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.
In the framework of the FORWARDS project the Research Units of Forest Dynamics and Land Change Science are looking from June 2023 or by agreement, for the duration of 2 years (extension possible), for a
PostDoc in Remote Sensing for linking and upscaling ground based monitoring of forest function 80-100% (f/m/d)
You will work as part of the European funded project FORWARDS (THE
FOREST
WARD OBSERVATORY TO
SECURE RESILIENCE OF EUROPEAN FORESTS) which has among its objectives to bridge the current divide between ground forest monitoring networks and airborne / satellite based information in the EU to support the monitoring of climate change impacts on forests. Specifically, the project aims to develop close-range remote sensing workflows based on multi- and hyperspectral data acquired using Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and empirical and physically based modelling to generate forest structure and function information. Model calibration and validation of the predicted biochemical and structural parameters will be performed based on ongoing and concurrent ground level assessments at highly equipped, long-term monitoring, forest sites. The developed workflows will represent a benchmark for the upscaling at the satellite level that will be evaluated in collaboration with project partners, to seize the emergence in the next decade of hyperspectral spaceborne missions (e.g., EnMAP, CHIME).
You will plan and perform UAV imaging flight campaigns at different long-term forest monitoring sites in Switzerland and Europe, coordinate ground campaigns at these sites in collaboration with international and interdisciplinary teams, streamline the data integration and synthesis. You will use radiative transfer models, machine learning as well as empirical approaches to predict biochemical and structural forest parameters. You will be able to collaborate with other WSL project teams working on stressors/disturbance factors and drivers to investigate early warning signs for ecosystem responses. You will publish the results in international scientific journals and present them at dedicated conferences.
You have a PhD in Remote Sensing, Data Science or equivalent and an interest in scientific questions and applications related to forestry or environmental sciences. You bring experience in close-range remote sensing techniques and ideally already hold a UAV pilot certificate. Furthermore, you are proficient in the handling of big-data and at least one programming language (e.g., Matlab, Python, C++). Experience with machine learning methods is an advantage. You are very ambitious and motivated, with a high standard of independent, structured, and careful working attitude, and demonstrate a high level of team spirit. A driving license is a requirement.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Petra D’Odorico (petra.dodorico@wsl.ch) will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL strives to increase the proportion of women in its employment, which is why qualified women are particularly called upon to apply for this position.