PhD in Wildflower Phenology / PhD in Wildflower Phenology

PhD in Wildflower Phenology

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 Alpine flowering communities vary over space and time, and what the consequences of this variation are for plant-pollinator dynamics. This research is crucial for understanding how climate change will alter the timing and overlap in flowering phenology of co-occurring Alpine wildflowers, as well as the impacts of such novel flowering communities on pollinator dynamics and plant reproductive fitness. Addressing these topics has been challenging in Alpine systems, which are home to a high diversity of plants and pollinators whose interactions can vary significantly across fine spatial and short temporal scales. Fortunately, recent technological and analytical advancements allow us to quantify species interaction networks at high spatial and temporal resolution, potentially yielding new insights into this subject.

Job Description

The selected PhD student will work collaboratively with the Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich and an international team of collaborators to explore this topic. Specifically, the PhD candidate will:

• Conduct fieldwork to quantify flowering phenology (using phenocams) and plant-pollinator interactions throughout the growing season and across elevational gradients.
• Design and implement experiments to examine the implications of altered flowering phenology for pollinator visitation and plant reproductive fitness.
• Perform analyses to quantify flowering phenology and interaction networks, addressing key research questions and applying deep learning approaches for automated flower identification and temporal network analyses.

The PhD student will have the flexibility to develop their own ideas within this project and will also be expected to contribute to group responsibilities within the department and university (e.g., teaching, outreach, lab activities), as is expected of all group members.

Profile

• Enthusiasm and interest in the project
• Relevant ecological knowledge (e.g., in phenology, plant-pollinator dynamics, and/or ecological impacts of climate change)
• Experience with statistical modeling and/or deep learning approaches
• Experience in identifying plants and pollinators
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to fostering a collegial and inclusive workplace
• Fieldwork experience and a valid driver’s license
• Advanced English proficiency (oral and written)

Workplace

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich conducts research across a variety of topics within plant community ecology, encompassing the drivers of Alpine wildflower phenology, the factors that limit forest regeneration, and the influences of climate and species interactions on plant populations and communities. We maintain long-term monitoring studies and conduct projects in both Alpine and forest field sites across Switzerland and the USA (Washington State). We are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in all our activities while prioritizing open and collaborative science. For more information on our research group’s activities, please visit our website.

This PhD position is fully funded, with the candidate being hired as a full-time researcher for four years. The annual salary is competitive (in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations). The position is based in Zurich, Switzerland, and remote work outside of Switzerland is not feasible due to legal constraints.

ETH Zürich fosters interactions and collaborations with outstanding research groups in the adjacent University of Zürich, WSL (the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research), and EAWAG (the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology). Zurich is a cosmopolitan city known for its high living standards and easy access to forested and alpine research sites, offering numerous outdoor activities and close proximity to the rest of Europe.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We strive to create a working and learning environment respectful of the rights and dignity of all staff and students. To learn more, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is at the core of our mission, and we are continually working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Janneke Hille Ris Lambers at jannekeh@ethz.ch. Make sure to include an informative subject line (e.g., 'Questions about Wildflower Phenology PhD Position').

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its exceptional education and cutting-edge fundamental research, ETH Zurich seamlessly transfers new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and cultivates an environment that inspires excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe while connecting globally, we collaborate to develop solutions for the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.