PhD Assisted Migration / PhD Assisted Migration

PhD Assisted Migration

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zurich 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 Zurich (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 habitat for all species, but the majority of mountain plant species are not dispersing fast enough to higher elevations to keep pace with these changes. Assisted migration may become a critical component of ecological restoration and conservation efforts aimed at slowing or halting extinctions caused by climate change. However, in Switzerland, as in many places, policies on assisted migration are only beginning to be developed, and there is a pressing need for key knowledge and experience to ensure the success of these 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’s primary responsibilities will include:

• Collecting ecological data to assess the reasons for rarity and ecological (niche, range) limits of threatened mountain plants.
• Understanding variation in the success of assisted migration projects.
• Conducting demographic monitoring and statistical analysis of natural populations.
• Setting up and executing field transplant experiments.
• Performing ecological niche modeling of focal species.

The candidate will also have opportunities to develop their own analyses within this broad theme and contribute 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
• Passion for 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 English language skills (oral and written)

Workplace

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zurich conducts research on a diverse array of topics within plant community ecology, including climate impact, biotic interactions, and demographic lags in relation to range and community shifts. The group also studies the drivers and effects of biological invasions, alpine wildflower phenology, and factors limiting forest regeneration, while leveraging citizen science for ecological data collection and public engagement.

We maintain long-term experimental and monitoring studies in alpine and forest field sites across Switzerland and the USA, collaborating widely with researchers globally. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in all our activities and conducting open, collaborative science. For more information on our research group, please visit our website.

Funding is provided for four years of PhD studies, commencing at 52,500 CHF per year (before taxes), as per the standards of the Department of Environmental Systems Sciences (USYS) at ETH Zurich. All members of the Plant Ecology Group engage in teaching and mentoring Bachelor's and Master's students. For further details on the doctoral program within which the Plant Ecology Group operates, please refer to our website.

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

We Value Diversity

In alignment with our core values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We advocate for equal opportunity, welcome diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all employees and students. For more information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Resume: Include details of your educational background, scientific publications, presentations, and any relevant research/work/volunteering activities. The resume should not exceed four pages (a two-page CV is accepted if comprehensive).
• MSc degree certificate: Clearly stating the title of your thesis.
• Transcript: A list of courses taken and grades received.

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

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Jake Alexander (ajake@ethz.ch) with an informative subject line (e.g., "Questions about Assisted Migration PhD position").

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are celebrated for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and effective application of new knowledge in society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thought and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, yet connecting globally, we collaborate to address the world's pressing challenges.