The project aims to understand and quantify the influence of forest structure and canopy ecophysiology on the vertical distribution of species richness and the trophic relationships between producers and consumers in forests. The project consists of two thematically interlinked PhDs in the subject areas forest biodiversity and ecological remote sensing.

In this position you study the species richness of 10 functional taxa between the forest floor and the canopy as well as the trophic interactions. Your main tasks are the design of the field study, data collection for two years, the analysis of the data and the subsequent publication in international research journals. The project enables interdisciplinary collaboration with biodiversity researchers, forest ecologists and remote sensing specialists from WSL and the University of Zurich. Your main place of work will be the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL in Birmensdorf.

You have a Master degree in biology, ecology or environmental sciences and a good knowledge of species (plants, arthropods, birds or bats). You have a strong interest in ecosystem relationships and are experienced in statistical analysis (in R) and preferably publishing your own research results. You are physical enduring and like field work in a demanding environment. You have a driver's license (Kat. B for Switzerland) and basic knowledge of German and can express yourself well orally and in written English. You are ambitious, motivated and communicative, are used to a high standard of independent, structured and careful work, and demonstrate a high level of team spirit.

Please send your complete application to Michèle Bucher, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Kurt Bollmann, phone +41 (0)44 739 24 11, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. The position remains advertised until filled. The WSL strives to increase the proportion of women in its employment, which is why qualified women are particularly called upon to apply for this position.