WSL, Birmensdorf – Tree Acclimation and Mortality under Long-Term Heat and Drought Stress
We are looking for a motivated intern or Master student to join the project “From Survival to Resilience: Acclimation as a Lifeline for European Forests under Climate Change”. This work is carried out at WSL in Birmensdorf in collaboration with EPFL and INRAE and focuses on understanding how long-term exposure to warming and drought affects the mechanisms of tree mortality and resilience.
The student will work in the “Modoek” experiment, where beech and oak seedlings have been exposed to chronic warming and drought in open-top chambers since 2019. Irrigation will be stopped in July 2026 to induce mortality, following several years of acclimation. The project aims to compare how acclimated trees die relative to control trees, focusing on trajectories, timing, and physiological thresholds.
The intern or Master student will contribute to intensive monitoring of trees from the moment irrigation stops until mortality occurs. The tasks include: measuring net gas exchange and leaf water potential during stress progression, monitoring cell damage through electrolyte leakage in leaves, stems, and roots, and sampling tissues to assess non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) dynamics.
What we offer:
- Hands-on experience in forest ecophysiology and climate-change research
- Training in ecophysiological measurements and field instrumentation
- Integration into an active international research team at EPFL and WSL
- Possibility to develop the project into a Master thesis (or internship with research credits)
- Opportunity to contribute to high-impact scientific outputs
Profile
We welcome applicants who:
- Study environmental sciences, ecology, plant physiology, biology, environmental engineering, or a related field
- Enjoy fieldwork and teamwork
- Are motivated, rigorous, and curious about plant responses to climate extremes
- Have a driving license (helpful but not essential)
Practical details
- Start date: Flexible (preferably spring or early summer 2026)
- Location: WSL (Birmensdorf)
- Duration: 4–6 months or as required by the Master program
Contact: [email protected] and [email protected]