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 Economics and Social Sciences deals with social science issues relating to WSL research topics. Their Research Group
Social Sciences in Landscape Research is looking from
September 1st, 2026 or by agreement, for the duration of
two years (with the option of extension), for a
PostDoc in (Environmental) Social Sciences 50-70% (f/m/d)
As part of a Horizon project, you will investigate the diversity of perceptions of biodiversity and the underlying factors shaping these perceptions among the general public and key stakeholder groups in several European countries.
You will analyse the existing literature and, building on this, develop a framework for understanding perceptions of biodiversity. You will also design and evaluate questionnaires for the general public and specific stakeholder groups. You will work closely with environmental and social scientists, as well as communication experts, from other European countries. You will publish the results in international journals and present them at project meetings, scientific and practice-oriented conferences.
You have PhD in social sciences with an environmental focus (e.g. environmental sociology, environmental psychology, geography), and you possess experience in quantitative social research and statistics. A good knowledge of the research field of the ‘human-nature relationship’ is an advantage. You are fluent in spoken and written English and have a good command of German. Furthermore, you demonstrate an independent, interdisciplinary and networked approach to your work. You are proactive, committed, communicative and team-oriented.
Please send your complete application to Lorena Cadosch, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Nicole Bauer, phone +41 (0)44 739 24 58, Ni-cole.bauer(at)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.