PhD in Soil Biogeochemistry at WSL Switzerland

About the Program

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), part of the ETH Domain, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Soil Biogeochemistry (f/m/d) starting in January 2026. Based at Birmensdorf, Switzerland, this position is supervised by Dr Frank Hagedorn within the Forest and Soil Ecology research unit. The project is embedded in the FutureForests Doctoral Network (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions), a prestigious EU-funded initiative designed to train early-stage researchers on the effects of global change in European forests. The research focuses on drought impacts on soil organic matter turnover and carbon storage, using cutting-edge methods such as isotope tracing and microbial analysis. The PhD offers an exceptional opportunity for fieldwork in Switzerland and collaboration with partner universities in Estonia, Austria, and Germany, fostering an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

Program Details

Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
Department/Faculty: Forest and Soil Ecology Unit, Soil Biogeochemistry Group
Supervisor: Dr Frank Hagedorn
Location: Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
Duration: 3–4 years
Funding: Full, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) fellowship with stipend and mobility allowance
Working Hours: 38 hours per week
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Microbiology, or related discipline

Research Focus/Area

Soil Biogeochemistry
Forest and Soil Ecology
Organic matter turnover and carbon storage
Drought impacts on ecosystems
Microbial community and nutrient cycling
Stable isotope and radiocarbon analysis

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in environmental science, soil science, microbiology, or related field
Strong written and spoken English skills
Compliance with MSCA mobility rules (cannot have resided in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the last 36 months before recruitment)

Preferred Qualifications:

Research experience in soil ecology or biogeochemistry
Strong academic record
Aptitude for field research and interdisciplinary collaboration
Knowledge of stable isotope or microbial analysis methods

Key Features of the Program

Funded through the FutureForests MSCA Doctoral Network
International collaboration with universities in Estonia, Austria, and Germany
Advanced training in soil and climate research
Access to WSL’s cutting-edge facilities and long-term forest experiments
Opportunity to participate in international conferences and workshops
Inclusive, supportive, and interdisciplinary work environment