PhD Assisted Migration Specialist / PhD Assisted Migration Specialist

PhD Assisted Migration

Location and Duration

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 collaborate with the Ecology Group at the University of Basel (Prof. Sabine Rumpf) and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden (Prof. Christophe Randin).

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 role includes:

• Collecting ecological data to assess the reasons for rarity and ecological limits of threatened mountain plants.
• Understanding variation in the success of assisted migration projects through collected data.
• Conducting demographic monitoring in natural populations and statistical analyses.
• Setting up and running field transplant experiments.
• Performing ecological niche modeling for focal species.
• Developing independent analyses within this broad theme.
• Contributing to group responsibilities, including teaching, outreach, and lab activities.

Profile

• Enthusiastic interest in the scientific background of the project.
• Desire to partake in transdisciplinary research leading to transformative change.
• Familiarity with plant identification, propagation, and trait measurements.
• Capable of working 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 engage in 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 variety of topics within plant community ecology, including the impact of climate, biotic interactions, and demographic lags on ecological changes. 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 dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity in our activities and conducting open and collaborative science. Please see our website for more information on the group's activities.

Funding and Opportunities

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. The project offers outstanding opportunities for collaboration with the University of Basel and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden. Additionally, there are considerable opportunities for interaction and collaboration with research groups at ETH Zürich, the adjacent University of Zürich, WSL, and EAWAG. Zürich is a vibrant city with high living standards and easy access to research sites and recreational activities.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zürich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and strive to nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected.

Curious? So Are We!

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents, each uploaded as a separate PDF. Please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

• Resume: Including information on your educational background, scientific publications, and relevant research/work/volunteering activities (maximum 4 pages).
• MSc degree certificate: Including the title of your thesis.
• Transcript: A list of courses taken and grades received.

For any inquiries regarding the position, please direct your questions to Dr. Jake Alexander at ajake@ethz.ch. Ensure to include an informative subject in your email (e.g., "Questions about Assisted Migration PhD position").

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence.

Located in the heart of Europe, ETH Zürich actively collaborates globally to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.