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WSL's Dynamic Macroecology group offers a PostDoc in migration and disease ecology starting Spring 2026 for one year, within the Horizon-Europe KappaFlu project on avian influenza. The successful candidate will parameterize migration models for key waterbird species, compare predictions with observed tracks, and run simulations under climate and land-use change. Requirements: PhD in environmental or data sciences with a migration or disease ecology background, strong quantitative and coding skills in R or Python, and experience with migration models is a plus. Excellent English and the ability to work independently and in a team. Apply online with cover letter, CV, diplomas, and 3 references; reviews begin late February 2026. Contact Silke Bauer for questions. Tips for applicants: tailor your cover letter to emphasize relevant migration modeling work, collaboration with partners, and include links to code or publications.

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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.

PostDoc in migration and disease ecology 80-100% (f/m/d)

The research group Dynamic Macroecology studies questions related to spatial ecology, macroevolution and biodiversity conservation. Within its Horizon-Europe research project “Understanding the connectivity and dynamics of Avian Influenza in wild birds, poultry and the environment - KappaFLU” the group is looking, starting in spring 2026, for the duration of 1 year, for a
With partners from the Friedrich-Löffler-Institute (Germany), Erasmus Medical Center (The Netherlands), Linneaus University (Sweden), Royal Veterinary College (UK), and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (UK), Kappa-Flu seeks to identify the viral, host and environmental factors that determine the dynamics and spread of avian influenza. In work package 1, we will particularly investigate the role of movements of migratory bird populations in disease spread and dynamics to ultimately predict it at the European scale. 
The PostDoc will: 

• parameterize existing bird migration models to the migration and movement behaviorof selected (waterbird) species that play a key role in the dynamics of avian influenza and compare model predictions to observed tracks. 
• develop model simulations under different scenarios of climate change and land use alterations.

You should have a PhD degree in environmental or data sciences and a background in migration ecology and/or disease ecology. Strong quantitative and programming skills (e.g., in R/Python) are required and previous experience with migration models is an asset. We also expect good communication skills in English, the ability to work independently as well as in a team. KappaFlu explicitly encourages close collaboration with other partners and subprojects and supports regular exchange and research visits. You will be based at WSL in Birmensdorf. 
Please send your complete application to Jeanine Gehrig, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. The application should include: 1) a cover letter with a statement about your previous research, your vision for the future of your career and your motivation to work on this project; 2) a curriculum vitae including (if applicable) the list of publications or PhD thesis topics and abstracts; 3) copies of your academic qualifications (i.e., diplomas); and 4) names and contact information of 3 academic references. Applications will be considered until the position is filled, but we will start evaluating applicants by late February 2026. Silke Bauer, phone: +41 (0)76 219 29 11, email: [email protected], 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.
Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf
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