Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
Scientist in ecological modelling and analysis 80 - 100% (f/m/d)
- 15 July 2026
- 80 – 100%
- Birmensdorf
Job summary
Join the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, a leader in environmental sustainability. This role offers a collaborative work environment and valuable benefits.
Tasks
- Lead ecological modelling for species distributions in Switzerland.
- Collaborate with experts to optimize the N-SDM modelling pipeline.
- Analyze ecological data and derive indicators for biodiversity assessments.
Skills
- PhD in ecology or related field with relevant experience required.
- Strong skills in macroecology and statistical ecology essential.
- Proficiency in R/Python/GIT for data processing and analysis.
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About the job
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.
Scientist in ecological modelling and analysis 80 - 100% (f/m/d)
The Research Group Dynamic Macroecology studies questions related to spatial ecology, macroecology and -evolution and global biome dynamics. We are lookingfor theSBS-M7 project (Swiss Biodiversity Strategy – phase 2; measure 7 on climate change impacts on biodiversity and species conservation)for the duration of 2 years for a
This project aims to map species distributions in Switzerland under contemporary and projected future climatic conditions using the modelling pipeline N-SDM. You interact with InfoFlora and InfoFauna to assemble species data suitable for modelling, you predict the spatial distribution of thousands of plant and animal species in Switzerland and you optimize the pipeline together with modelling experts in the consortium and in response to comments and input from plant and animal experts. You derive indicators from these maps, and you test the feasibility to project the Swiss Habitat Map into future climate conditions using species distributions and the existing habitat map. You will work in a dynamic research lab at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL in Birmensdorf, Switzerland, and you will collaborate with national partners and experts.
You hold a PhD degree in ecology or a related field, and you have strong skills in macroecology, statistical ecology, the processing and analysis of high-volume ecological data, spatial modelling, and in coding with R/Python/GIT. Expertise in species distribution modelling (specifically with the N-SDM pipeline) are beneficial.The capability to develop new ideas independently is necessary, as are very good English skills (both written and oral). You are a curious, self-reliant person who is also an excellent team worker and values cooperation.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Niklaus E. Zimmermann will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.
