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 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 the University of Basel (Prof. Sabine Rumpf) and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden (Prof. Christophe Randin).

Climate change is altering the spatial distribution of suitable habitats for various species, with many mountain plant species unable to keep pace with climatic changes by dispersing quickly enough to higher elevations. Assisted migration may become a critical element of ecological restoration and conservation, aiming to slow or halt extinctions due to climate change. In Switzerland, as in many regions, policies regarding assisted migration are in the early stages of consideration, and there is a pressing need for crucial knowledge and experience to ensure the success of these projects.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will participate in a broader project involving scientists, policymakers from federal and cantonal administrations, and practitioners from conservation and industry. The main objective is to establish guidelines and initiate an assisted migration program for mountain plants in Switzerland that are threatened by climate change. Responsibilities include:

• Collecting ecological data to assess the reasons for rarity and ecological limits of threatened mountain plants.
• Understanding variations in the success of assisted migration projects.
• Gathering and statistically analyzing demographic monitoring data from natural populations.
• Setting up and conducting field transplant experiments.
• Engaging in ecological niche modeling of focal species.
• Developing independent analyses within this broad theme.
• Contributing to group responsibilities such as teaching, outreach, and lab activities.

Profile

• Strong enthusiasm and interest in the scientific background of the project.
• Desire to engage in transdisciplinary research aimed at fostering transformative change.
• Familiarity with plant identification, propagation, and trait measurements.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace.
• Proficient in statistical modeling (e.g., mixed models, species distribution modeling, and statistical programming in R).
• Fieldwork experience and a valid driver's license.
• Willing to travel and undertake extended fieldwork for data collection.
• Advanced proficiency in English (oral and written).

Workplace

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich conducts research on a variety of topics within plant community ecology, including climate impacts, biotic interactions, and conservation challenges. We maintain long-term experimental and monitoring studies in alpine and forest field sites in Switzerland and the USA and collaborate widely with researchers globally. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in all our activities and conducting open and collaborative science. For more information about our research group, please visit our website.

Funding is provided for four years of PhD studies, starting 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 teaching and mentoring Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

This project offers exceptional opportunities for collaboration with the University of Basel and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden. Additionally, research groups at ETH Zürich, 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) provide further opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Zürich is a cosmopolitan city with a high quality of life, offering easy access to research sites, outdoor activities, and the rest of Europe.

We Value Diversity

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture 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 open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents, each uploaded as a separate PDF. Please include your last name in the file name (e.g., Aziz-CV.pdf, Chang-MscDegree.pdf, Meier-MscTranscript.pdf). Applications should not include a cover letter, but instead must respond to the questions outlined in the application portal:

• Resume: Including educational background, scientific publications and presentations, and any relevant research/work/volunteering activities (maximum of 4 pages; a 2-page CV is acceptable if comprehensive).
• MSc degree certificate: Including the title of your thesis.
• Transcript: A list of courses taken and the grades received.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

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

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is a leading university specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, groundbreaking research, and the direct transfer of knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries consider ETH Zurich a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Apply online using the form below.