PostDoc in assessing biodiversity associated with native and non-native urban trees using eDNA 80-100% (f/m/d)

Eidgen; Birmensdorf (ZH); On-site; CHF 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WSL in Zürich invites applications for a PostDoc to assess biodiversity linked to native and non-native urban trees using throughfall DNA analysis. The project runs 2 years starting in January 2027.

You will plan, organize and conduct throughfall sampling in several Swiss cities and arboreta, process samples for metabarcoding in a modern lab, analyze data and publish results in international journals. Fluency in English is required; German/French is a plus.

Qualifications

• PhD in natural sciences with strong interest in urban ecology.
• Proven experience in metabarcoding and ideally eDNA, including practical wet lab expertise.
• Proficient in biodiversity and community analyses.
• Driving license category B.
• Very good oral and written skills in English and ideally German and/or French.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and conduct throughfall sampling in several cities and arboreta in Switzerland.
• Process throughfall samples for metabarcoding (filtering, eDNA extraction, PCR) in a modern molecular laboratory.
• Analyze data and publish results in international scientific journals.

Skills

Metabarcoding

eDNA

Biodiversity analyses

Urban ecology

Organizational

English

German/French

Education

PhD in natural sciences

Tools

Molecular lab experience

PCR & sequencing

Job description

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.

PostDoc in assessing biodiversity associated with native and non-native urban trees using eDNA 80-100% (f/m/d)

The Research Unit Forest Health and Biotic Interactions investigates the influence of biotic factors on forest health and develops the scientific basis for the protection of forests against potentially harmful organisms. Within a project funded by the WSL programme NOVA-city for 2 years starting in January 2027 or by agreement, the research group Swiss Forest Protection is looking for a

Most urban forests consist of native and non-native trees alike. While it is known that non-native trees support lower biodiversity than native trees in ‘rural’ ecosystems, this trend is less clear in urban environments. This project aims to investigate the difference between bacterial, fungal and insect communities associated with urban native and non-native congeneric trees. We will analyse throughfall, i.e., rainwater passing through tree canopies that carries DNA of resident organisms.

You will plan, organise and conduct throughfall sampling in several cities and arboreta in Switzerland. You will process throughfall samples for metabarcoding (i.e., filtering, eDNA extraction, PCR) in a modern and fully equipped molecular laboratory. Finally, you will analyse the data and publish the results in international scientific journals. You will benefit from a world-leading academic environment at WSL and the excellent quality of life in Switzerland.

You have a PhD in natural sciences with strong interest in urban ecology. You have proven experience in metabarcoding and ideally eDNA, including practical wet lab expertise. You are proficient in biodiversity and community analyses. You have a driving license category B, very good oral and written skills in English and ideally German and/or French. You are well organized and operate independently in a structured and efficient way. You are an open-minded person with good communication skills.

WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.

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