PhD position on climate change effects on high-alpine flora The research team 'Mountain Ecosystems' at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos (Switzerland) is looking for a PhD student to explore patterns and mechanisms of local plant colonization and extinctions on alpine summits. You will design and conduct vegetation surveys and experiments on mountain summits, aided by a field assistant. Moreover, you will analyze long-term changes in high-alpine flora in relation to local climate change in different mountain regions of Europe, based on a largely existing dataset. You will publish your results in international peer-reviewed journals. The position is fully funded for the duration of the PhD (3 years) and will start in spring 2013.
You have a masters degree in biology, ecology or botany, experience in experimental field work and statistical analyses (particularly in R) and are fluent in English. Field work is weather dependent and requires spatial and temporal flexibility during summer, physical fitness, ability to move securely in alpine terrain, and motivation for long field days. You are a team player, possess good oral and written communication skills, good organizational ability, and are capable of working efficiently. Previous plant identification and mountaineering experience are desirable, and the willingness to rapidly learn the alpine flora an absolute must. Please send your complete application (cover letter, CV with photo, addresses of potential references) using reference number 760 to Ms. Jasmine Zimmermann, Human Resources WSL/SLF. Dr. Sonja Wipf, Tel. +41 (0)81 4170276, [email protected] or Dr. Christian Rixen, Tel. +41 (0)81 4170214, [email protected] will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. To apply online, follow the respective link at the end of the job ad at http://internet1.refline.ch/273855/0233/++publications++/1/index.html. Moreover, we also offer possibilities for Master's Theses on alpine plant or vegetation ecology, for instance in the context of the above topic. Students from any country can apply, and will be co-supervised together with a responsible professor at their home university. Interested students should get in touch with us by sending a short statement of their research interests and CV to Sonja Wipf ([email protected]) or Christian Rixen ( [email protected]). Best regards, Sonja Wipf, PhD Research Associate Scientific Coordinator "Summit Flora Project" WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF Fluelastr. 11 7260 Davos Dorf Switzerland Tel. ++41 (0)81 417 0276 [email protected] http://www.wsl.ch/info/mitarbeitende/wipf/index_EN http://www.wsl.ch/gipfelflora
