Summary
The University of Zurich (UZH) is inviting applications for two PhD positions in the Earth System Science group, situated in the Department of Geography. The successful candidates will conduct research on a joint Swiss (SNSF) and US (NSF) funded project titled “Theory and tests of microbiome feedback: applications to understanding plant community structure and implications for ecosystem function”. The PhD researchers will develop and analyze mathematical models quantifying interactions between plant and soil communities to better understand grassland biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The candidates will be supervised by Dr. Maarten B. Eppinga and co-supervised by Prof. James D. Bever (University of Kansas), ultimately earning their PhD from the Life Science Zurich Graduate School.
2 PhD positions in Ecosystem modelling of plant-soil feedbacks, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Designation
PhD Researcher (80% Workload)
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
| Institution | University of Zurich (Faculty of Science) |
| Department | Department of Geography, Earth System Science (ESS) |
| Workload | 80% |
| Contract Type | Temporary |
| Supervisors | Dr. Maarten B. Eppinga, Prof. James D. Bever, Prof. Peggy Schultz |
| Start Date | 1st November 2026 (or upon agreement) |
Research Area
Earth System Science, Ecosystem Modelling, Plant-Soil Feedbacks, Ecology, and Mathematical Biology.
Location
Department of Geography, Earth System Science (ESS)
Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification
To be considered for these positions, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution in Environmental & Earth System Science, Geo- & Environmental Physics, Computational & Mathematical Biology, Ecology & Evolution, or related fields.
- Strong enthusiasm for discovering new explanations for real-world ecological phenomena through mathematical modeling, analytical analyses, and simulations.
- Experience in developing and analyzing ecosystem models using coding languages such as MATLAB, Python, Fortran, Julia, Mathematica, and/or R.
- Familiarity and experience with statistical data analysis using open and reproducible methods.
- Highly motivated to collaborate with a project team (including field ecologists) and to participate in ecological experiments and field data collection.
Job Description
Candidates can apply for one or both of the following PhD projects. The findings for both positions will be reported in scientific articles that will form the PhD thesis and contribute to an education module for high school students.
PhD Position 1: Theory and tests of plant-soil feedback: implications for long-term dynamics
- Model-data integration: Develop and validate a mathematical model describing how soil communities build up over time and affect plant species, using data from North Carolina grassland species.
- Multi-species framework: Extend the model framework to multiple species using experimental data from Kansas grassland species and recent theoretical advances.
- Integration: Combine findings with the community-level models of plant-soil feedback developed in Position 2.
PhD Position 2: Theory and tests of plant-soil feedback: implications for plant community dynamics
- Modeling diversity benefits: Parameterize a model using long-term biodiversity field data to study how plant-soil feedbacks create/maintain diversity and affect ecosystem functions (e.g., productivity).
- Dispersal limitation impacts: Study the extent to which dispersal constraints affect plant-soil community interactions and plant competition to explain trends in experimental data.
- Integration: Merge the multi-species model framework (including dispersal constraints) with the long-term dynamics findings from Position 1.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application as a single PDF file via the official UZH Job Portal.
The PDF must include:
- A motivation letter addressing your fit for the topic and profile. (Ensure you indicate whether you are applying for PhD Position 1, PhD Position 2, or both).
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the contact information for two references.
- A copy of your qualifying degree certificate.
Last Date for Apply
Open Now
(Note: Start of employment is listed as 1st November 2026 or upon agreement. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible).
