Postdoc: Urban-Tree Biodiversity via 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

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