The FiRES project is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Wildfire Social Science to join the team at ETH Zürich. The position is fixed-term for one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension. Highly qualified candidates with care responsibilities may be able to negotiate a part-time position. Deadline for applications: 29 January 2026.
Project background
Since 2023, the FiRES project has used a comparative case study design to investigate the diverse social geographies of wildfire across rural, regional, and urban-interface sites in six European countries, ranging from the fire-prone Mediterranean, and the Alps, to the growing risk of wildfire in northern Europe. An online survey has provided a baseline of data, and in-person interviews has generated a rich body of in-depth, qualitative insights.
FiRES has now reached the analysis and write-up phase, examining factors that enable people to prepare for, adapt to, manage, and recover from wildfires. It seeks insights that can enhance informed decision-making and increase community coping capacity across culturally and climatically diverse regions.
Europe has a unique opportunity to tackle the growing wildfire challenge by empowering communities, land managers, and fire professionals with knowledge and skills now before the threat becomes acute across the continent. FiRES aims to assist this process by learning from people’s embodied, emotional, and practical experiences of living and working with wildfire.
Job description
The successful candidate will contribute to the analysis and write-up of the existing body of qualitative data, bringing together insights from diverse case studies. Proven ability to work with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., MAXQDA, NVivo, ATLAS) is therefore a prerequisite, as it the ability to write academic articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
The candidate needs to be a skilled and reliable communicator, with attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator – Dr. Christine Eriksen, adapting to the established analytical framework and the broader project requirements. There will be opportunity for lead-authoring publications, conference and/or workshop participation, and the development of policy and practical recommendations.
Your profile
- PhD in human geography, political ecology, sociology of disasters, environmental history, or a related discipline.
- A track-record of academic excellence, with peer-reviewed publications and qualitative research experience.
- Proven qualitative data analysis skills in MAXQDA, NVivo or ATLAS software.
- Excellent English speaking and writing skills. Additional proficiency in German, Greek, French, Italian, Spanish or Catalan is desirable.
- Availability for job commencement in Spring 2026.
- A residence in Switzerland or the willingness to move to Switzerland.
- Reliability and the ability to work collaboratively in an international team.
- A self-starter with a can-do attitude and respectful attunement to research ethics and cultural diversity.
- Experience of policy-relevant research and public communication is desirable.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae, including the contact details of two referees.
- Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages) that outlines point-by-point how you meet the listed profile requirements.
- Two samples of your published written work (sole- or lead-authored) that build on qualitative research outputs.
- PhD transcript.
The application deadline is 29.01.2026. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about the project and the CSS can be found on our websites: FiRES Project and Center for Security Studies.
For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Christine Eriksen directly.
Dr. Christine Eriksen 