Postdoc position in mountain ecology

Postdoc position in mountain ecology

100% / March 2022

The research group Ecology at the Department of Environmental Sciences invites applications for a postdoc position in mountain ecology.
Climate change is causing major changes in the physical environment, and these changes may in turn fundamentally alter the functioning of ecosystems. Mountain ecosystems are especially affected as they are warming faster than the global average. This is especially critical as they are comparatively pristine environments, are home to about a quarter of the terrestrial biodiversity and provide important services to humans.
In response, most alpine plant species shifted their ranges upslope over the last decades to track the climatic conditions they are adapted to. However, the majority of species already shifted slower than expected, while warming trends continue to accelerate. In addition, there is considerable variation in the direction and magnitude of species' responses that cannot be solely explained by recent temperature trends.

Your position
The core of your work will be based on a very large and unique Europe-wide database that comprises re-surveys of historical vegetation data since the middle of the 19th century with multiple observations over time. These data will be used to assess temporal dynamics of accrued lags during the last century and to improve future predictions. You will have the opportunity to design your research agenda together with the group and prepare project proposals. The position comprises participation in academic teaching at the University of Basel.

Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a self-organized and solution-oriented work attitude. Applicants should hold a PhD degree in ecology, botany, biogeography, environmental science, computational biology or related fields. Excellent written and spoken English and a proven track record is a must. The successful candidate should have very good skills in statistical analyses and modelling (preferably in R), and handling large data bases. Ability and willingness to join field work campaigns, knowledge of plant species identification, holding a valid driver's license and speaking German are assets.

We offer you
A fully-funded postdoc position for two years (extension for another four years is possible) in a dynamic research group in the international and interdisciplinary Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel in Switzerland. You will join a supportive, collaborative and cooperative working environment in a new research group and will have the opportunity to develop your own research. Salary and social benefits are provided according to the rules of the University of Basel.

Application / Contact
Please upload your application via our online platform.
It should include: a motivation letter (max. 1 page), a CV including publication list with citation numbers, a copy of your PhD degree, the names and contact details of 3 references, and a short description of your research plans (max. 1 page). We especially encourage applications from women and from persons underrepresented in academic research.
Applications will be reviewed from 16th January 2022 on, but the advert will remain open until the position is filled. For further questions please contact Prof. Dr. Sabine Rumpf ([email protected] ).
Apply
www.unibas.ch