PhD Candidate in Conservation Biology / PhD Candidate in Conservation Biology

PhD Position in Conservation Biology

The Division of Conservation Biology at the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, in collaboration with the Division of Umweltsystembiologie at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland, invites applications for a PhD position in conservation biology.

Tasks

The successful candidate will engage in identifying, through predictive spatial models, the prospective development of proglacial alluvial habitats over the coming decades. This role includes forecasting their biodiversity values and assessing potential risks associated with infrastructure development, such as renewable energy projects. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a biodiversity indicator for high-alpine alluvial zones.
• Understanding how the values of this indicator fluctuate under various environmental conditions, including elevation and microhabitat structure.
• Producing a hierarchical ranking of Swiss alpine landscapes based on their conservation value and vulnerability to infrastructure development.
• Providing guidelines for the in situ management of these habitats to enhance and preserve biodiversity.

The candidate will also actively participate in weekly lab meetings and present research findings in both scientific and accessible language through articles and at national and international conferences. Additionally, the PhD student will contribute to teaching, including co-supervising BSc and MSc projects related to the research topic, and will oversee minor administrative duties.

Requirements

Applicants should possess a Master's degree (MSc) in biology or a related field, with a strong interest in conservation science, environmental management, and spatial analyses being highly desirable. Although not mandatory, knowledge of alpine or alluvial habitats, advanced statistical techniques, R language, or spatial tools such as GIS analyses will be advantageous. Proficiency in English is essential, while knowledge of French and/or German is beneficial for engaging with stakeholders. The Institute is dedicated to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in ecology and evolution, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

Conditions

The salary for this position will adhere to the Swiss National Science Fund (SNSF) guidelines for PhD students, amounting to approximately CHF 47,000 gross annual salary. The position’s start date is set for November 2025 and will last for three years. The role will be shared between the University of Bern and the University of Basel. Although the position is administratively located at the University of Bern, the candidate will primarily work with the team in Basel, especially following the retirement of Prof. Raphaël Arlettaz. The selected candidate will have access to the CUSO PhD doctoral program and various postgraduate training opportunities at the University of Basel.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.