Gabriela Schaepman-Strub

PhD opportunity at the University of Zurich in ecology, earth system science, spatial ecology, species distribution modelling, and Earth system modelling , with a focus on snow and glacial algae in the Arctic . The project, “Darkening the Arctic: Bioalbedo Feedbacks from Snow and Ice Algae” , investigates how snow and glacial algae influence biological albedo reduction and Arctic climate feedbacks. The work combines in situ observations , satellite remote sensing , species distribution modelling , and Earth system modelling to predict current and future distributions under climate-change scenarios. The position is hosted by the research group of Prof. Gabriela Schaepman-Strub at the University of Zurich and is part of an international collaboration with Prof. Alia Khan at the University of Colorado Boulder and other interdisciplinary partners. The group works on Arctic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, especially biosphere-cryosphere-climate feedbacks, using field observations, remote sensing, data synthesis, and process-based modelling. The PhD is suited to candidates with an MSc degree in ecology, environmental/earth system sciences, climate science, cryosphere science, or a related field. Ecological understanding is important, ideally with knowledge of snow/ice microorganisms. Depending on interests and project needs, there may be opportunities to contribute to Arctic fieldwork. The position is fully funded for 4 years and starts on 1 October 2026 . Applications should be submitted as a single PDF including a cover letter, CV, and copies of transcripts and degree certificates. Review of applications starts on 15 August 2026 .

Postdoc opportunity in Arctic Ecology and Conservation at the University of Zurich , Switzerland, in the group of Gabriela Schaepman-Strub (Professor of Earth System Science). The project supports research toward the KM-GBF target 3 (“30x30”) in the terrestrial Arctic. The group works in an international, highly interdisciplinary environment and combines ecology , conservation , spatial ecological analysis , predictive modelling , geobotanical plot data, drone and satellite-based remote sensing, large-scale statistical syntheses, and process-based modelling to study vegetation change and feedbacks in the Arctic system. Applicants should have strong knowledge of theory and concepts in ecology and conservation, and experience in spatial ecological analysis and/or predictive modelling. Interest in co-production of knowledge and interaction with Indigenous representatives is required. The position is at postdoc level (80–100%) for initially 2 years, including a 3-month trial period, with the option for prolongation. Applications should be submitted as a single PDF including a cover letter describing motivation, vision, and contribution to the postdoc topic and group, a CV, and university degrees. Send the application to [email protected] . Review of applications starts on 2026-09-01 . Potential research interests include Arctic biodiversity, vegetation dynamics, conservation planning, remote sensing, ecological modelling, and Indigenous knowledge co-production.