PostDoc in Urban Tree Ecophysiology and Ecohydrology

About the role

WSL Lausanne is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in urban tree ecophysiology and ecohydrology, within its NovaCity research program. The program supports stakeholders in making urban areas more sustainable, resilient and livable through 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) and 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. WSL promotes diversity and inclusion.