Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
3 days ago
Head of Research Group Sustainable Forestry 80-100% (m/f/d)
- 14 March 2026
- 80 – 100%
- Permanent position
- Birmensdorf
Job summary
The Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, with around 600 employees, focuses on sustainable environmental use and nature hazard management. This role offers a collaborative work environment and a chance to impact forest management practices.
Tasks
- Lead a well-established research group with about ten members.
- Advance research on sustainable forest management and biodiversity.
- Acquire and implement projects, ensuring knowledge transfer into practice.
Skills
- PhD in forestry, preferably with a technical-economic focus required.
- Strong publication record and knowledge of Swiss forest management.
- Leadership experience with a collaborative communication style.
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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.
Head of Research Group Sustainable Forestry 80-100% (m/f/d)
The research unit Forest Resources and Forest Management addresses issues related to the sustainable, climate-friendly management of Swiss forests and understanding their response to global change and is looking for a June 2026 or by agreement a
We are looking for a personality who will scientifically, professionally and administratively lead a well-established research group with around ten employees and bring joy to joint design. The focus is on research with impact: questions are further developed in the team, projects are acquired and implemented, and results are prepared so that they reach practice, administration and politics, through publications, courses, advisory bases as well as practical tools.
The profile of the group is strategically sharpened in terms of content, with a focus on at least two of its current thematic areas: forest management to ensure biodiversity and ecosystem services under climate change (including decision support at the planning level); forestry process engineering and forest economics (efficiency, wood harvesting costs, robust operational solutions); as well as the digital transformation of forest management (integration of remote sensing data as well as machine learning/AI for modeling and visualization of complex management processes).
In addition to own research, ensuring scientific quality and visibility as well as accompanying publication activities in the team are part of the role. Equally central is the transfer: results are transferred into teaching and further education, advisory bases and practical applications (e.g. cable planning). In parallel, projects are acquired and managed, the thematic portfolio is further developed, and cooperation with research, authorities and practice partners is purposefully expanded.
You have a doctorate in forestry, ideally with a technical-economic orientation. You bring proven publication experience as well as very good knowledge of forest management in Switzerland and Central Europe, and you are also familiar with working with stakeholders. Leadership experience in scientific teams with doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and technical staff, pronounced project competence and a cooperative communication style are central. Very good German and English skills are required.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered. For questions, Dr. Janine Schweier (janine.schweier@wsl.ch) and Dr. Leo Bont (leo.bont@wsl.ch) are 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.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered. For questions, Dr. Janine Schweier (janine.schweier@wsl.ch) and Dr. Leo Bont (leo.bont@wsl.ch) are 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.
