Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
Yesterday
Postdoctoral Researchers as Social Scientists in the Field of Digital Urban Planning 80-100% (m/f/d)
- 08 April 2026
- 80 – 100%
- Birmensdorf
Job summary
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL focuses on sustainable environmental use.
Tasks
- Conduct case studies on digital urban planning systems.
- Utilize qualitative social science methods for insights.
- Contribute to the theoretical model of the DISCLOSE project.
Skills
- PhD in urban planning, geography, or related field required.
- Strong skills in case study analysis and critical thinking.
- Experience in examining digitalization impacts is a plus.
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About the job
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.
Postdoctoral Researchers as Social Scientists in the Field of Digital Urban Planning 80-100% (m/f/d)
The research unit "Landscape Dynamics" investigates patterns, causes, and processes of landscape change. Within the framework of the DISCLOSE project, the research group "Land Use Systems" is looking for two candidates for a period of two years starting autumn 2026
Driven by digitalization, spatial planning is undergoing a profound transformation that affects planning practice and the implementation of values such as justice, transparency, and efficiency. The DISCLOSE project, funded by an Advanced Grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation, aims to understand this phenomenon and develop a critically grounded theoretical model that shows how technologies, data, and actors change the practice of spatial planning.
In collaboration with the DISCLOSE team and based on its preliminary results, you will conduct case studies on the sociotechnical systems of digital urban planning in selected cities in Europe and beyond. You will gain insights using social science methods such as interviews, document analyses, and focus groups. This will contribute to the further development, synthesis, and validation of the project's theoretical model. The positions offer the opportunity to participate in an internationally recognized research project at the intersection of digitalization, planning, and critical social science.
You hold a doctoral degree in spatial planning, urban studies, science and technology studies (STS), geography, or a related field. You bring solid skills in case study analysis based on qualitative social sciences as well as critical thinking ability and experience in investigating the impacts of digitalization. Professional experience in planning practice and knowledge of European spatial planning are advantageous. A good publication record appropriate to your career stage and a strong interest in the digitalization of planning complete your profile. Good English skills, both spoken and written, are required, and knowledge of German is an advantage. You are interested in theory development and motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team and an international research environment.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications will be considered until the position is filled; however, we will begin reviewing applications from the end of April 2026. Prof. h.c. Dr. Anna Hersperger, Tel. +41 (0)44 739 25 15, Email: anna.hersperger@wsl.ch, will be happy to answer any questions or provide further information. At WSL, diversity and inclusion are lived values. We are committed to gender equality and to promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
