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PhD in Social-ecological Modelling and Biodiversity Policy at University of Zurich University of Zurich in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
48-month full-time doctoral position. Funding comes from Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks for 36 months and the University of Zurich for 12 months. Salary is in accordance with Marie Curie Fellowship regulations. Includes international secondments and network training; relocation and integration support is mentioned.
Deadline
Oct 2, 2026
Country
Switzerland
University
University of Zurich

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About this position
Doctoral Candidate (PhD) opportunity at the University of Zurich in the Department of Geography, Switzerland, within the MSCA Doctoral Network ReDiLEEP (Using science-driven Response Diversity knowledge to Leverage Efficient Ecosystem Preservation and restoration).
The project DC12: Opportunities and barriers for implementing response diversity enabled policy focuses on social-ecological modelling, biodiversity policy, ecosystem resilience, and agent-based policy modelling. The doctoral researcher will investigate socio-economic, cultural, and ecological trade-offs when environmental policies prioritize response diversity as a mechanism for resilience. The work includes modelling policy responses, validating agent-based models, and testing governance scenarios in contexts such as the Common Agricultural Policy, Nature Restoration Law, and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
Research keywords include biodiversity, ecological modelling, environmental science, geography, economics, and computer science. The project uses quantitative analysis, simulation, stakeholder-informed research, and policy analysis, with tools such as R, Python, NetLogo, or Julia. The candidate will also engage in network training on reproducible code, data management, machine learning for ecologists, visualization, evidence-based policymaking, and science-policy communication.
Funding is provided for 48 months: 36 months through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks and 12 months through the University of Zurich. Salary follows Marie Curie Fellowship regulations. The position includes 5 months of secondments with academic and non-academic partners, plus relocation and integration support.
Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, must not already have a doctoral degree, must be eligible for doctoral enrolment at UZH, and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule for Switzerland. Strong English and scientific writing skills are required; experience in biodiversity/sustainability policy, spatial modelling, social-science methods, stakeholder engagement, or restoration governance is an advantage.
Deadline: 2 October 2026, 17:00 (Europe/Zurich). Start date: between 1 February and 30 June 2027.
How to apply: Email a single PDF application to Maja Weilenmann with a cover letter, CV, degree certificates/transcripts, MSCA mobility statement, and two referees’ contact details.
Funding details
48-month full-time doctoral position. Funding comes from Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks for 36 months and the University of Zurich for 12 months. Salary is in accordance with Marie Curie Fellowship regulations. Includes international secondments and network training; relocation and integration support is mentioned.
What's required
A Master's degree or equivalent in ecology, environmental science, geography, sustainability science, environmental policy, socio-ecological systems, economics, computational social science, data science, or a closely related field. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree, must be eligible to enroll in a doctoral programme at the University of Zurich, and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or carried out main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the previous 36 months). Strong interest in biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, sustainability policy, and translating ecological science into decision-making is required. Experience with quantitative analysis, modelling, simulation, or programming (preferably R, Python, NetLogo, Julia, or similar) is expected, along with interest in agent-based modelling, behavioural modelling, governance scenarios, stakeholder-informed research, or policy analysis. Excellent written and spoken English and strong scientific writing skills are required; experience with EU biodiversity/sustainability policy, spatial modelling, social-science methods, stakeholder engagement, corporate sustainability reporting, or restoration governance is an advantage.
How to apply
Submit a single PDF application in English by email to Maja Weilenmann. Include a cover letter, CV, degree certificates and transcripts, a statement confirming MSCA mobility-rule eligibility, and contact details of two referees. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in English.
More information can be found here
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