PhD Position in Chemical Ecology at ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is offering a 48-month PhD position in Chemical Ecology for an early-stage researcher (ESR) in the area of sustainable land-use change.

This PhD Position is available for the academic session 2021-2022.

Summary

Project Description

Within the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 847585

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate working on an innovative project that aims to integrate functional traits (plant volatile organic compounds, VOCs) and network ecology to develop novel methods to explore the mechanisms on plant-insect formation interactions in ecological communities. The project’s two main components are (1) Empirical studies where we will conduct fieldwork to build plant-insect interaction networks and collect and analyse plant scent; and (2) theoretical work where we will create a conceptual framework and test it with field data.

A planned secondment of 10-month at Office for Nature and Environment Grisons (Amt für Natur und Umwelt Graubünden) in Canton Grisons (Switzerland) is part of this project. During this secondment, the ESR will involve in transferring scientific knowledge to policymaking and the public. To achieve this, the ESR will be working closely with Office for Nature and Environment Grisons to generate a factsheet on concrete strategies for habitat and ecosystem conservation with newly gained scientific knowledge from the project and attend policy-related governmental meetings and public outreach.

The anticipated results/outcomes of this project are (1) deliver mechanistic insights into the assembly of ecological networks in ecosystems; (2) generate new methodologies and approaches of quantitative tools to tackle the big challenge of predictability in environmental research; (3) open up new directions of effective strategies for sustaining ecosystem services. They will be communicated in /shared with scientific communities, governmental offices and the public.

Benefit

We are offering an exciting position at the interface of science and policy. While working in an international, interdisciplinary and innovative research environment at ETH Zurich, the ESR will be jointly co-supervised by the Biocommunication group at ETH Zurich and the Office Nature and Environment Grisons. 

The full 48 months will be under a 100% working contract.

The PhD salary follows ETH Zurich’s regulations and will be according to EU regulations for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researchers. The monthly gross salary will not be lower than CHF 3920.

The successful candidate will be enrolled and will have a working contract at ETH Zurich. He/she will work in Switzerland. The secondment will take place in the Office for Nature and Environment Grisons.

Expected starting date of the working contract: 01.10.2021.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is July 01, 2021 

Eligibility Criteria

To perform successfully, potential candidates should enjoy working on a cutting-edge and interdisciplinary project and communicating scientific knowledge to the public and policymaking.

Candidates should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in ecology, evolutionary biology, chemical ecology, mathematics or a related field and enjoy working both in field sites to collect empirical data and on computers to build mathematical models.

Chemical collection and analytical skills, and/or programming skills (in R/Python/Julia) are a plus. Good writing and communication skills are also essential.

Early-stage researcher in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers, including the period of research training, starting at the date of obtaining the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the initial training activities are provided.

At the time of recruitment (for call 4 = July 1, 2021) by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months the three years immediately before the reference date.

Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

Application Process

For submitting your online application: https://join.lszgs.uzh.ch/ (select PhD Program Science and Policy).

The online application should contain all information, as indicated by the application portal.

Moreover, the following documents have to be uploaded under “further documents”: 1) one letter of motivation to join a) the RESPONSE Doctoral Programme and b) to apply for the specific position (ESR 25) or multiple positions, 2) a comprehensive tabular CV, and 3) transcripts of records.

If you apply for more than one RESPONSE position, please refer to them in your letter of motivation. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

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