WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and thus of the ETH Domain. WSL focuses on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards. WSL employs approximately 600 people, of whom 140 work at SLF in Davos.

The Group Mountain Ecosystems within the Research Unit Alpine Environments and Natural Hazards investigates how climate change and land use affects the diversity and functioning of alpine ecosystems and is offering from Mai/June – August/September (4 Months) an

Internship “Insect monitoring with cameras in the Alps”

Automatic insect monitoring systems using digital cameras and computer vision offer great potential to advance our understanding of insect declines. Cameras can track insects on images, making it easy to monitor insects and their biomass across environmental gradients in a standardized way. In a Pilot-project we test the DIOPSIS insect camera system along three elevational gradients in Switzerland, to explore how insect numbers, biomass and diversity are affected by climatic gradients. Moreover, results from Diopsis cameras will be compared to results from classical insect monitoring methods. Your task will be to install 10 Diopsis cameras in the field in the mountains (ranging from 1500m to almost 3000m) and monitor their functionality and correct settings. Depending on your interest and abilities, the intern project could also involve analysis of images and advancing the algorithms and pipelines. You will also help collecting samples from traditional insect traps that are installed next to the cameras.

We offer an inclusive environment in an enthusiastic and diverse team of ecologists, set amidst a stunning mountain environment. The internship takes place in Davos at the SLF, and we help in finding housing in Davos. Depending on interest and ability there is the possibility to work in collaboration with Michele Volpi from the Swiss Data Science Center for the analysis of the images.

We are looking for a student interested in automatic insect monitoring systems and computer vision. You bring enthusiasm for technical aspects, computer vision, and ideally insects, and enthusiastic in doing some fieldwork in the mountains. You are fit and confident in working independently in alpine environments and have good organization skills. A driving license is a plus.

Please send your complete application to Clemens Güdel, Human Resources SLF, by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered. Anne Kempel (anne.kempel@slf.ch) will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. The WSL strives to increase the proportion of women in its employment, which is why qualified women are particularly called upon to apply for this position.

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