PhD position in global change ecology

Karlstad University; Basel; Vor Ort; CHF 52.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Fully funded PhD (4 years)

International collaboration networks

Social benefits

Zusammenfassung

University of Basel invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position in the Ecology group within the Department of Environmental Sciences. The project focuses on macroecological analyses of non-native plant species in mountain ecosystems, in collaboration with GLORIA and MIREN, with possible fieldwork.

The successful candidate will hold a MSc in ecology or related fields, work in a collaborative, international environment, and contribute to teaching and other research activities.

Qualifikationen

• Applicants should hold a MSc degree in ecology, botany, biogeography, environmental science or related fields.
• Strong motivation, self-organized and solution-oriented attitude.
• Very good written and spoken English is a must.
• Experience in macroecological analyses and handling large datasets is advantageous.

Aufgaben

• Focus research on macroecological analyses of distribution of non-native plant species in mountain ecosystems over space and time.
• Collaborate closely with team members and researchers from other institutions.
• Contribute to teaching and other research activities of the Ecology group.
• Fieldwork is possible but not mandatory.

Kenntnisse

R statistics

GIS

Teamwork

English proficiency

Self-organization

Communication skills

Ausbildung

MSc in ecology or related field

Tools

GIS software

Jobbeschreibung

University of Basel ranks among the world’s one hundred best universities and boast a top-ten place among German-speaking universities. The research group Ecology at the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel in Switzerland invites applications for a PhD position within the ERC project ‘Global status, trends, drivers and impacts of non-native plant species in mountain ecosystems’ (GloNoMo), in collaboration with the Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments (GLORIA ) and the Mountain Invasion Research Network (MIREN ).
Project description
The biodiversity crisis is in part driven by invasive species, yet many non-natives are only recognized as invasive once they are widespread. A key challenge is thus to identify which non-native species may spread into natural ecosystems before their eradication becomes unfeasible. Mountain ecosystems remained comparatively natural and are thought to be only minimally affected, but non-native plants are spreading upslope along roads and trails. However, it remains unknown whether non-native plant species already occur in undisturbed habitats, which species have the potential to spread, which drivers besides roads and trails are decisive, and which species should be classified as invasive. GloNoMo will address these gaps by combining field observations, experiments, and macroecological analyses using so far untapped global monitoring data across all populated continents.
The successful candidate will focus their research on macroecological analyses of the distribution of non-native plant species in mountain ecosystems over space and time. The candidate is expected to collaborate closely with other team members and researchers from other institutions, and contribute to teaching and other research activities of the research group Ecology. Fieldwork is possible but not mandatory.
Applicants should hold a MSc degree in ecology, botany, biogeography, environmental science or related fields. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a self­organized and solution­oriented work attitude. Strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to work in teams and a commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace are essential. Very good written and spoken English is a must. Candidates should be skilled in statistical analyses using R and in handling large datasets. Experience in GIS is a plus.
A fully­funded 4-year PhD position in a dynamic research group in the international and interdisciplinary Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel in Switzerland. You will join a supportive and collaborative working environment, and will be integrated in the international research networks GLORIA and MIREN. Internationally competitive salaries and social benefits are provided according to the rules of the University of Basel, the oldest university in Switzerland. Basel is an international city located at the border to France and Germany and has a high quality of life. A PhD school including courses to improve hard and soft skills, as well as career development opportunities are available.

Contact
We especially encourage applications from women and from persons underrepresented in academic research. Application deadline is 11 October 2026 and only online applications submitted via the recruiting platform will be considered. For specific questions please contact Prof. Dr. Sabine Rumpf ( [emailprotected] )