PhD Student in Plant Ecology & Tree Physiology

Your position

The key objectives of the advertised PhD project is to understand the physiological, anatomical and morphological responses of mature trees to experimentally induced water limitation. Your tasks will be to assess in the filed how key ecophysiological processes (e.g. stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, water potential, osmotic adjustment), anatomical traits (e.g. vessel diameter, cell size), as well as morphological characteristics (e.g. leaf area, leaf size) respond to the experimental treatments. You will further use state-of-the art statistical tools and models to analyze these data to understand the potential of the different tree species to resist against or acclimate to changes in hydroclimate.

Your profile

We are looking for a dynamic, reliable, and motivated student with M.Sc./Diploma in biology, ecology, forestry, geography or related disciplines. Strong interest in process-oriented research in plant physiology and plant ecology and hands-on experience with ecophysiological instruments, field work and data analysis are beneficial. You need to feel comfortable to work in the gondola of the Swiss Canopy Crane II, 35 m above the ground. A driver license valid in Europe is required. Teamwork within the group and project partners requires advanced spoken and written English language skills.