PhD opportunity on modelling multi-trophic interactions in biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships at the University of Bern Institute of Plant Science, Switzerland

 Fully Funded PhD Position in modelling multi-trophic interactions

Application Deadline: 2 April 2024

Country: Switzerland

Are you passionate about unravelling the intricate relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and the impact of multitrophic interaction? Here’s your chance to embark on an exciting academic journey at the University of Bern, with collaborations in Zürich and Paris!

Position: Full-time PhD studentship for 4 years

Salary: Standard SNSF salary for doctoral students

Starting Date: September 1, 2024

Location: University of Bern, Institute of Plant Science

The idea:

This PhD project will be part of a bigger project, which aims to understand the context-dependency of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships with a primary focus on multitrophic interactions, eutrophication and spatial processes and scales.

The successful PhD candidate will investigate the role of multitrophic interactions and eutrophication in shaping biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships, thereby contributing to advancing our understanding of the intricate connections within ecosystems. Your research will play a pivotal role in addressing fundamental questions and fostering a mechanistic comprehension of these dynamic relationships.

The project:

This PhD opportunity combines state-of-the art computational tools to conduct computer simulations and theoretical modelling. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a large-scale field experiment (PaNDiv experiment, https://allanecology.com/projects/pandiv/) with some collection of data.

By combining two large datasets of plant-animal interactions, you will develop a trait-based plant-herbivore network model and incorporate it into bioenergetic allometric trophic network models. With this model, you will simulate food-web dynamics and use both, simulated and empirical data to understand biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships.

The environment:

The PhD student will work closely with Dr Remo Ryser and Prof. Eric Allan. They will join the dynamic community ecology group (https://allanecology.com/) at the Institute of Plant Sciences in Bern, which offers a stimulating, international research environment and excellent facilities (http://www.ips.unibe.ch/).

The institute offers great personal development opportunities, a large postgraduate community, and a lively and inclusive academic environment with regular interdisciplinary discussions and research seminars, which build a strong foundation for your academic and professional growth. Working location will be at the Botanical Garden in Bern.

Desired Qualifications:

MSc in Biology or other project-related science

Interest in and basic knowledge of species interactions and ecological networks

Enthusiasm for answering general scientific questions

A keen interest in mathematics with solid programming skills in R plus some experience with C++, Julia or similar

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

Excellent communication and writing in English and teamwork abilities. There will be an opportunity to visit the lab of Prof. Elisa Thé bault in Paris for several weeks.

Application Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed from April 2nd, 2024, until the position is filled.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV, a covering letter (outlining your motivation for the position, research interests and relevant experience), academic transcript, and contact information of two references to

remo.ryser88@gmail.com

Questions can be directed to Dr Remo Ryser.

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