A three year PhD position in plant ecology is available in the research group of Jonathan Levine at ETH Zurich <www.plantecology.ethz.ch>, with a flexible 2015 start date. The successful candidate will develop a PhD project combining empirical and theoretical approaches to explore questions in plant population and community ecology. The PhD position will be embedded within the group’s thematic area of plant community responses to climate change. Still, the focus of the project is flexible and strong candidates with plant, non-plant, or theoretical backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Research in the Levine group focuses on three general problems: (1) the maintenance of species diversity in communities, (2) the determinants of the success and impacts of biological invasions, and (3) plant community responses to climate change. Our climate change projects ask how changing competitor identity influences plant species response to warmer climates, and how phenological shifts with climate change alter population trajectories and opportunities for coexistence. All projects combine empirical approaches with mathematical theory to achieve their aims. For more details visit www.plantecology.ethz.ch Applicants must hold a Master degree or equivalent (e.g. a published paper) in ecology, evolutionary biology or another relevant discipline. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are required. Outstanding research groups at ETH Zurich <www.ibz.ethz.ch/people/index> and the adjacent University of Zurich <www.ieu.uzh.ch/staff/staff.php> offer numerous opportunities for interaction, as well as a diverse selection of courses and seminar series. The doctoral student will have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork in Europe, California, and elsewhere. Zürich is a dynamic and international city with a high standard of living and excellent recreational opportunities. The PhD salary follows the Swiss National Science Foundation scale <www.ethz.ch/en/the-eth-zurich/welcome-center/employment-contract-and-salary/salary.html>. To apply, use the online application available at http://www.plantecology.ethz.ch/open-positions.html. Please include a one page description of your research background and interests. This description should convey the topics and approaches you have in mind for your PhD. Your application further includes a curriculum vitae and the contact information for three references. Application review will begin October 1, and continue until the position is filled.
