2 PhD positions in Quaternary Palaeoecology / chironomid-based climate reconstruction University of Basel in Switzerland

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel is offering two PhD positions in Quaternary Palaeoecology, focusing on chironomid-based climate reconstruction. These positions are part of the interdisciplinary SNF research project ECO-ICE, which aims to resolve key questions about the survival and expansion of warm-adapted ecosystems and organisms during and after the Quaternary Ice Ages. The project will collect, analyze, and interpret new lake sediment records from refugial localities covering the Last Glacial Maximum, providing a revised assessment of temperate tree populations in Europe and their response to major climatic variations.

Successful candidates will develop high-resolution palaeoecological records of aquatic invertebrate assemblage change, with a particular focus on chironomid (non-biting midge) larvae. Using these sensitive temperature indicators, students will produce quantitative reconstructions of glacial temperatures through multivariate statistical methods. Results will be compared with other temperature reconstructions, palaeobotanical records, and vegetation modelling scenarios developed by project partners. This research is essential for developing new palaeoclimate scenarios for ice age Europe, understanding ice age ecosystems, and reassessing the refugia and postglacial expansion of temperate trees.

The PhD students will collaborate closely with six other PhD candidates at the Universities of Basel and Bern, contributing to fieldwork across Western, Central, and Southern Europe, sedimentological analyses, and dating of ice age lake sediment records. They will produce records of fossil chironomid assemblage change, identify aquatic invertebrate remains under the microscope, and develop ecological and numerical interpretations. The main responsibility will be developing palaeoecological temperature records at key project sites and contributing to the overall interpretation of project results.

These positions are funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) for four years, with salaries following SNF guidelines. Applicants should hold an MSc in Earth or Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography, Ecology, Quaternary Science, Paleoecology, or a related field. Experience in paleolimnology, palaeoecology, limnology, microfossil analysis, and/or sediment work is advantageous. Candidates must be motivated to conduct fieldwork abroad, possess good English language skills, and demonstrate strong communication and organizational abilities. Willingness to take responsibility for individual subprojects and motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team environment are essential.

Applications should include a letter of motivation, CV, copies of academic qualifications, and contact details for three referees, submitted via the online recruiting platform. The first evaluation of applications will start on April 24 and continue until the positions are filled. For enquiries, contact Prof. Dr. Oliver Heiri ([email protected]). More information about the Geoecology group can be found at https://duw.unibas.ch/en/research-groups/geoecology. The project aims to start by July 1, 2026.