The Research Group Dynamic Macroecology studies questions related to macroecology, species distribution modelling, and automated species identification. For this group, we are looking as of January 2027 for the duration of 2 years for a

as part of the AMEICA project and WSL’s research program NOVA-City. The NOVA-City program develops science-based solutions to environmental challenges in urban regions, partnering with the cities Winterthur, Fribourg and Sion. The AMEICA project aims at developing and applying automated identification of species and habitat characterizations using UAV imagery and photo traps. You will construct autonomous photo traps for butterflies and moths and deploy them in the partner cities, and you will operate UAVs to measure vegetation structure, microclimate, and take high-resolution RGB imagery of the vegetation layer. You will use the SpeciesID algorithms to identify species on the images, create maps of habitat and plant distributions and time-series of lepidopteran diversity. You analyze and visualize these results and disseminate them towards stakeholders and through scientific publications. You will work in a dynamic group at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL in Birmensdorf, Switzerland, and you will collaborate with EPFL, info fauna, and stakeholders in the partner cities.

You hold a master’s degree in ecology, remote sensing or a related field, and you have sound experience in the processing and analysis of high-volume data sets, spatial ecology/modelling, and in coding with R/Python/GIT. Further assets are fieldwork experience, especially camera trapping and UAV operation, experience in supercomputing and artificial intelligence, taxonomic expertise (plants, lepidoptera), and fluency in a Swiss national language.The capability to develop new ideas independently is necessary, as are very good English skills (both written and oral). You are a curious, self-reliant person who is also an excellent team worker and values cooperation.

Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents (motivation letter, CV, MSc.-Diploma, two reference contacts) through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Philipp Brun, 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. The position remains open until filled.