Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
Manager of the Biodiversity Synthesis Centre (Scientific Staff Member) 80% (m/f/d)
- 25 August 2026
- 80%
- Birmensdorf
Job summary
Join the WSL, a leader in environmental research, as a manager. Collaborate in a dynamic setting focused on biodiversity and nature conservation.
Tasks
- Lead the daily operations of the Biodiversity Centre with a team.
- Organize stakeholder management and produce relevant synthesis products.
- Facilitate workshops and ensure effective communication with stakeholders.
Skills
- PhD in biology, environmental science, or social sciences required.
- Strong communication skills and experience in transdisciplinary teams.
- Proficient in at least one national language and English.
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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 is concerned with the sustainable use and protection of the environment as well as responsible management of natural hazards.
Manager of the Biodiversity Synthesis Centre (Scientific Staff Member) 80% (m/f/d)
The Biodiversity Synthesis Centre ( Translational Centre Biodiversity Conservation TCBC ) is a joint initiative of WSL, ETH Zurich and Eawag. The aim is to develop synthesis products in close collaboration with practice that are relevant for practical nature conservation management in Switzerland. The Biodiversity and Conservation Biology research unit of WSL is seeking for the Biodiversity Synthesis Centre from January 2027 or by agreement, limited to 2 years (with the possibility of extension by
1 year)
As centre manager, you have various tasks. You organise and lead the day-to-day operations of the centre together with the centre’s board and a team of four scientists. In addition, you are responsible for various centre activities such as joint publications, reporting, the centre’s website or stakeholder management. The practice-oriented synthesis products of the centre are developed in working groups composed equally of stakeholders and scientists. You also lead such working groups, produce synthesis products yourself and actively communicate these to stakeholders. The centre also offers services such as moderating stakeholder events or reports for the federal government and cantons. You assist in the development of such services.
You hold a doctorate in biology, environmental sciences or social sciences, or you have a master’s degree with several years of professional experience and further training in nature conservation. You are motivated to work at the interface between practice and science and have good knowledge of biodiversity conservation and its implementation in practice and/or social science methods and approaches. You are open to new challenges, enjoy working in transdisciplinary teams and have very good written expression and excellent communication skills. Very good knowledge of at least one Swiss national language as well as English is a prerequisite.
Please send your complete application to Michèle Bucher, Human Resources WSL, by submitting the required documents via the application portal. Applications by e-mail will not be considered. For questions, Rolf Holderegger, Tel. +41 (0)44 739 25 27, will be happy to assist you. The review of applications starts on 28 September 2026. At WSL, diversity and inclusion are lived values. We are committed to gender equality and to promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
