Overview 

PhD Assisted Migration

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich is seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to study the factors underlying the success of assisted migration of mountain plants that are threatened by climate change. The PhD candidate will be based in the Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich (Prof. Jake Alexander), and work collaboratively with the Ecology Group at University of Basel (Prof. Sabine Rumpf), and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden (Prof. Christophe Randin).

Climate change is shifting the spatial distribution of suitable habitat for all species, but the vast majority of mountain plant species is not keeping pace with climatic changes by dispersing fast enough to higher elevations. Assisted migration might become a critical component of ecological restoration and conservation to help slow or halt extinctions due to climate change. Yet in Switzerland, as elsewhere, policies on assisted migration are only now being considered, and we lack key knowledge and experience to maximize the success of assisted migration projects.

Job description

The PhD candidate will work within a larger project involving scientists, policy makers from federal and cantonal administration, and practitioners from conservation and industry, with the overarching goal of establishing guidelines and launching an assisted migration programme for mountain plants in Switzerland that are threatened by climate change. The role of the PhD candidate will be to collect ecological data allowing an assessment of the reasons for rarity and ecological (niche, range) limits of threatened mountain plants, and use this knowledge to understand variation in the success of assisted migration projects. Their tasks will involve collection and statistical analysis of demographic monitoring data in natural populations, setting-up and running field transplant experiments, and ecological niche modelling of focal species. The PhD candidate will also have the opportunity to develop their own analyses within this broad theme. Finally, the PhD candidate is expected to contribute to group responsibilities (e.g. teaching, outreach, lab activities) within the department and university.

Profile

 

  • Enthusiasm and interest in the scientific background of the project
  • Enthusiasm and interest to partake in transdisciplinary research leading to transformative change
  • Familiarity with plant identification, propagation and trait measurements
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace
  • Strong skills in statistical modelling (e.g. mixed models, species distribution modelling, and statistical programming in R)
  • Field work experience and a valid driver's license
  • Willingness to travel and undertake extended fieldwork for data collection
  • Advanced language skills in English (oral and writing)

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich conducts research on a diversity of topics within the realm of plant community ecology, including the role of climate, biotic interactions, and demographic lags in constraining range and community shifts, the drivers and impacts of biological invasions, the drivers of alpine wildflower phenology, the factors that limit forest regeneration, and the use of community science for collecting ecological data and engaging the general public. We conduct projects and maintain long-term experimental and monitoring studies in alpine and forest field sites in Switzerland and the USA, and collaborate widely with researchers from around the world. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in all our activities, as well as to conducting open and collaborative science. Please see our website for more information on activities in the research group.

Funding is provided for four years of PhD studies, and starts at 52500 CHF / year (before taxes), as is standard in the Department of Environmental Systems Sciences (USYS) at ETH Zürich. All members of the Plant Ecology Group contribute to teaching and mentoring Bachelors and Masters students. Please see this website for more information on the doctoral program in the Department of Environmental Systems Sciences (USYS), within which the Plant Ecology Group is located.

This project specifically offers outstanding opportunities for collaborations at the University of Basel (PI Rumpf) and the Flore-Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden (PI Randin). Research groups at ETH Zürich, 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) offer numerous additional opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Zürich is a cosmopolitan city with high living standards and easy access to research sites, outdoor activities and the rest of Europe.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents, each uploaded as a separate PDF. Please include your last name in the file name (e.g. Aziz-CV.pdf, Chang-MscDegree.pdf, Meier-MscTranscript.pdf). Please do not provide a cover letter, but instead answer the questions that are asked in the online application portal.

  • Resume: Including information on your educational background, scientific publications and presentations, and any relevant research/work/volunteering activities. This should not be longer than 4 pages (a 2-page CV is fine if complete).
  • MSc degree certificate: Including the title of your thesis.
  • Transcript: A the list of courses you have taken and the grades your received.

We will begin reviewing applications on 4th August, and we aim to conduct interviews in late August and make a decision by late September. The ideal start date would be November 2025.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through the online application portal, and applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Incomplete applications will also not be evaluated.

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Jake Alexander (ajake@ethz.ch). Please include an informative subject (e.g. “Questions about Assisted Migration PhD position”). 

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.