Postdoc in Urban-Tree Biodiversity Using Environmental DNA

Laplace Expert Ltd; Birmensdorf (ZH); Remote; CHF 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) seeks a Postdoc to study urban-tree biodiversity using environmental DNA in Birmensdorf. The role involves collecting canopy throughfall samples, extracting eDNA, and conducting metabarcoding to compare microbial and insect communities between native and non-native urban trees.

The position emphasizes field sampling, laboratory work with eDNA, PCR, and biodiversity statistics, with a focus on ecological theory and data

Qualifications

• PhD required in ecology or related field.
• Experience with metabarcoding and environmental DNA.
• Field sampling experience in urban environments.
• Ability to analyse biodiversity data.

Responsibilities

• Collect canopy throughfall samples in Swiss cities.
• Extract environmental DNA and perform metabarcoding.
• Analyse bacterial, fungal and insect community patterns.
• Publish findings and contribute to project reports.

Skills

Field sampling

Environmental DNA

PCR

Biodiversity statistics

Ecology research

Education

PhD in ecology or related field

Tools

PCR

Metabarcoding

Genetic analysis tools

Job description

Postdoc in Urban-Tree Biodiversity Using Environmental DNA

Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)

Not specified

About This Opportunity

Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) offers postdoc in urban-tree biodiversity using environmental dna in Birmensdorf. The specific focus is wsl will compare microorganisms and insects associated with native and non-native urban trees.

WSL will compare microorganisms and insects associated with native and non-native urban trees. The researcher will collect canopy throughfall in Swiss cities, extract environmental DNA, perform metabarcoding and analyse bacterial, fungal and insect community patterns. The advertised activities and techniques include field sampling, throughfall eDNA, filtering, PCR, metabarcoding, biodiversity statistics.Who This Opportunity Is Best Suited For: Based on the documented research scope, this may particularly suit ecologists with a PhD and laboratory metabarcoding experience.Potential Challenges / Who May Find It Less Suitable: 80–100% position; field travel and category-B driving licence required; no definitive application deadline stated.Overall Opportunity Assessment: The advertised work connects field sampling, throughfall eDNA, filtering, PCR, metabarcoding, biodiversity statistics. Its distinguishing purpose is wSL will compare microorganisms and insects associated with native and non-native urban trees. Applicants should assess the documented academic and practical constraints before proceeding.

field sampling throughfall eDNA filtering PCR metabarcoding biodiversity statistics

Level Postdoc

Time Commitment Flexible

Organization Type Research Institute

Requirements

Education

Experience

Technical Skills field sampling throughfall eDNA filtering PCR metabarcoding biodiversity statistics