PostDoc in Urban Tree Ecophysiology and Ecohydrology

About the role

The Functional Plant Ecology group at WSL Lausanne offers a 2-year academic postdoctoral position, starting in January 2027, in Urban Tree Ecophysiology and Ecohydrology. It is part of the WSL NovaCity research program, which supports stakeholders in making urban areas more sustainable, resilient and livable with nature-based solutions. The work focuses on improving the understanding of urban green infrastructure performance for cooling and rainwater retention, and on identifying tree-soil combinations that reduce urban heat.

Key responsibilities

• Combine in-situ measurements of tree water use and water status with soil hydraulic characterisation, continuous soil-moisture and matric-potential monitoring, and microclimate observations.
• Use site-level results to parameterise an urban ecohydrological model and, with remote sensing data, scale up to a spatially explicit, citywide assessment of urban green function for cooling.
• Carry out measurements and analyses at multiple sites in Sion, Fribourg and Winterthur, in close collaboration with local stakeholders and program partners.
• Work in an interdisciplinary team spanning plant ecophysiology (WSL Lausanne), soil ecohydrology and remote sensing (WSL Birmensdorf).

Required profile

• PhD in plant physiology, urban ecology, ecohydrology or a related field.
• Strong quantitative and scientific writing skills, excellent communication skills, self-motivation and aptitude for field research.
• Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in French and German is an advantage.

Required skills

• Experience with data analysis and modelling in R or Python is essential.
• Familiarity with field instrumentation (e.g. sap flow, soil-moisture sensors) is an advantage.
• Knowledge of spatial and remote sensing data is an advantage.

Applications are submitted online through the WSL website; applications sent by email will not be considered.