PhD in Seed Pathogens and Masting / PhD in Seed Pathogens and Masting

PhD in Seed Pathogens and Masting

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich, led by Professor Janneke Hille Ris Lambers, is seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to study how seed and seedling pathogens influence forest regeneration through their effects on and responses to mast seeding. The selected PhD student will collaborate with both the Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich and the Temporal Ecology Group at the University of British Columbia to contribute to this exciting project.

The reproduction of many plants is characterized by mast seeding, where boom and bust seed production years are correlated among individuals within populations due to their common response to climatic triggers. Masting is believed to have evolved to outsmart seed predators, whose populations decline during non-mast years when overall seed availability is low, preventing them from consuming all seeds during mast years. However, most studies of seed consumers focus on mammals, birds, and insects, overlooking the significant role that soil-borne pathogens can play in limiting recruitment. The influence of soil pathogens on the evolution of the masting strategy depends on their spatio-temporal effects and whether they are generalists or specialists.

Job Description

The responsibilities of the PhD student will include:

• Conducting lab-based experiments followed by sequencing to identify seed-pathogen networks.
• Carrying out field observations and experiments to explore the relationship between seed production and seedling recruitment in both mast and non-mast years.
• Engaging in statistical modeling as part of the research.
• Contributing to the annual collection of long-term data from Mt. Rainier National Park and/or Swiss LWF forests.
• Developing independent analyses or field experiments within this broad thematic area.
• Participating in group responsibilities, including teaching, outreach, and lab activities within the department and university.

Profile

The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:

• Enthusiasm and interest in the scientific context of the project.
• Familiarity with lab-based skills necessary for working with seed pathogens (preferred).
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Commitment to fostering a collegial and inclusive workplace.
• Experience with statistical modeling and related programs (e.g., R statistics).
• Fieldwork experience and a valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel and stay in the US for data collection for 1-2 months.
• Advanced proficiency in English (oral and written).

Workplace

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich conducts research across a diversity of topics within plant community ecology. Key areas of focus include factors that limit forest regeneration (including masting dynamics), the role of climate, biotic interactions, demographic lags, and the use of community science for ecological data collection and public engagement. Our projects and long-term monitoring studies span forest and Alpine field sites in the USA (Washington State) and Switzerland.

We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity in all our activities and conducting open and collaborative science. For more information about our research group's activities, please visit our website.

Funding for four years of PhD studies is provided, 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 participate in teaching and mentoring Bachelor’s and Master’s students. Further details on the doctoral program in the Department of Environmental Systems Sciences (USYS), where the Plant Ecology Group is situated, can be found on our website.

ETH Zürich offers outstanding opportunities for interaction and collaboration with leading research groups at the adjacent University of Zürich, WSL (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research), and EAWAG (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology). Zürich itself is a cosmopolitan city known for its high living standards and easy access to forested and Alpine research sites, outdoor activities, and the rest of Europe.

We Value Diversity

Aligned with our values, ETH Zürich promotes an inclusive culture, ensuring equality of opportunity and nurturing a working and learning environment where the dignity and rights of all staff and students are respected. For further information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to see how we cultivate a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please ensure that each document is uploaded as a separate PDF file and includes your last name in the file name (e.g., Aziz-CV.pdf, Chang-MscDegree.pdf, Meier-MscTranscript.pdf).

• Resume: This should include information on your educational background, scientific publications, presentations, and any relevant research/work/volunteering activities. It should not exceed 4 pages (a 2-page CV if it is comprehensive is acceptable).
• MSc Degree Certificate: Please include the title of your thesis.
• Transcript: A list of courses you have taken and the grades you received.

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For inquiries regarding the position, please reach out to Dr. Janneke Hille Ris Lambers at Show e-mail, including an informative subject line (e.g., "Questions about Seed Pathogen PhD Position").

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, innovative research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich welcomes over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, creating an environment that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe but connected globally, we collaborate to address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.