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, and the Division of Umweltsystembiologie at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland, are pleased to announce one PhD position in conservation biology.

Tasks

The candidate will utilize predictive spatial models to identify potential development areas for proglacial alluvial habitats over the coming decades. This includes assessing their biodiversity values and evaluating the risks associated with infrastructure development, such as renewable energy projects. The candidate will also focus on developing a biodiversity indicator for high-alpine alluvial zones and analyzing how the values of this indicator fluctuate under various environmental conditions, including elevation and microhabitat structure.

The primary outcome of the PhD project will be a hierarchical ranking of Swiss alpine landscapes based on their conservation value and vulnerability to potential infrastructure development. This ranking will serve as a crucial framework for future management and utilization of these important habitats. Additionally, the candidate will provide guidelines for the in situ management of these environments to promote and preserve biodiversity.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in biology or a related field.
• Strong interest in conservation science, environmental management, and spatial analyses.
• Knowledge of alpine or alluvial habitats, advanced statistical techniques, R, or spatial tools (GIS analyses) is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Proficient command of English; knowledge of French and/or German is favorable for stakeholder engagement.

The Institute of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Bern and its partner, the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel, are dedicated to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the fields of ecology and evolution. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Conditions

The salary will be in accordance with the Swiss National Science Fund (SNSF) guidelines for PhD students, with a gross annual salary of approximately CHF 47,000. The position is set to commence in November 2025 and will last for three years. It will be shared between the University of Bern and the University of Basel, with the administrative hosting at the University of Bern and practical engagement in Basel, particularly following the retirement of Prof. Raphaël Arlettaz. The selected candidate will have access to the CUSO PhD doctoral program and additional postgraduate training opportunities at the University of Basel.

Application Process

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