The Forest Ecology Group at ETH Zurich is seeking a PhD student to examine how forest composition and structure influence ecosystem resilience and resistance to disturbances and future climate change. The Forest Ecology Group is a dynamic interdisciplinary research team that examines both theoretical and applied questions in forest ecology using a combination of empirical and modeling techniques. The overarching aim of the group is to further our understanding of the structure and function of forest ecosystems, with a particular focus on mountain areas such as the European Alps.
Ph.D. student in Landscape Level Forest Structure, Disturbances and Climate Change (70%)
The research is part of the EU Cost Action (EuMIXFOR), which aims to improve our understanding about the proposed benefits of a mixed species forest, and to develop sustainable mixed forest management practices for Europe. The candidate will use empirical forest data provided by other groups within this project, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers from a wide range of fields. Using a landscape-level forest simulation model (LandClim), the PhD student will focus on (1) simulating single-species and mixed-species forest stands to quantify the differences in productivity, ecosystem resistance/resilience and provisioning of ecosystem goods and services; (2) improving the simulation of windstorm damage to trees; (3) identify potential future forest states that are best adapted for continual provisioning of ecosystem goods and services; and (4) analyzing how management can be used transform current single-species forests into mixed forests. The research activities may include improving the relationship between wind, stand structure, and bark beetle spread as well as analyzing how climate change, disturbances and management decisions influence the delivery of ecosystem services at the landscape scale.
Required qualifications include an MSc degree in forest sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, forestry, geography, biology, landscape ecology, or a related field. Candidates should have some experience, or at least a strong interest to learn dynamic modeling techniques and computer programming. Familiarity with object-oriented programming languages such as C# or C++ would be an asset, as would experience using R or similar data/statistical languages.
To apply for this position (in English), send a letter explaining your interests, your CV, diploma transcripts from which the grades are evident, and the names and addresses (including e-mail) of three reference persons. Evaluation of applications will begin on December 15 2013, with a potential start date of February 1 2014. Please submit your application online with attention to: ETH Zurich, Mr. Rolf Oertli, Human Resources, CH-8092 Zürich.
