PhD Position in Forest Ecophysiology and Remote Sensing

About the role

A full-time (100%) PhD position is offered at ENAC, EPFL, Lausanne, within the Plant Ecology Research Laboratory (PERL). The project studies how forest canopy temperature and spectral properties reflect tree physiological responses to increasing atmospheric drought and soil water limitation, using thermal and spectral signals to map forest vulnerability from individual trees to large spatial scales. It combines plant ecophysiology, field experiments, UAV observations and satellite data, starting at the Pfynwald experimental forest and expanding to a network of European forest sites.

The candidate is supervised by Prof. Charlotte Grossiord (EPFL) and co-supervised by Dr. Petra D'Odorico and Dr. Helena Vallicrosa (WSL). The start date is April or May 2027, on a 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD) renewable for 3 years (4 years in total).

Key responsibilities

• Carry out original doctoral research on forest responses to atmospheric and soil drought, combining ecophysiological and remote-sensing approaches.
• Measure and analyse sap flow, dendrometer data, leaf water potential, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and thermal responses.
• Analyse thermal, RGB and possibly multispectral or hyperspectral imagery from fixed cameras and UAVs.
• Use satellite and environmental datasets to identify forest regions especially sensitive or vulnerable to atmospheric drought.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences; take part in lab activities and supervise student projects when appropriate.
• Contribute to teaching as part of the PERL group.

Required profile

• MSc degree in ecology, plant biology, environmental sciences, forestry, remote sensing, Earth observation, geography or a related field.
• Strong interest in plant and forest responses to drought, heat and climate change.
• Experience with plant physiological measurements, field ecology and/or remote sensing is an asset; candidates with a strong background in either ecophysiology or remote sensing are encouraged to apply.
• Good quantitative and statistical skills; familiarity with R, Python, GIS or image analysis software is an asset.
• Excellent written and spoken English and willingness to join field campaigns in Switzerland and other European forest sites.

What we offer

• Interdisciplinary, international research environment.
• Access to experimental forest infrastructure and long-term physiological datasets.
• Collaboration with EPFL, WSL and a European network of forest research sites, with opportunities for conferences and research visits.

Applications go through the online platform only, with a cover letter and a CV with two referees. Shortlisted candidates must also apply to the EPFL Doctoral School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE) separately. The deadline is running; the position stays open until filled.