Postdoctoral Researcher: The role of soil microbes in plant invasions and ecosystem restoration

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are seeking an excellent postdoctoral researcher to join the Global Microbial Ecology Group in the Crowther Lab at ETH Zürich. The postdoctoral researcher will lead (1) a global scale analysis of plant invasion, testing for the role of mycorrhizal filtering and (2) participate in a large collaborative effort across Europe and the Tropics to track restoration of the belowground microbiome. The work is flexible and can be tailored based on interests of the selected candidate, but will encompass metabarcoding, analysis of large datasets, publishing related findings, and coordinating larger team communications.

Job description

Research focused on the structuring of plant communities has historically overlooked the role of belowground microbes, particularly mutualists. However, emerging work points to the critical importance of plant-associated microbes in determining outcomes of individual plants as well as in shaping plant community composition and function. This project aims to understand the role of these plant-associated microbes in driving global plant invasion as well as the natural recovery of plant communities post-abandonment. In particular, we aim to (1) test the role of mycorrhizal fungi – a ubiquitous plant mutualist – in serving as a dispersal filter to plant invasion worldwide across greater than 2 million census plots and (2) explore the restoration of the belowground microbiome during abandonment of agricultural and managed forests leveraging several hundred chronosequences across Europe and the Tropics. The position will begin as a one-year contract, with the expectation of extension for a second year pending evaluation of the first year.

Your profile

The candidate should have

• a PhD in ecology, biology, or related field
• an interest in plant-associated microbes, plant invasions, and ecosystem restoration
• demonstrated skills working with large datasets
• a strong publication record

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

We are an interdisciplinary team of scientists studying ecosystems at a global scale to understand the relationships between biodiversity and climate change. Our work is helping create the scientific foundation for ecosystem restoration, informing and empowering people to protect and restore Earth’s biodiversity to fight climate change and improve human well-being.

The expected starting date will be April 1, 2024, but a later start date may be possible. ETH follows a fixed rate salary band for postdoctoral researchers; more information can be found here. All research costs will be covered by existing funding.

chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity

In line with

our values

, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our

Equal Opportunities and Diversity website

to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

Please email your application documents, including

• a curriculum vitae
• 1-pagecover letter
• names and contact details of two references 

Review of applications will begin on Jan 15, 2024. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Camille Delavaux ([email protected]).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our 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, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.