PHD POSITION IN PLANT INVASION ECOLOGY at the University of Bern, Switzerland
We are offering a position for a PhD student to work on the ecology & evolution of invasive knotweeds (Fallopia ssp.). In an SNF-funded collaborative project between the Plant Ecology group (www.botany.unibe.ch/planteco/) at the University of Bern and the CABI Europe-Switzerland Centre in Delémont, he/she will conduct a series of experiments to investigate interactions between knotweeds and native plants, and the roles that allelopathy, soil biota and knotweed hybridisation play in these. In addition, there is room for the student to develop own ideas and experiments. We are looking for an ambitious and creative student with a keen interest in ecology and evolution. You must have a university degree (MSc or similar) in biology or a related discipline, and a good command of English. Previous experience with plant or soil ecology, experimental design or statistics is a plus but not a requirement. The student will be jointly supervised by Oliver Bossdorf (Bern) and Urs Schaffner (CABI). The place of work will be Bern. The position is for 3 years. Preferred starting date is January 1, 2009 (negotiable). Salary and social security will be according to SNF guidelines, i.e. approx. 40.000 CHF/year, with a slight annual rise, plus social security contributions. Bern is a beautiful city with a high quality of life. Please send your application (preferably one PDF by email) as soon as possible to Oliver Bossdorf, Institute of Plant Sciences, Altenbergrain 21, CH-3013 Bern, Switzerland, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Include a CV, names and addresses of at least 2 references, and a short description of your research interests.
