BiMo is a collaborative, multi-institutional program aimed at developing rapid, scalable, and technologically advanced biodiversity monitoring systems across Swiss terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, integrating remote sensing, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, and AI-driven data fusion.

Research Scope & Responsibilities

The selected postdoc will lead the remote sensing project within the BiMo initiative, evaluating and adapting sensor technologies to detect, map, and monitor biodiversity. Key tasks include:

• Processing and analyzing large-scale 2D and 3D remote sensing data from ground-based, aerial, and satellite platforms.
• Developing ecological and spatial indicators that combine remote sensing with biological field data (e.g., eDNA).
• Assessing environmental observation gaps and establishing standardized monitoring protocols.
• Contributing to a major external research proposal to secure future funding.
• Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams at both WSL and Eawag.
• Presenting findings at international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Position Details

• Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher (Remote Sensing for Biodiversity)
• Host Institution: WSL (with close Eawag collaboration)
• Duration: 2 Years
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
• Location: Birmensdorf, Switzerland (WSL Headquarters)

Required Qualifications & Skills

Applicants must hold a PhD in Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Geo-information Science (GIS), Computer Vision, or a related quantitative discipline. Strong candidates should demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in remote sensing data processing and spatial analysis.
• Advanced programming skills in R, Python, or similar data science languages.
• A solid understanding of ecological concepts and biodiversity metrics.
• Experience integrating multi-sensor and multi-platform datasets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with working knowledge of German being a strong asset.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official WSL recruitment portal before November 30, 2025. Submissions via email or post will not be accepted.

To apply online, visit: WSL Job Application Portal.

For scientific questions regarding the role or project, contact Christian Ginzler at christian.ginzler@wsl.ch or Dr. Lars Waser at lars.waser@wsl.ch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this a fully funded postdoctoral position?

Yes, the position is fully funded for two years with a competitive Swiss salary and full social benefits under the ETH Domain framework.

2. Where will I be based?

The employment contract and primary workspace are at WSL in Birmensdorf, near Zurich, with collaborative visits and tasks scheduled at Eawag in Dübendorf.