PostDoc in Microclimate mapping of soil moisture 80-100% (f / m / d)

Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, part of the ETH Domain, employs approximately 600 people dedicated to the sustainable use and protection of the environment and natural hazard management.The Research Unit Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry investigates climate change impacts on soil biodiversity, functions, and ecosystem processes. The Research Group Biogeochemistry seeks a PostDoc for 2 years to work on Microclimate Mapping of Soil Moisture.Project OverviewWith increasingly frequent dry and hot summers in Switzerland, understanding soil moisture patterns is vital. The SMURF project aims to enhance soil moisture mapping and monitoring, focusing on grassland-forest transitions to reveal microclimatic soil moisture patterns. It will integrate in-situ observations, vegetation structure, and radiative transfer modeling to fill gaps in climate data by providing detailed monthly soil moisture maps at a 5-meter resolution. These maps will support drought monitoring and climate resilience strategies.ResponsibilitiesCoordinate soil moisture measurement campaigns.Combine measurements with spatial predictor variables.Develop and apply predictive models for soil moisture.QualificationsPhD in meteorology, hydrology, environmental sciences, or related field.Strong background in spatial mapping, machine learning, and programming in R or Python.Experience handling and interpreting environmental datasets, especially soil moisture measurements.Excellent scientific writing skills.Personal QualitiesCommitment, independence, high standards of structure and attention to detail.Self-motivated with strong team spirit. #J-18808-Ljbffr