100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Forest Resources Management (FORM) at ETH aims to maximise forest utilities for humans today and in the future. With this vision in mind our research is centred around the development of impact oriented new approaches to inventory our forest resources, decision support systems to manage our forests sustainably under risk, and translating our findings to policy and practice.
Project background
Forest ecosystems are increasingly exposed to risks. Climate extremes increase in frequency and severity and impact forest functions and ecosystem services. Accordingly, our forecasts of what to expect from forests when it comes to resources available for human consumption or the availability of forest ecosystem services need to consider these unknowns.
While select risks are considered in almost every attempt to forecast forest development today, three main shortcomings still exist: 1) reliance on past observations for probability-based assessments, 2) neglect of extreme events, and 3) a disregard for the complex interactions between risk factors.
Mathematical theories such as the Dragon King claim that extreme events may be generated by mechanisms such as positive feedback, tipping points, and phase transitions in nonlinear and complex systems, making them potentially predictable with a deep understanding of system dynamics. This project will improve the integration of risk into forest models by investigating the mechanisms underlying extreme events and cascading effects of natural disturbances in forests and exploring suitable approaches to effectively detect and consider them in forest management.
Job description
- You will gain in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms underlying cascading effects and extreme events in forests, find suitable data to test your theories, and will drive the development of solutions that may change how we manage our forests.
- You will explore how concepts such as the Dragon king theory offer potential solutions for improving the integration of risk into forest models.
- You will publish your research findings in journal articles and present them at national and international conferences.
- You will contribute to and participate in various FORM group activities, including related research and teaching activities.
Your profile
- You hold a MSc in forestry, environmental science, geography, mathematics, stats or a similar field.
- You enjoy programming and have experience with Python in data analysis and/or numerical modelling.
- You are enthusiastic to learn about forest dynamics, natural disturbances, climate change, and the processes shaping patterns in forested landscapes.
- You have good oral and written communication skills in English, German is an advantage.
- You are highly committed, creative, and motivated to learn new skills.
- You enjoy working in an open, diverse, and interdisciplinary team.
Your workplace
Your workplace
We offer
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 websiteto find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your complete application, including:
- A letter of motivation, no more than 2 pages in length, describing your motivation to apply for this position, reasons for pursuing a PhD with the FORM group at ETH Zurich, and how you meet the qualifications listed above.
- A full CV.
- Academic certificates and transcripts (BSc and MSc).
- Name and contact information of 3 references.
The desired starting date is April 2024, an alternative starting date can be discussed.
Screening of applications will start on February 15, and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
All documents must be in PDF format and uncompressed. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal.
Further information on our research group is available at our Website . For further questions regarding the position, please contact [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.
Similar Positions
-
Doctoral Candidate (Ph D) (65%; D/F/M) , Technical University of Munich, Germany, about 19 hours ago
28.03.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal Developing a forest-based Bioeconomy in Germany and Uruguay DE-URY-forest. Project background: This PhD position is part of an ambitious international proje...
-
Ph D Position, Plant Nitrogen Acquisition And Responses To Organic And Mineral Nitrogen, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden, about 7 hours ago
Department of Forest Ecology and Management The department includes about 115 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these shoul...
-
Research Grant (Bi) , Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Portugal, 18 days ago
9 Apr 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra Department DGRH Research Field Agricultural sciences » Forest sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R...
-
Phd Student In Population Dynamics In Norway Spruce (Picea Abies), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden, 14 days ago
Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology The Department of forest genetics and plant physiology is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC, https://www.upsc.se ) which is a centre of exc...
-
Ph D Scholarship Within Modelling Of Evapotranspiration Using Remotely Sensed Data , Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway, about 3 hours ago
3rd May 2024 Languages English English English Are you interested in understanding the impact of treeline expansion on evapotranspiration? PhD scholarship within modelling of evapotranspiration us...
-
Ph D Position In Experimental Cloud Physics, ETH Zürich, Switzerland, about 1 month ago
27 Mar 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company ETH Zürich Research Field Environmental science » Earth science Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Switzerland ...