Forestry Mission Lead - Earth Observation, Forest Decision Support and Intelligence

ETH Zurich is establishing ETH Swiss GeoLab, a new interdisciplinary unit of ETH Zurich | Space . ETH Space will soon become one of the strategic centres of ETH Zurich and encompasses five units.

The GeoLab is focused on Earth observation and its applications. It uses satellite, airborne, ground-based and in-situ observations and applies AI-driven analysis methods and high-performance computing to these diverse data sets to develop solutions for specific societal and economic challenges.

Located at the D4 Business Village in Root, close to Lucerne, ETH Swiss GeoLab works at the interface of research, technology development and practical application. In its first phase, the GeoLab is focusing on a small number of high-impact application areas where Earth observation, geodata and AI-based analytics can create tangible value for Switzerland. In forestry, this includes challenges related to forest health and vitality, climate resilience, disturbances, biodiversity, carbon, timber and other ecosystem services, as well as decision support for forest owners, managers and public authorities.

The ETH Swiss GeoLab is led by Prof. Dr. Verena Griess and Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, with Dr. Felix Seidel as Managing Director, responsible for the day-to-day operations of this exciting activity. The GeoLab will grow into a project-based hub of around 100 experts over the coming years and will collaborate closely with other ETH units, the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), Swiss research institutions, public-sector stakeholders, forest owners and managers, forestry organisations, industry partners, start-ups and international stakeholders.

This position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension.

Job description

As Forestry Mission Lead, you will spearhead the forestry-focused initiative - the GeoLab Forestry Mission - within GeoLab. You will identify high-impact challenges in Swiss forestry through direct interchange with key stakeholders and by drawing on domain-relevant data and expertise. You will define ambitious mission outcomes, translate practitioner and policy needs into research and product goals, and drive solutions through field validation, operational testing and adoption.

You will report to the Managing Director of ETH Swiss GeoLab and work closely with other GeoLab mission teams, the Research Program Support team, the Geo-Intelligence team and external partners. You will lead cross-functional and external experts and will have the authority to prioritise, redirect, and pivot or pause activities within the approved mission charter, budget and governance framework.

As part of your role, you will:

• On behalf of the GeoLab leadership team, define an ambitious and coherent Forestry Mission addressing major opportunities in forest health, resilience, sustainable management, biodiversity, carbon and the provision of forest ecosystem services
• Identify operational gaps where ETH Swiss GeoLab can create distinctive value for Swiss forestry and forest policy
• Engage directly with forest owners and managers, forestry enterprises, advisory and professional organisations, cantonal and federal authorities, research institutions, insurers, technology providers, NGOs and industry partners
• Identify unmet needs, operational constraints, incentives and economic drivers in forest management, silviculture and monitoring
• Translate forestry challenges into clear research, data, product and technical requirements
• Assess user value, operational relevance, economic viability, scalability and adoption potential
• Establish measurable mission outcomes, roadmaps, assumptions and success criteria aligned with Swiss forestry needs and the overall GeoLab strategy, and actively track progress against these outcomes
• Manage the delegated mission budget, define priorities, milestones and decision points, and track finances and results through regular and transparent reporting to GeoLab leadership and other stakeholders
• Work with GeoLab’s Geo-Intelligence team - focused on geospatial AI, Earth observation foundation models and the analysis of large data volumes - and with external partners to drive pilots, field validation, operational testing and integration into forestry workflows
• Assess evidence and performance, and recommend the continuation, redirection, scaling, pausing or termination of activities
• Identify and mobilise strong ETH groups, research institutions, forestry organisations, technology companies, start-ups, service providers, public agencies and implementation partners
• Represent ETH Swiss GeoLab across Swiss forestry, scientific, policy and innovation communities
• Communicate mission goals, progress, evidence and lessons learned at field events, workshops and conferences
• Guide and train students, researchers and external contributors where required and support knowledge transfer into forestry practice

Profile

In summary, you understand the realities of forestry practice and public decision-making and are motivated by the opportunity to translate research, Earth observation data and data-driven technologies into practical solutions with measurable impact.

Specifically, we are looking for someone with:

• A Master’s or PhD degree (preferred) in forestry, forest science, natural resource management, environmental sciences, geoinformatics, remote sensing or a related field
• Several years of experience in applied research, program delivery or operational implementation in forest management, forest monitoring, advisory services, public administration, consulting, technology development or industry, preferably but not necessarily in Switzerland
• Strong expertise and understanding of forest management and planning, forest ecosystems and the information needs of forestry practitioners and public authorities
• A sound understanding of the opportunities and limitations of Earth observation, geospatial data and data-driven methods for forestry applications
• Proven ability to identify important operational problems and translate them into actionable initiatives
• A track record of successful collaboration in diverse teams and demonstrated enthusiasm not only for conducting research, but also for applying it for the benefit of others
• Experience in mission-, program- or applied R&D portfolio design
• Strong project, portfolio and budget management skills, including demonstrated use of transparent reporting, dashboard and tracking tools that enable others to understand project status and performance
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across practitioners, public authorities, academia, industry and expert communities
• The ability to work across disciplinary and organisational boundaries and to lead through influence
• Strong judgement under uncertainty and the willingness to challenge established approaches constructively
• Excellent communication and listening skills, as well as strong presentation skills across different formats and audiences
• Excellent written and spoken English and German; French is an asset

You are mission-driven, entrepreneurial, a strong learner and comfortable working in a newly established and evolving organisation. You have a track record of successful team participation and leadership and an enthusiasm for demanding and impactful work. You combine scientific credibility with pragmatic decision-making, economic awareness and a clear focus on adoption, scalability and public value. In doing so, you want to work on the best idea, not necessarily your best idea.

We offer

• The rare opportunity to help build ETH Swiss GeoLab from its early phase and shape a new national initiative for Earth observation
• A mission-driven leadership role with high visibility and strong relevance for Swiss forests and forestry
• The opportunity to develop solutions for pressing forest-management and environmental challenges in Switzerland, with broad international impact through transferable methods and lessons learned
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities
• A workplace in Root/Lucerne, embedded in an active innovation ecosystem and closely connected to ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Your CV
• Diplomas and work certificates
• A short motivation statement outlining your interest in ETH Swiss GeoLab and the Forestry Mission
• A video (max. 2 minutes) about you and your motivation for this position

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about ETH Swiss GeoLab can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr Felix Seidel, Managing Director ETH Swiss GeoLab, E-Mail auf jobs.nzz.ch ansehen.

We look forward to receiving your application!

For recruitment services the  GTC of ETH Zurich apply.