Postdoctoral in Remote Sensing – WSL Switzerland

About the Position

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Remote Sensing for Biodiversity Monitoring as part of the Eawag–WSL BiMo Initiative. This two-year, full-time position (80–100%) will be based at WSL in Birmensdorf, Switzerland under the supervision of Dr Christian Ginzler and Dr Daniel Odermatt. The project aims to advance scalable biodiversity monitoring methods using remote sensing technologies, combining 2D and 3D data from active and passive sensors across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This interdisciplinary initiative strengthens collaboration between Eawag and WSL, enhancing environmental monitoring and biodiversity research through remote sensing, data science, and ecological modelling.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution: Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
Department: Land Change Science Research Unit – Eawag–WSL BiMo Initiative
Research Field: Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Ecology
Location: Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (2 years, 80–100%)
Start Date (Anticipated): Early 2026
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (approx.)
Salary Range: Not specified
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Remote sensing and data analysis for biodiversity monitoring
Environmental science and ecological modelling
Computer vision and statistical programming (R, Python)
Land-use and environmental change detection
Integration of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem data

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Environmental Science, Remote Sensing, Computer Vision, or a related field
Strong programming and data analysis skills (R, Python)
Excellent communication, teamwork, and organisational abilities
Fluency in English or German, with a good command of the other language

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge of biodiversity assessment and ecological applications
Experience with large-scale environmental or Earth observation datasets
Interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects

Key Responsibilities

Develop and adapt remote sensing methods to assess biodiversity on national scales
Integrate 2D, 3D, active, and passive sensor data for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Identify gaps in existing biodiversity monitoring programmes
Contribute to a joint BiMo research proposal for external funding
Collaborate across teams at Eawag and WSL, supporting open science and innovation