EPFL Academia

PhD position Forest treeline management in the Swiss Alps

CHF 50'000 – 70'000 / year
SION
DEEP LEARNINGPREDICTIVE MODEL

Description

We are offering a challenging position as a full-time (100%) PhD Student at EPFL Valais Wallis in Sion. As a PhD student, you will develop new technology for forest treeline management in the Swiss Alps. You will design artificial intelligence models to map the treeline evolution from high resolution remote sensing data and then expand on those results with ecological predictive models, projecting the treeline trends in the future using climatic and planning scenarios. You will then analyse drivers of change in a land-use and climate change context. You will work hand in hand with forest professionals and animate co-development workshops to define concrete planning objectives, as well as design management tools for practitioners.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Design deep learning-based methodologies for tree line mapping and analyze tree line dynamics in space and time
  • Forecast treeline potential evolution using ecological statistical and mechanistic models based on land-use and climate change scenarios
  • Organize and run co-creation workshops with relevant stakeholders
  • Develop tools for visualization and forest management
  • Write publications
  • Attend international conferences, both in ecology and remote sensing
  • Participate in the educational activities of the ENAC faculty.

Profile

  • You have a master’s degree in environmental science and / or computer science
  • You have experience with remote sensing, ecological modeling and population ecology
  • You are proficient in Python coding and deep learning frameworks
  • You are fluent in English
  • You are motivated, curious, and willing to work in a highly dynamic team

We offer

  • An inter- and transdisciplinary research project
  • An opportunity to develop a scientific career in an exciting area of science
  • A unique opportunity to learn high-end techniques and approaches
  • Excellent educational conditions and competitive remuneration
  • A multi-cultural and stimulating scientific environment, in the EPFL-Valais campus in Sion.

Informations

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Programs to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. EDCE. Please check this page for additional information on admission. Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.

To apply, please use the application link on this page.

Your application must contain:

  • A letter of interest explaining your motivation for the project and skills (max. 2 pages)
  • An updated CV
  • Contact details of 3 reference persons.
  • Scans of your diplomas and grades from all academic institutions of higher education (after and not including high-school) listed in your CV. If you do not yet have your Master’s diploma, please send a certificate issued by your current institution of higher education that confirms your enrolment in a Master’s program).
  • Copy of your passport or official identity document.
  • (optional) a sample of your published work (if available), Master’s thesis or semester project.

Contract Start Date: 09/01/2026

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year (candidacy examination)+ up to 5 years

Reference: 2222

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