PhD Assisted Migration / PhD Assisted Migration

PhD Assisted Migration

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich is seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to study the factors underlying the success of assisted migration of mountain plants that are threatened by climate change. The PhD candidate will be based in the Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich (Prof. Jake Alexander) and will work collaboratively with the Ecology Group at University of Basel (Prof. Sabine Rumpf) and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden (Prof. Christophe Randin).

Climate change is shifting the spatial distribution of suitable habitat for all species, but the vast majority of mountain plant species are not keeping pace with climatic changes by dispersing fast enough to higher elevations. Assisted migration might become a critical component of ecological restoration and conservation to help slow or halt extinctions due to climate change. However, in Switzerland, as elsewhere, policies on assisted migration are only now being considered, and we lack key knowledge and experience to maximize the success of assisted migration projects.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will work within a larger project involving scientists, policymakers from federal and cantonal administrations, and practitioners from conservation and industry. The overarching goal is to establish guidelines and launch an assisted migration program for mountain plants in Switzerland that are threatened by climate change.

The key responsibilities of the PhD candidate will include:

• Collecting ecological data to assess the reasons for the rarity and ecological limits of threatened mountain plants.
• Using this knowledge to understand variation in the success of assisted migration projects.
• Collecting and statistically analyzing demographic monitoring data in natural populations.
• Setting up and running field transplant experiments.
• Conducting ecological niche modeling of focal species.
• Developing independent analyses within this broad theme.
• Contributing to group responsibilities, such as teaching, outreach, and lab activities within the department and university.

Profile

• Enthusiasm and interest in the scientific background of the project.
• Desire to participate in transdisciplinary research leading to transformative change.
• Familiarity with plant identification, propagation, and trait measurements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace.
• Strong skills in statistical modeling (e.g., mixed models, species distribution modeling, and statistical programming in R).
• Fieldwork experience and a valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel and undertake extended fieldwork for data collection.
• Advanced language skills in English (oral and written).

Workplace

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich conducts research on various topics within the realm of plant community ecology. Our investigations include climate interactions, biotic factors, demographic lags, biological invasions, wildflower phenology, forest regeneration limits, and community science for ecological data collection.

We conduct projects and maintain long-term experimental and monitoring studies both in Switzerland and the USA, collaborating widely with researchers worldwide. We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity in all our activities, committed to open and collaborative science. For more information on our research group activities, please visit our website.

Funding is provided for four years of PhD studies, starting at 52,500 CHF per year (before taxes), in accordance with the Department of Environmental Systems Sciences (USYS) at ETH Zürich. All members of the Plant Ecology Group contribute to teaching and mentoring Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

This project offers outstanding collaborative opportunities with the University of Basel and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden. Research groups at ETH Zürich, the adjacent University of Zürich, WSL, and EAWAG provide numerous additional opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Zürich is a cosmopolitan city offering high living standards and easy access to research sites, outdoor activities, and the rest of Europe.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

Please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Jake Alexander at ajake@ethz.ch, including an informative subject, such as “Questions about Assisted Migration PhD position.”

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education and cutting-edge fundamental research, we aim to transfer new knowledge directly into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries thrive in our environment, promoting independent thinking and inspiring excellence. Located at the heart of Europe and connecting globally, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.