The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is a part of the ETH domain. Approximately 500 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.
The Research Unit Biodiversity and Conservation Biology investigates the diversity of life in its various forms, from genetic diversity to the diversity of species and ecosystems as well as their interactions. The Research Group “Conservation Biology” is looking, per September 1, 2017, for a PhD student on urban ecology https://apply.refline.ch/273855/0725/pub/1/index.html <https://apply.refline.ch/273855/0725/pub/1/index.html> You investigate the effect of landscape connectivity on taxonomic and functional aspects of arthropod biodiversity in urban environments. You will mainly work with the cavity nesting hymenopterans’ model system using trap nests (also called bee hotels). Other taxonomic groups comprise bats, birds and nocturnal insects. The goal is to test whether biodiversity and host-parasitoid interaction networks change along landscape connectivity gradients in urban areas in Switzerland and five other European countries. You will collaborate with the Department of Environmental Systems Science (Landscape Ecology) at the ETH Zürich and you will publish the results in international scientific journals. You have a master’s degree in biology, environmental science or close related fields. Theoretical and/or empirical knowledge on trait-based approaches in community ecology and practical experience with the trait measurement of in-vertebrates and survey of vegetation structure in the field are desirable. Good knowledge in ArcGIS and quantitative analyses with R, as well as good skills in scientific English writing are essential. You are ready to learn new advanced analytical approaches such as bipartite network analyses and spatial analyses. An autonomous and structured work style and the ability to work in a team are required. A driving license cat. B is necessary. Please send your full application online to Monika Lips, Human Resources WSL. Marco Moretti (marco.more...@wsl.ch, tel. +41 (0)79 237 07 13) and Martin Obrist (martin.obr...@wsl.ch, tel. +41 (0)44 739 24 66), will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. The WSL strives to increase the proportion of women in its employment, which is why qualified women are particularly called upon to apply for this position. Interested candidates should apply online through: https://apply.refline.ch/273855/0725/index.html?cid=1&lang=en <https://apply.refline.ch/273855/0725/index.html?cid=1&lang=en> Martin Dr. Martin K. Obrist ^v^ ^v^ Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL Biodiversity and Conservation Biology CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland MG D 52; +41 44 739 24 66 martin.obr...@wsl.ch www.wsl.ch/fe/biodiversitaet/