Two PhD Positions – Network Dynamics: The Ecosystem Management group at ETH Zurich is offering two fully funded 4-year PhD positions to investigate plant-pollinator network dynamics along land use intensification gradients in Indian coffee agroforestry landscapes. The positions involve extensive fieldwork in India, focusing on pollination and landscape ecology, as well as molecular ecology. The project, led by Prof. Jaboury Ghazoul, aims to understand how changing land use affects plant-pollinator networks and emergent ecosystem properties.
Two PhD Positions – Cross-scale Plant-Pollinator Network Dynamics
Designation: PhD Student
Research Area: Cross-scale Plant-Pollinator Network Dynamics, Pollination Ecology, Landscape Ecology, Molecular Ecology
Location: ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Relevant Master’s degree with a strong ecological interest and experience
- Field research experience, especially in the tropics, and willingness to work in remote field locations
- Skills in at least one of the following: molecular ecology, plant-pollinator interactions, and/or landscape ecology
- Good laboratory competency
- Strong quantitative analytical skills, including analysis of bipartite interaction networks and Structural Equation Modeling
- Excellent communication and independent working abilities
- Fluency in spoken and written English
Job Description: Both PhD positions involve field and laboratory research in plant-pollinator interactions, genetics, and spatial resource mapping using satellite and drone imagery. Fieldwork will be conducted in Indian coffee agroforests in collaboration with local stakeholders. The appointed PhD students will coordinate research activities, work with research assistants and Master’s students, and engage with coffee farmers to gather relevant information. Statistical modeling skills are essential, and fluency in English is required. The positions are based at ETH Zurich but will involve collaboration with other groups at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.
Your Profile: Suitable candidates should be flexible, adaptable, and capable of independently managing and coordinating research activities. They should work well in a team and possess excellent communication skills for engagement with local stakeholders. Candidates must be prepared for extended periods of fieldwork in India and labwork in both India and Switzerland.
We Offer: The Ecosystem Management group provides opportunities for personal and professional development through training courses, teaching, and field courses. The research involves interdisciplinary approaches, allowing for collaboration and exchange of ideas across environmental issues. ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and diversity.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following documents through the online application portal:
- Motivation letter explaining experience and suitability for the position, and reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD.
- CV detailing education and training, previous work experience, and any publications.
- Names and addresses of at least two references.
- Indicate whether interests relate to ecological research on plant-pollinator interactions, molecular genetics, or both.
Applications must be submitted online, and the deadline is January 26, 2024. Interviews will be held in January and February, with the expected position start date in May 2024.
For further information, visit the Department of Environmental Systems Science and the Ecosystem Management group websites. Questions about the position can be directed to Prof. Jaboury Ghazoul via email: jaboury.ghazoul@env.ethz.ch (no applications via email).
