Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
2 months ago
Group Leader Social-Ecological Transformation 80% (m/f/d)
- 08 December 2025
- 80%
- Permanent position
- Birmensdorf
Job summary
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape WSL employs 600 staff. Join a vibrant team focused on sustainable environmental use.
Tasks
- Lead the new research group on social-ecological transformation.
- Conduct interdisciplinary research using various methods.
- Acquire funding and manage research projects effectively.
Skills
- PhD in environmental social sciences; proven track record in transformation.
- Strong leadership and communication abilities required.
- Fluent in German and English, with a second language proficiency.
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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.
Group Leader Social-Ecological Transformation 80% (m/f/d)
The research unit Economic and Social Sciences addresses social science questions related to WSL research topics and is looking for a July 1, 2026 or by arrangement
You will establish the new research group "Social-Ecological Transformation" and lead it scientifically and administratively. You will conduct research on the topic of social-ecological transformation in relation to WSL core topics as well as focus topics of the WSL Strategy 2035 . Depending on the topic, you will work inter- and transdisciplinarily with colleagues from the social and natural sciences and from practice. You will use qualitative and quantitative research methods, especially those suitable for transformation research (e.g., real-world laboratories, visioning). You will acquire research funding, lead research projects, and supervise scientific qualification theses. You will publish your research results in scientific journals and implement them in other appropriate formats. If interested, you can engage in university teaching.
You hold a doctorate in an environmental social science field (e.g., human geography, transformation research, environmental policy, economics, sociology) and can demonstrate a successful career in the field of social-ecological transformation. This includes acquiring research projects, active publication and implementation activities, as well as successful leadership of teams with doctoral and postdoctoral researchers including their supervision. You are an integrative and committed personality, and collaboration with stakeholders in your field is familiar to you. You possess excellent leadership and communication skills. You are competent in handling a broad portfolio of research methods and interested in collaborating with colleagues from the natural sciences. You are fluent in German and English, both spoken and written, and can communicate well in a second national language.
Please send your complete application to Michèle Bucher, Human Resources WSL, by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by email or postal mail will not be considered. For questions, Prof. Dr. Irmi Seidl is available at Tel. +41 (0)44 739 23 24. Diversity and inclusion are lived values at WSL. We are committed to gender equality and promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
