PhD in Dendroecology | WSL Switzerland 2026

About the Program

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) invites applications for a 4-year fully funded PhD position in Dendroecology, starting 1 January 2026. The successful candidate will join the Dendrosciences Research Group, part of the ETH Domain, focusing on understanding how environmental changes affect tree growth and forest ecosystems. The project aims to disentangle atmospheric versus soil drought impacts on intra- and inter-annual wood formation using advanced tree-ring and dendrometer data. The PhD will be enrolled at the Graduate School of Climate Sciences at the University of Bern, under the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (OCCR). This position provides access to world-class research facilities, mentoring by leading experts, and an exceptional international academic environment in Switzerland.

Program Details

Position: Fully Funded PhD Position in Dendroecology
Institution: Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
Department/Faculty: Dendrosciences Research Group, ETH Domain
Supervisor: Dr Georg von Arx and Dr Stefan Klesse
Location: Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
Duration: 4 Years
Funding: Fully funded (includes stipend and research support)
Working Hours: Full-time
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in Forest Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related discipline

Research Focus/Area

Dendroecology and Tree Physiology
Forest Ecology and Climate Change
Quantitative Wood Anatomy (QWA)
Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Interactions
Environmental Monitoring and Drought Modelling

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Forest Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related field
Strong analytical and statistical skills, preferably in time-series analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in dendrochronology or tree-ring research
Programming and data-handling proficiency (e.g., R, Python)
Excellent written and spoken English
High motivation, team spirit, and ability to work independently

Key Features of the Program

Integration in WSL’s renowned Dendrosciences Group
Access to unique 10-year datasets across 44 forest sites in Switzerland
Interdisciplinary research with the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research
State-of-the-art laboratory facilities
Supportive, international research environment
Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit your complete application through the official WSL recruitment portal. Applications sent via email will not be considered. Include all required documents as listed on the application page.

Required Documents: