Achieving Carbon Neutrality with Biodiversity (Master Student Internship / Master Thesis / Postdoc Project)

• 12 September 2026
• 100%
• Indefinite duration
• Zurich

The Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT'IS), an independent non-profit research organization closely associated with the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETH Zurich), in collaboration with the Z43 NetZero Foundation (Z43 NetZero), is currently seeking candidates for the position

Achieving Carbon Neutrality with Biodiversity (Master Student Internship / Master Thesis / Postdoc Project)

Z43 NetZero recognizes that biodiversity plays a crucial role in achieving carbon neutrality. Beyond its primary objective of CO2 reduction, Z43 NetZero is therefore expanding its impact areas to include biodiversity. The mentioned position consists of systematically examining and evaluating strategies and mechanisms to integrate biodiversity into climate action towards carbon neutrality, and evaluating their performance and scalability, with a particular focus on implementation and adoption in Switzerland. This is a fixed-term position.

Your challenges:

• Conduct a comprehensive global review of published information (publications, reports, etc.) on existing nature-based CO2 emission offset or mitigation mechanisms, including ecological approaches (e.g., nature-based solutions), financial (e.g., biodiversity credits), institutional (e.g., nature-positive commitments), and strategic approaches (e.g., mitigation hierarchy), as well as their facilitating contextual mechanisms
• Develop a structured comparison framework covering CO2 emission offset or mitigation potential, risks, feasibility, scalability, and costs
• Evaluate the applicability of individual mechanisms and solutions within the Swiss context and across sectors
• Translate results into concrete recommendations for Z43 NetZero's financial investment in biodiversity-based mechanisms, including quantified estimates of the expected contribution to carbon neutrality
• Produce a concise written report and a publication summarizing the research results and conclusions

Your assets:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in environmental sciences (including biodiversity, ecology, etc.), sustainability, economics, or a related field; candidates pursuing or holding an MSc or PhD are particularly encouraged to apply
• Knowledge of climate and biodiversity agendas and policies in Switzerland and globally
• Ability to quickly identify and bridge knowledge gaps in relevant areas
• Experience in conducting literature reviews and comparative analyses
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources and datasets into clear insights
• Clear written and oral communication skills, with the ability to adapt information to expert and non-expert audiences
• Strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the highest standards of work quality
• Autonomy, good organizational skills, and impeccable attention to detail
• Friendly personality with a strong team spirit
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)

Our offer:

• Dynamic, multicultural, and innovative working environment that stimulates research in key technologies and promotes diversity and inclusion
• Creative mix of global talents covering the fields of physics, electronics, mathematics, biology, and related disciplines, aiming for scientific excellence and high ethical standards
• Flexible working hours in a workplace in the heart of Zurich
• Opportunity to contribute to shaping the strategy of Z43 NetZero and to participate in meaningful climate action towards carbon neutrality

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Direct applications are preferred; applications via recruitment agencies are discouraged. Please note that incomplete applications will be discarded.

Please send your application documents (in English) including cover letter, tailored CV (max 2 pages), diplomas, transcripts (with grades), work certificates and/or letters of reference (if available) to:

Zurich43, Yvonne Maeder, Zeughausstrasse 43, 8004 Zurich, Switzerland, Telephone: +41 44 245 96 96, jobs@z43.swiss

Informal inquiries are welcome and should be addressed to Prof. Niels Kuster.