Postdoc position in Rewilding of Forest Ecosystems in Zürich

The Professorship of Forest Ecology at ETH Zurich is a dynamic interdisciplinary research team that examines both theoretical and applied questions in forest ecology by combining empirical and modeling techniques. The overall aim of the group is to further our understanding of the structure and function of forest ecosystems, with a particular focus on mountain areas such as the European Alps. We offer excellent facilities in a relaxing work atmosphere with many opportunities for collaboration within and beyond the group.

The ever-increasing human pressure on ecosystems has led to the initiative of re-wilding some ecosystems, including forests. In the context of the EU project “WILDCARD” that is starting in early 2024, the carbon and biodiversity implications of the re-wilding of forests and agricultural land are being investigated in a multi-disciplinary team with 16 European partner institutions joining forces. The project is partly based on a unique long-term dataset of forest dynamics from forest reserves () that will continually be updated and expanded in the context of WILDCARD. Yet, these data do not lend themselves easily to inter- and extrapolation in time and space, which however is needed for a Europe-wide assessment of the opportunities and risks of re-wilding of ecosystems. Developing and applying methods and tools to allow for such inter- and extrapolation is the core of our task in this project. A postdoc and a PhD student will work jointly on this exciting yet demanding project in our lab.

One part of your job will deal with the re-wilding of forests, based on the data from the EuFoRIa network and in close collaboration with the PhD student working in the same project. While the PhD student will likely focus on models of forest dynamics, your emphasis will be on the potential of using Artificial Intelligence for predicting forest dynamics based on the existing inventory data that are covering more than 300 reserves, more than 6000 plots, and more than one million tree measurements dating back to 1936 CE.

Another part of your job will deal with the re-wilding of agricultural land, including the application of the model refined by the PhD student as well as extending the AI methods to the early successional stages, for which less comprehensive data are available. Furthermore, you can profit from an extensive network of WILDCARD partners to develop ties to biodiversity research (both above- and belowground) as well as carbon-focused research elsewhere in the project.

The supervision of the PhD student is part of your responsibilities. This is a 3-year postdoc position within the context of WILDCARD. Extension by another year may be possible depending on the availability of additional funding.

Essential experience, skills, and characteristics: 

• A PhD degree in forest sciences, forestry, environmental sciences, ecology, geography, landscape ecology, or a related field, with good knowledge of forest ecology
• Good knowledge of statistics
• Interest to get involved in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in forest ecology
• Good command of English (oral and written)
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, with flexibility, humour, and critical thinking
• Willingness and capacity to learn
• Motivated to work with data, numbers, code, and computers

Desirable criteria:

• Familiarity with AI
• Experience with the development, testing and application of forest dynamic models
• Knowledge in Git and programming languages such as R, C++ or C#
• Familiarity with European forest ecosystems 

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

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