PhD in Anthropogenic Biodiversity Changes: The Vegetation Ecology Research Group at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in collaboration with the University of Zurich (UZH), InfoFlora, and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL), invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position. The research focuses on biodiversity changes in Switzerland over the past century, with emphasis on bryophytes and their ecological drivers.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity in Vegetation Ecology & Biodiversity Research
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Candidate |
| Research Area | Biodiversity change, Bryophytes, Vegetation Ecology, Conservation Biology |
| Location | ZHAW Wädenswil, Switzerland (with enrollment at University of Zurich, UZH) |
| Funding | 4 years; 50,000 CHF/year (before taxes), with optional top-up 7,500–15,000 CHF/year through teaching/research |
| Start Date | November 2025 (flexible) |
| Application Review | Begins 22 September 2025; position open until filled |
Eligibility/Qualification
- Master’s degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related fields
- Strong interest in biodiversity, conservation, and ecology
- Plant identification skills (preferably bryophytes) or willingness to learn
- Proficiency in statistical modeling (R)
- Fieldwork experience & valid driver’s license
- Strong English communication skills (German is an advantage)
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration
Job Description / Role
The selected PhD candidate will:
- Conduct comparative analysis of vascular plant and bryophyte diversity using national biodiversity monitoring data
- Perform trend analyses on bryophyte species using Swissbryophytes floristic database
- Resample and analyze standardized bryophyte plots established across Switzerland (1994–2006)
- Collaborate with scientists, conservation practitioners, and citizen scientists under the VegCHange project
- Contribute to teaching at UZH and support group responsibilities at ZHAW
- Translate findings into better conservation strategies and tools
How to Apply
Submit your application via the ZHAW online tool with the following documents (in separate PDFs, labeled with surname, e.g., Surname_CV):
- Application letter with motivation (1–2 pages)
- CV (2–4 pages) including education, research experience, and publications
- MSc degree certificate (with thesis title)
- MSc transcript (courses and grades)
👉 Incomplete applications will not be considered.
📧 For inquiries, contact Prof. Jürgen Dengler at juergen.dengler@zhaw.ch (subject line: Questions about SNSF PhD).
Last Date to Apply
- Application review begins: 22 September 2025
- Interviews: Late September to early October 2025
- Position remains open until filled
🌿 Join one of Europe’s leading vegetation ecology groups and contribute to shaping the future of biodiversity conservation in Switzerland and beyond!
