Doctoral Student: Range Shifts of Mountain Plants
The Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich is offering a doctoral position on why mountain plant species are not shifting their ranges quickly enough to keep pace with climate change. The project is based in the Plant Ecology Group at ETH Zürich, Switzerland, under the supervision of Prof. Jake Alexander, and involves close collaboration with the Hargreaves Lab at McGill University, Canada, led by Prof. Anna Hargreaves.
This PhD project tackles an important question in climate change ecology: why do many species fail to track changing conditions even when the need to move is clear? The research focuses on mountain plants and aims to uncover the demographic and ecological mechanisms that constrain shifts in high-elevation range limits. The wider project combines global standardized experiments across six continents through the Mountain Invasion Research Network (MIREN) with detailed work in the Swiss Alps and the Canadian Rocky Mountains, creating a strong comparative framework for understanding range-shift lags across ecosystems.
The doctoral student will design and run field transplant and greenhouse experiments, collect and analyse ecological data, and quantify plant demography and long-distance seed dispersal by animals. There is also room to develop additional research questions within the broader theme of range shifts and climate-driven ecological change. The role includes broader departmental and group responsibilities such as teaching, outreach, and lab activities.
Applicants should have an MSc in ecology or a related field, strong motivation, excellent organization, experience or demonstrated ability in statistical modelling and R, and strong scientific writing skills. The project particularly values candidates who enjoy fieldwork, can work independently and in teams, and are comfortable with extended periods outdoors, including in remote mountain settings. Additional helpful experience includes ecological field and greenhouse research, plant identification, propagation, and trait measurements, as well as a valid driver’s license.
ETH Zürich highlights its Plant Ecology Group’s research environment, which includes work on plant community ecology, biological invasions, phenology, forest regeneration, and community science, with collaborations across ETH, the University of Zürich, WSL, EAWAG, and international partners. The project offers opportunities for collaboration and possibly research stays at McGill University. The position is located in Zürich, with strong access to alpine field sites and a vibrant international research environment.
Applications must be submitted online as a single combined application package. Required documents include a cover letter written in the applicant’s own words without generative AI, a resume/CV with education and research experience, MSc degree certificate if available, and transcripts from BSc and MSc studies. Questions about the position should be sent to Jake Alexander at [email protected], but applications will not be accepted by email. The review process begins on 17 August, interviews are expected in September, and a decision is anticipated in October. The preferred start date is January 2027.
