PhD position in Landscape Ecology and Ecosystems Conservation
100% / June 2025
The research group Landscape Ecology and Ecosystems Conservation at the Department of Environmental Sciences invites applications for a PhD position.
Our applied research evaluates how nature and society interact and how environmental policy and ecosystem management can influence both. We use spatially explicit environmental data to understand the distribution of species and ecosystems across geographic areas and over time and how these interact with human uses/impacts.
Your position
We are looking for a motivated PhD student to join our new group. The student will work on an ongoing project in Swiss proglacial ecosystems that seeks to evaluate the responses of biodiversity values after the glacier retreat, as well as to assess the potential synergies and tradeoffs of the conservation of these areas with different human uses. Current developments of the project have focused on two directions: at the local scale, on assessing the diversity of arthropods and how this diversity depends on microclimatic conditions and species traits; at the regional scale, on mapping the current and future distribution of plant species and assessing the provision of associated ecosystem services across proglacial zones. The specific focus of the PhD project within this broad topic will be discussed with the candidate. The project has strong connections to related projects at the University of Bern and Milan (PrioritICE project). The student will be encouraged to collaborate with the teams of these other institutions and will be co-supervised by Prof. Gianalberto Losapio (University of Milan).
Your profile
The candidate must hold a MSc degree in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Ecology, Conservation Biology or related fields and a strong interest in conservation science, ecology and environmental management. Knowledge of alpine habitats, specific taxonomic groups, advanced statistical techniques or spatial tools (GIS analyses) will be an advantage, but it is not a prerequisite. A good command of English is important, while knowledge of French and/or German can be favorable. The project involves fieldwork. The PhD student will contribute to co-supervising MSc projects on the same topic and oversee minor administrative duties.
We offer you
A 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, collaborative and cooperative working environment in a newly established research group. Salary and social benefits are provided according to the rules of the University of Basel.
Please upload your application via our online platform. Applicants should submit a motivation letter describing their interests, experience and relevance for this position (max. 2 page), a CV (including a list of publications when available), a summary of MSc thesis, as well as the details for two referees (name, institutional addresses, email and phone number). We especially encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups in academic institutions. Review of applications will begin as soon as possible, and will continue until the position is filled.
For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Alejandra Morán Ordóñez (alejandra.moranordonez@unibas.ch)
https://alemoranordonez.wordpress.com/
