Intern in Forest Biodiversity Research (m/f/d)
Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
Key information
- Publication date:12 November 2025
- Workload:100%
- Place of work:Birmensdorf
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.
Intern in Forest Biodiversity Research (m/f/d)
Within the framework of two projects, one funded by the VELUX Foundation on biodiversity in open forests and one funded by the FOEN/cantons on biodiversity in natural forest reserves and commercial forests of Switzerland, the research units "Biodiversity and Conservation Biology (Group Habitat Dynamics )" and "Forest Health and Biotic Interactions (Group Forest Entomology )" offer three 6-month positions starting from April 2026 as
In these highly application-oriented projects, extensive data on insect occurrences in open forests and natural forest reserves as well as in control areas are collected. The main tasks of these internship positions include installation, emptying, and dismantling of insect traps in the study areas, sorting of captured insects into major systematic groups, and archiving of insect samples at WSL. In this role, you can deepen your knowledge of insect systematics and gain insights into other projects in biodiversity research. Additionally, smaller tasks may arise within the projects.
You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology or environmental sciences. Prior knowledge of the main native insect groups is an advantage. You are used to working independently, are communicative and efficient. You meet deadlines, recognize problems early, and approach them decisively and creatively. You enjoy working outdoors in the field under various weather conditions. Furthermore, you possess a driver’s license (category B) and are a confident driver.
Please send your complete application to Marco Widmer, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the required documents via our website. Applications by e-mail or postal mail will not be considered. For questions, Ariel Bergamini (project "open forests"; phone +41 (0)44 739 2332, e-mail: ariel.bergamini(at)wsl.ch) and Martin Gossner (project "natural forest reserves"; phone +41 (0)44 739 2588, e-mail: martin.gossner(at)wsl.ch) are available. Diversity and inclusion are lived values at WSL. We are committed to gender equality and to promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
