Doctoral Student Range shifts of mountain plants

ETH Zurich’s Plant Ecology Group is hiring a full-time doctoral student to investigate why mountain plants are not migrating fast enough to keep pace with climate change.

This position focuses on understanding the mechanisms that prevent high-elevation plant species from shifting their ranges rapidly enough to match changing temperatures. The successful candidate will analyze how species interactions and demographic factors influence these limits, working alongside the Hargreaves Lab at McGill University in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct field transplant studies as well as greenhouse experiments.
• Gather ecological data and apply statistical methods to measure plant population dynamics and animal-mediated seed dispersal over long distances.
• Formulate and pursue independent research questions that fit within the broader project scope.
• Participate in departmental duties, which may include teaching assistance, public outreach, and laboratory maintenance.
• Coordinate with a parallel study in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and collaborate with members of the international MIREN network.

Requirements

• Hold an MSc degree in ecology or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate strong self-motivation and the capacity to manage time efficiently.
• Showcase proven expertise in statistical modeling, including mixed models and programming in R, alongside strong scientific writing abilities.
• Be willing and able to undertake extended fieldwork, potentially in remote locations and under difficult environmental conditions.
• Possess advanced English proficiency for both oral communication and written reports.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and academic integrity.
• Foster a collegial and inclusive environment within the research team.

Nice to have

• Prior experience performing ecological research in both field and greenhouse settings.
• Knowledge of plant identification, propagation techniques, and trait measurement methods.
• A valid driver's license with the ability to navigate steep mountain roads.

About the company

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zurich seeks intellectually curious individuals who are driven to conduct rigorous ecological research. The team values candidates who enjoy outdoor work, possess strong logistical planning skills, and can collaborate effectively within a team while also working independently.

• Emphasis on rigorous ecological research and intellectual curiosity.
• Opportunities for extensive outdoor and field-based work.
• Collaborative environment with international partners, including McGill University.