging Forest Ecosystems (novel forest ecosystems) at the Insubric Ecosystems Research Group (f/m/d)
- 06 February 2026
- 100%
- Cadenazzo
Job summary
Join WSL, a leading research institute focusing on sustainable environmental management.
Tasks
- Lead research on emerging forest ecosystems in southern Switzerland.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and share applied research results.
- Secure funding for projects and foster regional partnerships.
Skills
- PhD with a strong background in forest sciences and ecology required.
- Fluent in Italian and English, with another Swiss language preferred.
- Team-oriented with strong networking abilities in research.
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About the job
The Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is dedicated to sustainable use and environmental protection, as well as natural hazard management. WSL is part of the Federal Institutes of Technology domain and employs about 600 people, 10 of whom are in Cadenazzo.
Researcher on Emerging Forest Ecosystems (novel forest ecosystems) at the Insubric Ecosystems Research Group (f/m/d)
The Insubric Ecosystems Research Group is based in Cadenazzo, Ticino, where it studies the evolution of forest ecosystems and emerging trends in ecological processes such as biological invasions and forest fires, deepening the understanding of the consequences of global change on forests and their ecosystem services. The research objective is to gain in-depth knowledge of the impact on processes and ecosystem services of interactions between climate, environment, organisms, land management, and natural disturbances.
Within the Insubric Ecosystems research group, we offer a tenure track position, starting January 2026, or by agreement, as
As an internationally recognized researcher, you will design and develop your projects on topics related to new emerging forest ecosystems in the Insubric region of the southern Swiss Alps (Canton Ticino and Grisons), with particular attention to the ecological and silvicultural challenges of the chestnut belt. You will be committed to disseminating applied research results to practice and collaborating closely with stakeholders, especially in Canton Ticino and the valleys of Italian Grisons. It will also be your responsibility to acquire third-party funding for research projects and manage collaborations with authorities and organizations at regional, cantonal, and national levels, as well as to encourage participation in international networks dedicated to the study of new forest realities.
You hold a PhD and have an excellent scientific record in the field of forest sciences and ecology, with a solid background in silviculture, enabling you to act as a consultant for other research projects within the group. You have an open-minded view on nature conservation and resilience and are interested in evaluating or formulating new ecological theories. You are team-oriented and appreciate frequent exchanges with your colleagues. As a proactive person, you enjoy maintaining and developing contacts with practitioners, partner organizations, and research institutes. You are fluent in Italian and English (both written and spoken) and have a good command of another Swiss national language (French or German).
Please send your complete application (motivation letter and CV in English) to Michèle Bucher, Human Resources WSL, submitting the required documents via the designated portal. Applications by email will not be considered. For any questions or clarifications, you can contact Dr. Boris Pezzatti, group leader (Tel +41 91 821 52 31). WSL is committed to values such as diversity and inclusion, actively promoting gender equality and an open and inclusive work environment.
