Deadline: 10 January 2023:

The Grassland Sciences Group is looking for a reliable, enthusiastic and highly motivated doctoral student with a passion for science to join its team. The preferred starting date is 1 March 2023.

I. Project background

The doctoral project is part of an interdisciplinary project on Feedback between vegetation, carbon, energy, and water cycles in the urban environment (UrbaNature). Within the framework of Switzerland’s Global Climate Observing System and Global Atmosphere Watch programmes, UrbaNature aims to create new knowledge and develop methodologies for observing and simulating the role of vegetation in carbon, energy, and water cycles in the urban environment. Together with colleagues from the University of Basel, the University of Zurich as well as Empa, four doctoral students will collaborate closely, co-supervised by one other leading scientist from the UrbaNature consortium.

II. Job description

The doctoral project will focus on urban plant ecophysiology in the cities of Zurich and Basel. In more detail, the tasks include:

• the quantification of in-situ photosynthesis and transpiration of plant functional groups representative of urban environments,
• the identification of hydraulic strategies of urban vegetation during relevant phenological phases using stable water isotopes, and
• the evaluation of plant ecophysiological responses to the urban environment.

You will work together with the other three doctoral students from the University of Basel, the University of Zurich and Empa, who will focus on urban plant modelling, urban climate modelling, and urban vegetation remote sensing, respectively. The full-time position is funded for 4 years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.

III. Your profile

• Upon starting, you must have a completed Master’s degree in biology, ecology, or environmental sciences, or a closely related science field with experiences in plant ecophysiology, micrometeorology, and/or biogeochemistry.
• You must have very good statistical skills, experience with fieldwork, and programming experience (e.g. in R or Python).
• A good standard of written and spoken English as well as a driver’s license are mandatory.
• Good writing skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are expected.

IV. How to apply?

• To apply, Please, click HERE
• Candidate’s interviews will start mid/end of January 2023.
• Please note that only applications submitted through the online application portal are accepted.
• Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
• For further information about the Grassland Sciences group please visit its website.
• Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr Nina Buchmann by email: [email protected]  (no applications).

V. About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find the university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, they work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.