Researchers interested in climate science, dendrochronology, and environmental reconstruction can apply for a prestigious Postdoctoral Research position at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to internationally recognized research on climate variability, historical temperature changes, and the relationship between climate models and natural climate archives. The successful candidate will join a leading research environment focused on understanding how Earth’s climate has changed from the past to the present. The appointment begins on 1 February 2027 and is offered as a 9-month Postdoctoral position with an 80–100% employment level.

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About the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain and is internationally recognized for research on sustainable environmental management, ecosystem protection, forests, landscapes, and natural hazards. With approximately 600 employees, WSL conducts research that supports scientific understanding and practical solutions for environmental challenges. The successful candidate will work within the Dendrosciences Research Group, a globally respected center for tree-ring science. The group uses tree rings to investigate environmental impacts on tree growth and reconstruct past environmental conditions across different time periods, from short-term ecological responses to changes occurring over thousands of years.

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Research Project: SNFS RECONSPHERE

This Postdoctoral position is part of the SNFS RECONSPHERE project, which investigates differences between climate proxy records and climate model simulations during the last millennium. Understanding these differences is essential for improving knowledge of late Holocene climate history and strengthening confidence in future climate projections. The research will focus primarily on advanced tree-ring records, especially chronologies developed through quantitative wood anatomy (QWA). These high-resolution climate archives provide valuable information about historical temperature variations and environmental changes across both hemispheres.

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Key Research Responsibilities

The selected Postdoctoral researcher will:

• Analyze advanced millennial-scale tree-ring chronologies based on quantitative wood anatomy.
• Investigate climate signals recorded in tree rings from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• Develop regional temperature reconstructions.
• Compare major climate periods, including:
  • Medieval Climate Anomaly
  • Little Ice Age
  • Current warming period
• Examine similarities and differences in climate responses between hemispheres.
• Investigate divergence patterns between Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere warming signals.
• Conduct potential proxy-model comparisons for climate conditions during the past millennium.
• Publish research findings in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The researcher will become part of an ambitious international collaboration involving leading experts in paleoclimatology and climate reconstruction.

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Research Environment and Facilities

The position is based at WSL within the Dendrosciences group, recognized as a leading institution for tree-ring research. Researchers benefit from:

• Experienced scientists, technicians, and interdisciplinary collaborators.
• Advanced laboratory facilities.
• Modern analytical tools for dendroclimatology research.
• An international and intellectually stimulating academic environment.

The role provides an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking to strengthen their academic profile in climate science, environmental reconstruction, and global change research.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

Academic Qualifications

• A completed PhD degree in:
  • Climatology
  • Environmental Sciences
  • A related discipline

Technical and Research Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and statistical abilities.
• Experience with time-series analysis.
• Knowledge of dendroclimatology or quantitative wood anatomy (QWA) is highly desirable.
• Programming skills and experience handling large datasets.
• Ability to quickly develop expertise in new research areas.

Communication and Collaboration Skills

Applicants should have:

• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Strong scientific communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a structured and efficient manner.
• A collaborative mindset and strong team spirit.

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Why Apply for This Postdoctoral Opportunity?

This WSL Postdoctoral position provides an opportunity to work on globally important climate research questions while collaborating with internationally recognized experts. The research contributes to improving understanding of historical climate variability and supports better interpretation of climate models used for future projections. For early-career researchers in paleoclimatology, dendrochronology, environmental science, and climate reconstruction, this position represents a valuable opportunity to expand research experience and publish impactful scientific work.

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Application Process

Interested candidates must submit a complete application through the APPLY NOW. Applications submitted by email will not be considered. The application should include all required documents requested in the online application system. For further information about the position, applicants may contact: Georg von Arx Phone: +41-44-739 23 16 Email: georg.vonarx(at)wsl.ch & Jesper Björklund, Email: jesper.bjoerklund(at)wsl.ch

WSL is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusion. The institute actively promotes gender equality and supports an open and respectful working environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the WSL Postdoctoral Position in Paleoclimatology?

The WSL Postdoctoral Position in Paleoclimatology is a 9-month research opportunity focused on reconstructing past climate changes using tree-ring data and quantitative wood anatomy techniques.

2. When does the Postdoctoral position start?

The position begins on 1 February 2027.

3. What is the duration of the appointment?

The position is offered for 9 months with an employment level of 80–100%.

4. Who is eligible to apply for this position?

Applicants with a PhD in climatology, environmental sciences, or a related field are eligible. Candidates should have experience in data analysis, statistics, programming, and climate-related research.

5. Is previous tree-ring research experience required?

Experience with dendroclimatology or quantitative wood anatomy is preferred, but candidates with strong analytical and climate research backgrounds may also be considered.

6. What research methods will the Postdoctoral researcher use?

The researcher will use tree-ring chronologies, quantitative wood anatomy techniques, statistical analysis, programming tools, and climate reconstruction methods.

7. Will the research involve international collaboration?

Yes. The project includes an international research team with experts working on climate proxies, modeling, and historical climate reconstruction.

8. How should applicants submit their application?

Applicants must apply through the official WSL online application platform. Applications sent by email will not be accepted.

9. What language skills are required?

Applicants must have strong written and spoken English communication skills.

10. Why is this research important?

Understanding past climate changes helps scientists evaluate climate models, improve future projections, and better understand how Earth systems respond to environmental changes.