PhD in Palaeoecology at WSL, Switzerland

About the Program

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD in Palaeoecology starting 1 November 2025. Hosted by the Dendrosciences group and supervised by Patrick Fonti, this project is part of the Signatures of Global Late Glacial Climate Change in Tree-Ring Records (SiGnaL) initiative, in collaboration with the Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics (LIP) at ETH Zurich. The PhD research focuses on understanding abrupt climate changes during the Late Glacial period (11–15 kyrs BP) by analysing fossil wood and tree-ring records. Using multi-proxy methods including radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analysis, and quantitative wood anatomy, you will reconstruct climate dynamics at regional to global scales. The position offers extensive interdisciplinary collaboration, international networking, and laboratory experience within a globally recognised centre for tree-ring science.

Program Details

Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
Department/Faculty: Dendrosciences Group
Supervisor: Patrick Fonti
Location: Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Start Date (Anticipated): November 2025
Duration: 4 years
Funding: Full PhD funding (stipend included)
Working Hours: Full-time (100%)
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, or a related field

Research Focus/Area

Palaeoecology
Dendrochronology and tree-ring analysis
Late Glacial climate reconstruction (11–15 kyrs BP)
Multi-proxy analysis (radiocarbon dating, stable isotopes, wood anatomy)
Global environmental change and climate dynamics

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, or related field
Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
Ability to work independently and in a team

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with tree-ring data or palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
Skills in data analysis and visualisation using R or Python
Laboratory experience and interest in interdisciplinary research
Strong communication skills and motivation to publish research

Key Features of the Program

Structured international research environment
Access to advanced laboratory facilities and large datasets
Collaboration with leading researchers in dendrochronology, palaeoclimate, and radiocarbon dating
Opportunity to participate in international conferences and workshops