Postdoc in Tree Physiology and Forest Acclimation to a Changing Climate

Postdoc in Tree Physiology and Forest Acclimation to a Changing Climate
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Position in the NorSCAPE Project: "Norway Spruce in a Changing Climate: Adaptation, Acclimation, and Physiological Responses for Resilient Forests in Europe" for 2 years, with possibility of extension.This project is in collaboration with the COSTAction CLEANFOREST.

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a cornerstone of Europe's forests and forestry sector, facing increasing challenges from climate change. This position offers the exciting opportunity to join the NorSCAPE project, which aims to disentangle the physiological mechanisms underpinning resilience and vulnerability across its distribution range. In collaboration with international partners and the ETH team, your role in this project will involve research on the adaptation and acclimation potential of spruce, using tree-ring analysis, stable isotope measurements across forests and provenance trials, to inform forest management and policy under global change. This project will be carried out in close collaboration with the WSL and the Stable Isotope Research Laboratory in Birmensdorf.v

Job description

• Coordinate field sampling and experimental activities across international networks.
• Lead dendrochronological and stable isotope analyses to assess growth, water-use efficiency, and physiological acclimation in Norway spruce.
• Analyse intra-annual growth and isotopic signals in relation to drought and environmental gradients.
• Collaborate with European partners to support the integration of NorSCAPE in ongoing projects (e.g. OptFOREST network).
• Prepare innovative manuscripts and present results at international conferences.
• Support the mentoring and training of students at ETH.
• Contribute to activities associated with the COSTAction.

Profile

• PhD in forest ecology, plant physiology, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Strong background in dendrochronology, stable isotope analysis, or ecophysiology.
• Demonstrated experience with ecological datasets, statistical analysis, and/or provenance trial experiments.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaborative skills within international, multidisciplinary networks.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork across Europe.
• You are curious, self-motivated, and enjoy collaborating closely with your team.
• Strong communication skills in English and a commitment to open and collaborative research are essential.

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

At the chair of forest ecology, in the group of forest growth and global change, we offer:

• A dynamic, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to international efforts shaping the future of European forests.
• Mentorship from leading scientists and collaboration with an extensive European research network.
• Close collaboration with the WSL and the Stable Isotope Research Laboratory.
• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

We value diversity and sustainability

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 Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• a motivation letter outlining your fit for the position and interest in the project
• your Curriculum vitae
• list of publications
• contact information for two referees

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Application review will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment. For further information, please contact Dr Valentina Vitali, ETH Zurich ).

Start Date: February 2026, or upon agreement.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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