PhD in tropical ecology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Project: The consequences of tropical forest fragmentation for biotic
interactions maintaining plant diversity.

Start Date: January 2014

Summary: Interactions between plants and their pathogens and insect
herbivores are crucial for maintaining plant diversity. However, the
potential for anthropogenic environmental change to disrupt these processes
are poorly understood. This project will seek to evaluate the effects of
forest fragmentation on plant-insect and plant-pathogen interactions and the
possible implications for plant biodiversity in human-modified landscapes.

Location: ETH Zurich, Switzerland, with fieldwork in Kodagu, India.

Primary affiliation: Ecosystem Management, Institute of Terrestrial
Ecosystems.

Supervisors: Dr Robert Bagchi and Prof. Jaboury Ghazoul (Ecosystem
Management, ETH Zurich),

Requirements: We are seeking highly motivated applicants with a desire to
work on tropical forest ecology. Tropical field work experience would be
advantageous, and applicants must be prepared to spend substantial time
doing field-based work (approx. 4-6 months per year). Essential requirements
for a successful application include:
1. Good B.Sc and M.Sc degrees in ecology or environmental science.
2. Very good spoken and written English; knowledge of German or Kannada
would be advantageous but are not necessary.
3. Excellent quantitative and statistical skills; familiarity with
experimental design is desirable.

Group: The Professorship of Ecosystem Management comprises around
20 researchers and staff and has a diverse international composition.
Research within the group tackles a range of topics relating to plant
ecology, conservation and ecosystem management. See our web site for more
details (www.ecology.ethz.ch).

Conditions: Three year funded appointment within the Professorship of
Ecosystem Management (Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH
Zurich). The position is funded at the ETH Zurich PhD student salary scale.
The student will be based in Zurich, with extended periods of fieldwork in
Kodagu, India. The PhD students might be required to do some course work at
ETH Zurich as partial fulfillment of the PhD requirements.

Application: Please apply online at
http://internet1.refline.ch/845721/2670/++publications++/1/index.html.

You will need to upload the following documents with your application: (1) a
1 page letter of motivation describing your research interests and reasons
for doing a PhD on this topic; (2) a full CV, including any relevant
experience; and (3) names and addresses of two referees.

Closing date for applications is 2 September 2013. The position is open to
candidates of all nationalities, although applicants from India are
particularly welcome. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed in late
September. Travel expenses up to 200 CHF will be available for interviewed
candidates from Europe. Skype interviews are possible for candidates outside
Europe.

For informal enquiries contact Dr Robert Bagchi
(robert.bagchi@usys.ethz.ch).