Doctoral Student / Doctoral Student

Doctoral Student - Range Shifts of Mountain Plants

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich is seeking a doctoral student to investigate why mountain plant species are unable to shift their ranges quickly enough to keep pace with climate change. The successful candidate will be part of the Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich, Switzerland (led by Prof. Jake Alexander), and will collaborate closely with the Hargreaves Lab at McGill University, Canada (led by Prof. Anna Hargreaves). This research aims to enhance our understanding of the demographic processes responsible for range shifts in mountain plants and address critical knowledge gaps that hinder our ability to forecast species movements in response to climate change.

Project Background

Many species are struggling to shift their ranges rapidly enough to successfully track climate change. Despite various attempts to predict the velocity of plant range shifts, empirical data supporting these predictions remains scarce. Specifically, our understanding of the processes necessary for species to disperse to new terrains and establish viable populations is limited. This project focuses on enhancing our understanding of long-distance dispersal rates and the factors that affect establishment beyond species ranges. By concentrating on mountain plants, this research seeks to unravel the importance of species interactions and demographic processes that influence shifts in high-elevation range limits. It will also explore whether insights gained can facilitate predictions regarding range shift abilities across ecosystems. The project combines global, standardized experiments across six continents within the Mountain Invasion Research Network (MIREN) and detailed studies in two core mountain regions (Swiss Alps, Canadian Rocky Mountains) to robustly test key hypotheses about range shift mechanisms in diverse geographic contexts.

Job Description

• Conduct field transplant and greenhouse experiments, and collect and statistically analyze ecological data to quantify plant demography and long-distance seed dispersal by animals.
• Develop independent research questions within the broader context of the project.
• Contribute to various tasks and responsibilities, such as teaching, outreach, and lab activities, within our research group and department.
• Collaborate with a sister study in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, engaging with international partners from the MIREN network.

Profile

We are seeking intellectually curious individuals who are highly motivated to engage in rigorous ecological research, enjoy outdoor activities, and are capable of effectively planning logistics and working both collaboratively and independently. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

Candidates must possess:

• An MSc in ecology or a related field.
• High self-motivation.
• Effective time management skills.
• A commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace.
• Proven skills in statistical modelling (e.g., mixed models, statistical programming in R) and scientific writing.
• An eagerness and willingness to undertake extended periods of fieldwork in remote areas under challenging conditions.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) with strong writing abilities.
• Professionalism and academic integrity.

Additional skills required for the project may include:

• Experience conducting ecological research in field and greenhouse settings.
• Familiarity with plant identification, propagation, and trait measurements.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to drive on steep mountain roads.

Workplace

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich conducts research on a variety of topics within plant community ecology. Our focus areas include the impacts of climate and biotic interactions on range and community shifts, biological invasions, alpine wildflower phenology, and forest regeneration. We engage in long-term experimental studies and collaborate extensively with researchers globally. Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity is reflected in all aspects of our work.

Our team also contributes to teaching and mentoring Bachelor's and Master's students. For more information, please visit our departmental website dedicated to the doctoral programme in Environmental Systems Sciences (USYS).

This opportunity offers valuable collaboration prospects, including potential research stays at McGill University. In addition, interactions with research groups at ETH Zürich, the University of Zürich, and Swiss Federal Institutes present numerous avenues for engagement. Zürich boasts a cosmopolitan environment with high living standards and easy access to research sites, outdoor activities, and other parts of Europe.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity and value diversity, ensuring that all staff and students respect one another's rights and dignity. We also prioritize sustainability as a core value, continuously striving for a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.