ETH Zurich PhD Scholarship in Landscape Ecology and Geospatial Analysis (2026)

Scholarship Description

The ETH Zurich PhD position in Landscape Ecology and Geospatial Analysis offers a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on the ecological and social dynamics of depopulating rural landscapes. The position is part of the DEPOPLAND project (Drivers and trajectories of social-ecological change in depopulating rural landscapes), funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

The DEPOPLAND project aims to provide the first systematic, global-scale analysis of ecological and social dynamics in depopulating rural landscapes, identifying trajectories of change and their underlying drivers. The project pioneers an integrated, data-driven approach to analysing social-ecological systems, combining diverse data sources and advanced computational methods to uncover long-term dynamics of ecosystems and human well-being.

This is a highly interdisciplinary project bringing together expertise from landscape ecology, physical and human geography, land system science, and computational linguistics. The doctoral researcher will work closely with partners at ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and the Universities of Kassel and Göttingen.

Scholarship Location

The position is based at the Chair of Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems (PLUS) at the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development, ETH Zurich, Switzerland. ETH Zurich is located in the heart of Zurich, one of the world's most liveable and innovative cities.

Scholarship Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 28 June 2026. Only applications submitted through the ETH Zurich online application portal will be considered.

Host Institution

ETH Zurich – one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The Chair of Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems (PLUS) is part of the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development, offering a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: PhD (Doctoral) – 4-year position, 100% employment.

Fields of study: Landscape Ecology, Geospatial Analysis, Remote Sensing, Conservation Biology, Land System Science, Social-Ecological Systems.

Research focus (Work Packages 1 and 2 of DEPOPLAND):

• Identifying shrinking and growing rural landscapes globally using large-scale population datasets and spatial analysis
• Developing and applying spatial-temporal indicators of landscape heterogeneity and ecological processes
• Analysing long-term landscape transformations (composition and configuration) using multi-source geospatial datasets (including satellite remote sensing data)
• Working with large geospatial datasets and implementing scalable workflows

Target Group

This position is open to highly qualified candidates from all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in ecology, geography, environmental sciences, landscape planning, geomatics, or a related field. The ideal candidate has a strong background in spatial analysis, remote sensing, and programming, with a passion for understanding social-ecological systems.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: 4 years (100% position).

Salary: In accordance with the PhD regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). This provides a competitive salary with full social benefits, including pension and health insurance.

Estimated annual salary: Approximately CHF 47,000 – 55,000 (gross) for the first year, with increases in subsequent years as per SNSF guidelines.

Additional benefits:

• Full social security and pension benefits
• Paid holiday leave (5 weeks per year)
• Parental leave and family benefits under Swiss law
• Access to ETH Zurich's world-class research facilities and library resources
• Opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in landscape ecology, remote sensing, and social-ecological systems
• Opportunities for academic development, publication, and international networking
• A stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment in a dynamic international team

Scholarship Eligibility

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree in ecology, geography, environmental sciences, landscape planning, geomatics, or a related field.
• Excellent understanding of landscape ecology concepts and metrics.
• Strong background in spatial analysis and remote sensing.
• Proven programming skills (e.g., Python or R).
• Experience working with large geospatial datasets.
• Very good command of English (written and spoken) and strong teamwork skills.

Additional assets (highly desirable):

• Experience with Google Earth Engine or cloud-based geospatial platforms
• Familiarity with spatial time-series analysis
• Experience with landscape metrics or ecological modelling
• Knowledge of reproducible workflows and version control (e.g., Git)

Application Procedure

1. Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
   • Cover letter (1 page) – briefly describing your motivation, research interests, and how you meet each of the required and additional qualifications
   • Curriculum vitae
   • Academic transcripts and certificates
   • Contact details of two referees
   • Work examples (e.g., MSc thesis, code repositories, publications; if available)
   • Testimonials (if available)
2. Submit online application – Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal (job reference JOPG_ethz_WPpziRSErnvCE0GCTf).
3. Application deadline – Submit by 28 June 2026.
4. Application review – The pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters (not by artificial intelligence). Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
5. Interviews – Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews (likely online or in-person).
6. Offer – Successful candidates receive a formal offer from ETH Zurich.

Important notes:

• Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
• For questions regarding the position, contact Dr. Maarten J. van Strien at [email protected] (no applications).
• The intended start date is 1 November 2026.
• ETH Zurich values diversity and sustainability and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

Official Website & Application Link

ETH Zurich – Doctoral Position in Landscape Ecology and Geospatial Analysis

Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development Website: https://plus.ethz.ch

ETH Zurich Website: https://ethz.ch

Questions: [email protected] (no applications)