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.

Within the framework of the Europe-wide initiative FORSAID we are offering a position starting in January 2026 or by agreement, for the duration of 1.5 years as a

You will join the FORSAID initiative which is seeking to establish a novel and comprehensive paradigm for identifying, observing and containing pest proliferations across Europe. As part of FORSAID, your research will focus on the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, EAB) which has killed millions of ash trees outside its native range over the past 20 years. Given the advancing threat of the EAB in central Europe, it is crucial to implement effective screening and diagnostic methods. These methods are essential for two main purposes: the early detection of the beetle in European ash populations and the identification of ash trees with increased resistance to the pest. 

You hold a PhD degree in Biology or Environmental Sciences and have a strong background in multivariate statistical analyses, chemical ecology, plant-herbivore interactions and experimental planning. Furthermore, we expect good knowledge in R programming, a good command of English, as well as strong skills in scientific paper writing. FORSAID encourages close collaborations among different European research groups. As such it is essential that you enjoy interacting with scientists of an interdisciplinary team and presenting your data to an international audience.