Postdoctoral researcher / Senior Scientist Forest Planning in Zürich

The chair of Forest Resources Management (FORM), led by Prof. Dr Verena C. Griess is looking to augment its strengths in the area of forest planning. For this purpose, we are looking for a Postdoctoral researcher (100%) or a Senior Scientist (80%-100%) who is forward-thinking in their scientific agenda and enthusiastically engages with the public. 

Researchers at FORM contribute to the continuous improvement of forest management planning under uncertainty. This includes enhancing our knowledge of forest development under climate change, the forecasting of forest development, or the development and use of computer-aided decision support tools, that help to guide forest management planning at the landscape level scale.

The way our forests must be managed to withstand challenges associated with a changing climate and numerous sources of uncertainty is quickly changing. Simultaneously, the demand for forest goods and services is on a steep incline. Considering the above, you will develop novel approaches and tools aiding forest planning at a landscape-level scale. These will include the use of economic theory to solve forest management problems, the use of optimization algorithms, to identify the best ways forward, the development and use of novel criteria and indicators to model the development of specific forest goods and services over time, the development of survival time probabilities for specific forest stands at specific sites, and others.

In close collaboration with the group leader, researchers from ETH and partner institutes, representatives of cantonal forest offices, practitioners and others, you will develop a project plan aiming to answer questions related to this field of inquiry. More specifically, your tasks will include:

• Formulating research hypotheses leading an inquiry into the field described above.
• Designing, developing, and coordinating research activities in the wider field of forest management planning and the development of decision support systems.
• Supervision of student- and doctoral theses.
• Actively authoring scientific publications and other materials.
• Teaching related lectures and/ or courses.
• Managing project-related administrative tasks.

Essential experience, skills and characteristics:

• You have a background in forestry/ forest planning/ forest management/ forest economics or a closely related field.
• You have (or are about to receive) a Doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant discipline from an internationally recognised university.
• You have successfully published your research in international, peer-reviewed journals.
• Your English is excellent (both written and verbal).
• You are interested in developing new research areas as well as helping more junior researchers develop their research skills.

Desirable skills:

• Experience in the planning and execution of fieldwork in forested environments.
• A strong interest in the development, enhancement, and use of computer-based decision support systems (DSS).
• Experience - or a strong interest/ willingness to learn - coding in Python and/or C++.
• Knowledge of German, French, and/ or Italian is a plus.

This position has a starting term of one year, with the opportunity for an extension for another year, based on satisfactory performance. We are seeking a longer-term commitment and aim to support a continuation of this position beyond 2 years, which will be subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

The desired starting date is October 1st, 2022. A different starting date can be negotiated.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.