The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), part of the prestigious ETH Domain, is inviting applications for an exciting Postdoctoral Research Position focused on forest health, drought stress, and insect–plant–microbe interactions.
This role is embedded within a binational WEAVE research project and offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of forest entomology, chemical ecology, microbiome research, and climate change biology.
Position title:
PostDoc – Drought Legacy Effects on Tree Crown Chemodiversity, Leaf Microbiome, and Insect Herbivores
Start date: 1 April 2026 (or by agreement)
Duration: 2 years, with option for a 1-year extension
Workload: 80–100%
Location: Birmensdorf (Zurich), Switzerland
About WSL and the Research Environment
WSL is Switzerland’s leading research institute dedicated to the sustainable use and protection of forests, landscapes, and ecosystems, as well as the management of natural hazards. With approximately 600 staff members, WSL conducts internationally recognized research within the ETH Domain.
The successful candidate will join the Forest Health and Biotic Interactions Research Unit, specifically the Forest Entomology Group, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary and international team of PostDocs and PhD researchers.
Research Focus and Project Goals
The central objective of this project is to understand how drought severity and long-term drought legacy effects influence:
- Tree crown phytochemical diversity
- Leaf-associated bacterial communities
- Diversity, behavior, and feeding patterns of insect herbivores
The research addresses fundamental ecological questions with strong relevance to forest resilience under climate change.
Methods and Experimental Approach
You will work with cutting-edge experimental infrastructure, including:
- A long-term throughfall exclusion experiment
- Canopy crane systems for sampling mature tree crowns
- Climate chamber experiments under controlled drought conditions
Your primary responsibility will be to lead research on herbivore community responses to drought-induced changes in leaf chemistry and microbial composition.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead canopy herbivore sampling campaigns and species identification
- Quantify insect feeding damage and herbivory patterns
- Conduct bioassays with chewing and sucking herbivores
- Analyze chemical and microbial drivers of herbivore preferences
- Contribute to phytochemical analyses of leaf samples
- Collaborate closely with microbiome and chemodiversity research teams
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journals
- Present findings at national and international scientific conferences
Candidate Profile
You should hold a PhD in Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field, with a strong background in one or more of the following:
- Forest entomology
- Biodiversity and community ecology
- Chemical ecology
- Insect taxonomy (preferred)
Additionally, you should demonstrate:
- Experience planning and coordinating complex fieldwork
- Strong statistical skills using R
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Proven scientific writing and publication record
- Ability to work independently while contributing to team-based research
Strong communication skills, structured working habits, and a collaborative mindset are essential for success in this role.
Work Location and Collaboration
The position is based at WSL in Birmensdorf (Canton Zurich). You will work closely with researchers across disciplines and institutions, both within Switzerland and internationally, contributing to a highly collaborative scientific environment.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
WSL is strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The institute actively promotes gender equality and fosters an open, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online application portal. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
For scientific inquiries about the position, please contact:
Michael Eisenring
michael.eisenring(at)wsl.ch
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this a full-time PostDoc position?
The position is offered at 80–100%, depending on mutual agreement.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. WSL welcomes applications from qualified candidates worldwide.
What type of insects will I work with?
The focus is on canopy-dwelling insect herbivores, including both chewing and sucking species.
Is prior experience with chemical ecology required?
Experience is highly desirable, but strong motivation and relevant ecological background are equally important.
What programming skills are expected?
Solid knowledge of statistics using R is required.
Is there an extension possibility?
Yes. The initial contract is for two years, with an option to extend by one additional year.
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