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.
The research unit Land Change Science studies patterns, causes and processes of landscape change. The research group Land-Use Systems is offering a position within the DISCLOSE-project for the duration of two years (with the option for extension), starting in spring 2025, as a
PostDoc Social scientist in Digital spatial planning – promoters of technologies 80-100% (f/m/d)
Driven by digitalisation, spatial planning is undergoing significant change. This disruption has the potential to influence the way we plan and the way we deliver values such as equity, transparency and efficiency. The DISCLOSE project, funded with an advanced grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), aims to understand the effects of the digital transformation of planning in the plan-making and plan-implementation process. You will identify pathways through which private sector technology players ultimately digitize planning. Large private companies providing software for digital planning as well as international consultancy firms will serve as cases. For in-dept cases studies you will collect data with expert-interviews and document analysis. You will synthesize the findings with a focus on issues such as standardization, globalization, and public-private entanglements. Furthermore, in collaboration with the DISCLOSE team, you will integrate the findings into an overall theoretical model of how digitalization is changing spatial planning.
You hold a PhD degree in socio-technical studies, spatial planning, or related field. Furthermore, you have strong skills in qualitative social sciences as well as knowledge about digitalization processes and actors. Knowledge of European spatial planning is an asset. A good publication record with respect to your career stage and a strong interest in the digitalization of planning complete your profile. A good command of English (spoken and written) is required, and knowledge of German and other European languages would be an advantage. You are interested in theory development and motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and international working environment.
Please send your complete application to Jeanine Gehrig, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. The evaluation of applicants will begin in mid-February 2025, but the position will remain open until filled. Anna Hersperger, phone: +41 (0)44 739 25 15, email: anna.hersperger@wsl.ch, 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.