PhD Position in Forest Ecophysiology and Remote Sensing

The Plant Ecology Research Laboratory (PERL) at EPFL ENAC offers a full-time PhD position on how forest canopy temperature and spectral properties reflect tree physiological responses to rising atmospheric drought and soil water limitation, and on using thermal and spectral signals to map forest vulnerability from individual trees to large scales. The project combines field ecophysiology (sap flow, dendrometers, leaf water potential, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence), thermal and spectral imagery from fixed cameras and UAVs, and satellite data.

Work starts at the Pfynwald experimental forest, where manipulations separate the effects of vapour pressure deficit and soil moisture on mature trees, then extends to European forest sites and continental to global satellite analyses. Supervision is by Prof. Charlotte Grossiord (EPFL) with Dr. Petra D'Odorico and Dr. Helena Vallicrosa (WSL). The contract starts in April or May 2027; the application deadline is running and the position remains open until filled.

MSc in ecology, plant biology, environmental sciences, forestry, remote sensing, Earth observation, geography or a related field; interest in forest responses to drought, heat and climate change; good quantitative skills; R, Python, GIS or image analysis an asset; willingness to do field campaigns; excellent English.