Intern in river restoration ecology/plant biology, 80-100% (f/m/d)
Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
Key information
- Publication date:22 January 2026
- Workload:80 – 100%
- Place of work:Birmensdorf
Job summary
Join the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, a leader in environmental protection. This internship offers hands-on experience in river restoration ecology and plant biology.
Tasks
- Conduct fieldwork for seed collection in gravel-bed rivers.
- Manage greenhouse and lab experiments on riparian plant species.
- Explore how river flow affects plant establishment for restoration.
Skills
- Bachelor's or Master’s in plant biology, environmental sciences, or related fields.
- Reliable and conscientious work ethic in team settings.
- Ability to lift pots and conduct fieldwork comfortably.
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The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.
Intern in river restoration ecology/plant biology, 80-100% (f/m/d)
The Research Unit “Biodiversity and Conservation Biology“ studies the diversity of life in its various forms, from genetic diversity to the diversity of species and habitats and their interactions. For the national transdisciplinary applied research program “Hydraulic engineering and Ecology” with its fifth project phase “Resilient Rivers – Refugia, Connectivity, Stepping Stones 2022-2026”, the group “Ecosystem dynamics” is looking for the duration of 6 months, starting from March 1, 2026 (or upon agreement) for a
As part of a project on the connectivity of riparian plant species and their ability to establish under various flow regimes, we are looking for support in doing field work for seed collection, with greenhouse experiments where we grow selected seeds and with laboratory experiments using a flume to simulate plant resistance under various discharge conditions. The focus of your work will be the preparation and supervision of the greenhouse and laboratory experiments, including filling of pots and a flume with gravel and sand, as well as planting of seeds and juvenile plants. You will acquire knowledge on dispersal and establishment of riparian plants, the impact of river flow regimes on riparian plant establishment suitable for restoration projects, and gain insights into an interdisciplinary and applied research project on ecology and hydraulic engineering.
You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in (plant) biology, environmental sciences, or a related field. You are interested in plants, you like to work in the greenhouse and to conduct laboratory experiments. You are comfortable with field work in gravel-bed rivers, can lift 2L pots with gravel and sand, and are physically fit for these tasks. You work reliably and conscientiously and are interested in interdisciplinary work (ecology and hydraulic engineering with a focus on river restoration). You have a drivers license (Cat B, valid for Switzerland,), speak fluent English, and you like to work in a team. Suitable candidates holding a Bachelor's degree could also connect the internship with a master thesis on the topic of plant resistance to discharge fluctuations (e.g. seasonal floods or hydropeaking).
Please send your complete application to Sabine Fink, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Sabine Fink, email E-Mail schreiben, phone +41 (0)44 739 28 36, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.
