PhD position in global change ecology

Employment rate: 100% | Duration: 4 years | Starting date: March 2027

The research group Ecology at the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel in Switzerland invites applications for a PhD position within the ERC project ‚Global status, trends, drivers and impacts of non-native plant species in mountain ecosystems‘ (GloNoMo), in collaboration with the Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments (GLORIA) and the Mountain Invasion Research Network (MIREN).
Project description
The biodiversity crisis is in part driven by invasive species, yet many non-natives are only recognized as invasive once they are widespread. A key challenge is thus to identify which non-native species may spread into natural ecosystems before their eradication becomes unfeasible. Mountain ecosystems remained comparatively natural and are thought to be only minimally affected, but non-native plants are spreading upslope along roads and trails. However, it remains unknown whether non-native plant species already occur in undisturbed habitats, which species have the potential to spread, which drivers besides roads and trails are decisive, and which species should be classified as invasive. GloNoMo will address these gaps by combining field observations, experiments, and macroecological analyses using so far untapped global monitoring data across all populated continents.

Your position

The successful candidate will focus their research on macroecological analyses of the distribution of non-native plant species in mountain ecosystems over space and time. The candidate is expected to collaborate closely with other team members and researchers from other institutions, and contribute to teaching and other research activities of the research group Ecology. Fieldwork is possible but not mandatory.

Your profile

Applicants should hold a MSc degree in ecology, botany, biogeography, environmental science or related fields. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a self-organized and solution-oriented work attitude. Strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to work in teams and a commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace are essential. Very good written and spoken English is a must. Candidates should be skilled in statistical analyses using R and in handling large datasets. Experience in GIS is a plus.

We offer you

A fully-funded 4-year PhD position in a dynamic research group in the international and interdisciplinary Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel in Switzerland. You will join a supportive and collaborative working environment, and will be integrated in the international research networks GLORIA and MIREN. Internationally competitive salaries and social benefits are provided according to the rules of the University of Basel, the oldest university in Switzerland. Basel is an international city located at the border to France and Germany and has a high quality of life. A PhD school including courses to improve hard and soft skills, as well as career development opportunities are available.

Application / Contact
Please upload your application via our online platform. It should include: a motivation letter stating your research interests, fit to the profile and motivation for applying for the position (max. 1 pages); a short description of a research project you were involved in (e.g. your MSc project) stating its rationale, major outcome and your contribution (max. half a page); a CV; a copy of your MSc degree, and the contact details of 3 references including your relation to them. We especially encourage applications from women and from persons underrepresented in academic research. Application deadline is 11 October 2026 and only online applications submitted via the recruiting platform will be considered. For specific questions please contact Prof. Dr. Sabine Rumpf (sabine.rumpf@unibas.ch).

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