PhD Position in Forest Ecophysiology and Remote Sensing — EPFL
- Location
- Lausanne
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
Mission
We are offering a full-time (100%) PhD position at ENAC at EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, within the Plant Ecology Research Laboratory (PERL): https://www.epfl.ch/labs/perl/
The PhD project will investigate how forest canopy temperature and spectral properties reflect tree physiological responses to increasing atmospheric drought and soil water limitation.
- Mission
- We are offering a full-time (100%) PhD position at ENAC at EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, within the Plant Ecology Research Laboratory (PERL): https://www.epfl.ch/labs/perl/
- Main duties and responsibilities As a PhD student, you will be expected to:
- Conduct original doctoral research on forest responses to atmospheric and soil drought, combining ecophysiological and remote-sensing approaches.
Main responsibilities
- Main duties and responsibilities As a PhD student, you will be expected to:
- Conduct original doctoral research on forest responses to atmospheric and soil drought, combining ecophysiological and remote-sensing approaches.
- Conduct and analyze measurements including sap flow, dendrometer data, leaf water potential, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and thermal responses.
- Analyze thermal, RGB and potentially multispectral or hyperspectral imagery collected from fixed cameras and UAVs.
- Use satellite and environmental datasets to identify regions where forests are particularly sensitive or vulnerable to atmospheric drought.
- Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications and conference presentations.
- Participate in laboratory activities and, when appropriate, contribute to the supervision of student projects.
- Contribute to teaching as part of the PERL group at EPFL Profile
- A MSc degree in ecology, plant biology, environmental sciences, forestry, remote sensing, Earth observation, geography, or a related field
- Strong interest in plant and forest responses to drought, heat and climate change
Application process
- Candidates with a strong background in either plant ecophysiology or remote sensing and a clear motivation to develop expertise in the complementary field are particularly encouraged to apply. We offer A stimulating, interdisciplinary and international research environment
- The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. the Doctoral School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE).
- Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.
- The application for the EDCE doctoral school can be conducted after the candidate selection.
- Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered. You are asked to supply:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation for the position, your relevant experience, and your interest in the project (PDF, up to 2 pages)
- A single PDF containing your Curriculum Vitae, and contact information for 2 referees
- Application deadline: Running deadline.
Contacts
- Applications sent directly to these email addresses shall not be considered. Reference: 2490
- Reference: For more information, please contact: Charlotte Grossiord ([email protected]), Petra D’Odorico (WSL, [email protected]), or Helena Vallicrosa (WSL, [email protected]).
Additional details
- Main duties and responsibilities As a PhD student, you will be expected to:
- Contribute to teaching as part of the PERL group at EPFL
- Experience with plant physiological measurements, field ecology and/or remote sensing is an asset Good quantitative and statistical skills
- Candidates with a strong background in either plant ecophysiology or remote sensing and a clear motivation to develop expertise in the complementary field are particularly encouraged to apply. A stimulating, interdisciplinary and international research environment
- A collaborative research environment within PERL, with expertise spanning plant ecophysiology, forest drought responses, climate extremes and ecosystem functioning
- Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered. You are asked to supply:
- The position will remain open until filled. Contract Start Date: April or May, 2027 Duration: 1 year, renewable
- Applications sent directly to these email addresses shall not be considered.
Notes and original content
- Main duties and responsibilities
- As a PhD student, you will be expected to:
- Experience with plant physiological measurements, field ecology and/or remote sensing is an asset
- Good quantitative and statistical skills
- Candidates with a strong background in either plant ecophysiology or remote sensing and a clear motivation to develop expertise in the complementary field are particularly encouraged to apply.
- A stimulating, interdisciplinary and international research environment
- Informations
- Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered.
- You are asked to supply:
- The position will remain open until filled.
Questions about this listing
What salary does EPFL offer for this role?
EPFL lists CHF 60'500 - 91'500 gross per year for this position in Lausanne. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does EPFL offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with EPFL during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Vaud?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Vaud can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Vaud's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at EPFL?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to EPFL's original listing at careers.epfl.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
