Doctorado sobre cambio climático en los Alpes (Suiza)

The Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, is currently inviting applications
for 1 PhD position in Ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change in the group of Jake
Alexander, starting 1st September 2016 or soon thereafter. The position is funded through the ERC
project “Novel interactions and species’ responses to climate change” (NICH) for 3 years (1 year
contract renewable for 2 additional years, at 100 %).

A great ecological challenge is understanding and predicting the responses of species,
communities and ecosystems to global climate change. Progress will hinge on our ability to predict
how responses are shaped by evolution and species interactions, and especially by entirely novel
interactions among species whose ranges don't yet overlap. Within this project, we aim to test the
ecological consequences of novel competitors for the persistence of alpine plant populations, and
the potential for longer-term evolutionary responses to changing competitive environments.
Furthermore, we will test the ability of functional traits to predict the outcome of novel competitive
interactions, which will feed into process-based models of climate change range dynamics. The
project will combine a range of experimental and modelling approaches, including whole
community transplant experiments and competition experiments along an elevation gradient in
our field sites in the western Swiss Alps.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student holding a Masters degree or equivalent in ecology,
evolutionary biology or another relevant discipline, with a strong interest and expertise in
evolutionary and ecological concepts, (experimental) field ecology and statistics. Excellent scientific
writing skills in English, as well as a driving license, are also required.

The Department of Ecology and Evolution offers a diverse and stimulating working environment,
and Lausanne a city with a high quality of living and ready access to cultural and recreational
activities.

For further information please contact Prof. Jake Alexander by e-mail: jake.alexander@unil.ch

To apply, please submit a cover letter describing your research background and interests. Your
application further includes a curriculum vitae and the contact information of two referees, all
submitted as a single PDF file. Application review will begin on 1st July 2016, and continue until
the position is filled. Please send your application to: jake.alexander@unil.ch