Group Leader Ecology of Communities 80-100% (m/f/d)
Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
Key information
- Publication date:08 December 2025
- Workload:80 – 100%
- Place of work:Birmensdorf
Job summary
The Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL focuses on sustainable environmental use and protection. Join a collaborative work environment dedicated to nature-related challenges!
Tasks
- Lead a research group on soil biodiversity and ecology.
- Support project leaders and manage your own research projects.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and publish research findings.
Skills
- PhD in biology or environmental sciences; strong ecological knowledge.
- Experience in research project development and funding.
- Excellent communication skills in English and a Swiss national language.
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The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, with around 600 employees, is part of the ETH domain. It deals with the sustainable use and protection of the environment as well as responsible management of natural hazards.
Group Leader Ecology of Communities 80-100% (m/f/d)
The research unit Biodiversity and Conservation Biology studies the diversity of life in its various forms, from genetic diversity to species and ecosystem diversity and their interactions. It provides the basis for evidence-based nature conservation. We are looking for a June 1, 2026 or by arrangement a
As a researcher in community ecology with a focus on soil biodiversity and soil ecology, you will lead a research group of 10 to 15 employees and align activities with the WSL Strategy 2035 . Your tasks include supporting the project leaders of the group as well as leading your own research projects. You will acquire third-party funding, maintain collaboration with other research groups, and support the interface between research and practice. Your research focus is on soil biodiversity and soil ecology, including interactions between species, soil functions, and ecosystem services. You publish your results in scientific and applied journals, engage in public relations, and collaborate with authorities and expert commissions.
You hold a doctorate in biology or environmental sciences and have solid knowledge in community ecology, soil biodiversity, and soil ecology. You use state-of-the-art methods and technologies to identify (micro-)organisms and assess their functional roles in the ecosystem. Taxonomic expertise of micro-, meso-, and macrofauna and/or isotopic methods for determining food webs are advantageous. You have good skills in statistical analyses; knowledge in modeling and/or bioinformatics is a plus. You have a strong track record in developing and funding research projects as well as publishing and implementing your research results. You are an inclusive and committed personality with experience in collaborating with stakeholders and have experience leading research teams, doctoral candidates, and postdocs. Excellent communication skills with fluent English and at least one Swiss national language are essential.
Please send your complete application to Michèle Bucher, Human Resources WSL, by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by email or post will not be considered. For questions, PD Dr. Anita C. Risch, anita.risch@wsl.ch, Tel. +41 (0)44 739 23 46, is happy to assist you. At WSL, diversity and inclusion are lived values. We are committed to gender equality and promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
