PhD in Assisted Migration / PhD in 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 candidate will be based in the Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich (Prof. Jake Alexander) and will work collaboratively with the Ecology Group at the 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 habitats for various species, but the vast majority of mountain plant species are not dispersing quickly enough to higher elevations. Assisted migration might become a critical component of ecological restoration and conservation efforts to help mitigate or prevent extinctions due to climate change. However, in Switzerland, as in many other regions, policies regarding assisted migration are still under consideration, and there is a notable lack of key knowledge and experience necessary to optimize the success of such projects.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will participate in 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 candidate will be responsible for:

• Collecting ecological data to assess the reasons for the rarity and ecological limits of threatened mountain plants.
• Understanding the variation in the success of assisted migration projects.
• Collecting and statistically analyzing demographic monitoring data in natural populations.
• Setting up and executing field transplant experiments.
• Conducting ecological niche modeling of focal species.
• Contributing to group responsibilities (e.g., teaching, outreach, lab activities) within the department and university.

Profile

• Enthusiasm and genuine interest in the scientific aspects of the project.
• Willingness to partake in transdisciplinary research leading to transformative change.
• Familiarity with plant identification, propagation, and trait measurements.
• Ability to work both 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 proficiency in English (both oral and written).

Workplace

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich conducts research on a wide range of topics within plant community ecology. Our focus includes the role of climate, biotic interactions, and demographic lags in range and community shifts, the drivers and impacts of biological invasions, the dynamics of alpine wildflower phenology, factors limiting forest regeneration, and the utilization of community science to engage the public and collect ecological data. We maintain long-term experimental and monitoring studies in alpine and forest field sites in Switzerland and the USA, collaborating broadly with researchers worldwide. We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity across all our activities, as well as conducting open and collaborative science.

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

This project offers exceptional opportunities for collaboration with the University of Basel (PI Rumpf) and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden (PI Randin). The research community at ETH Zürich, along with the nearby University of Zürich, WSL (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research), and EAWAG (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), provides numerous opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Zurich is a cosmopolitan city known for its high quality of life, easy access to research sites, outdoor activities, and connections throughout Europe.

How to Apply

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

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and transfer of knowledge into society, our institution hosts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries who find ETH Zurich to be a hub for independent thought and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forming connections worldwide, we work collectively to address global challenges today and in the future.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and foster a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and inclusive environment for everyone.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the required documents attached as separate PDFs, ensuring your last name is in the file name (e.g., Aziz-CV.pdf, Chang-MscDegree.pdf, Meier-MscTranscript.pdf). Please do not include a cover letter; instead, answer the specific questions detailed in the online application portal.

• Resume: Include information on your educational background, scientific publications and presentations, and any relevant research/work/volunteering activities. This should not exceed 4 pages (a 2-page CV is acceptable if comprehensive).
• MSc degree certificate: Include the title of your thesis.
• Transcript: Provide a list of courses taken and the grades received.

For inquiries regarding the position, please reach out to Dr. Jake Alexander (ajake@ethz.ch). Ensure your email subject is informative (e.g., “Questions about the Assisted Migration PhD position”).