Fully funded PhD studentship, ETH Zurich, Switzerland Project: The consequences of tropical forest fragmentation for biotic interactions maintaining plant diversity.
Start Date: January 2014 Summary: Interactions between plants and their pathogens and insect herbivores are crucial for maintaining plant diversity. However, the potential for anthropogenic environmental change to disrupt these processes are poorly understood. This project will seek to evaluate the effects of forest fragmentation on plant-insect and plant-pathogen interactions and the possible implications for plant biodiversity in human-modified landscapes. Location: ETH Zurich, Switzerland, with fieldwork in Kodagu, India. Primary affiliation: Ecosystem Management, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems. Supervisors: Dr Robert Bagchi and Prof. Jaboury Ghazoul (Ecosystem Management, ETH Zurich), Requirements: We are seeking highly motivated applicants with a desire to work on tropical forest ecology. Tropical field work experience would be advantageous, and applicants must be prepared to spend substantial time doing field-based work (approx. 4-6 months per year). Essential requirements for a successful application include: 1. Good B.Sc and M.Sc degrees in ecology or environmental science. 2. Very good spoken and written English; knowledge of German or Kannada would be advantageous but are not necessary. 3. Excellent quantitative and statistical skills; familiarity with experimental design is desirable. Group: The Professorship of Ecosystem Management comprises around 20 researchers and staff and has a diverse international composition. Research within the group tackles a range of topics relating to plant ecology, conservation and ecosystem management. See our web site for more details (www.ecology.ethz.ch). Conditions: Three year funded appointment within the Professorship of Ecosystem Management (Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich). The position is funded at the ETH Zurich PhD student salary scale. The student will be based in Zurich, with extended periods of fieldwork in Kodagu, India. The PhD students might be required to do some course work at ETH Zurich as partial fulfillment of the PhD requirements. Application: Please apply online at http://internet1.refline.ch/845721/2670/++publications++/1/index.html. You will need to upload the following documents with your application: (1) a 1 page letter of motivation describing your research interests and reasons for doing a PhD on this topic; (2) a full CV, including any relevant experience; and (3) names and addresses of two referees. Closing date for applications is 2 September 2013. The position is open to candidates of all nationalities, although applicants from India are particularly welcome. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed in late September. Travel expenses up to 200 CHF will be available for interviewed candidates from Europe. Skype interviews are possible for candidates outside Europe. For informal enquiries contact Dr Robert Bagchi ([email protected]).
