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PostDoc: Social Scientists in Digital Urban Planning, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Switzerland

Vacancy
Vacancy Europe Switzerland

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.

The research unit Land Change Science studies patterns, causes and processes of landscape change. Within the DISCLOSE-project, the research group Land-Use Systems is seeking, for a duration of two years starting fall 2026, two PostDocs as Social Scientists in Digital Urban Planning 80-100% (f/m/d)

Driven by digitalization, spatial planning is experiencing a profound transformation that is influencing the way we plan and the way we deliver values such as equity, transparency, and efficiency. The DISCLOSE project, funded with an Advanced Grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation, aims to understand this phenomenon and develop a critically grounded theoretical model of how technologies, data and actors transform spatial planning practice.

In collaboration with the DISCLOSE team and based on its preliminary findings, you will conduct case study research on the socio-technical systems of digital planning in selected cities in Europe and beyond. You will gather insights using social science methods such as, but not limited to, interviews, document analysis, and focus groups. In doing so, you will contribute to the further development, synthesis and validation of the project’s theoretical model. The positions offer the opportunity to contribute to an internationally visible research project at the intersection of digitalization, planning, and critical social science.

You hold a PhD degree in spatial planning, urban studies, STS, geography or a related field. You have strong skills in case study analysis informed by qualitative social sciences as well as critical thinking and experience in studying the effects of digitalization. Professional experience in planning practice and knowledge of European spatial planning are assets. A good publication record with respect to your career stage and a strong interest in the digitalization of planning completes your profile. A good command of English, both spoken and written, is required and knowledge of German is an advantage. You are interested in theory development and motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team and an international research environment.

Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Applications will be considered until the position is filled, but we will start evaluating applications by end of April 2026. Prof. h.c. Dr. Anna Hersperger, phone +41 (0)44 739 25 15, email: anna.hersperger@wsl.ch, 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.

 

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