Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
The Department of Systems Analysis, Integrated Assessment and Modelling has an opening for a

PhD position in adaptation and ecosystem resilience (m/w/d) 100%

Human activities impose stress upon ecosystems at an unprecedented rate. There is growing concern over the possibility that gradual environmental changes can cause major shifts in the structure and functioning of ecosystems, potentially altering the services that they provide. Such shifts can occur when environmental thresholds are exceeded, causing an ecosystem to tip into a qualitatively very different state. To avoid tipping, ecosystems need high resilience. Despite environmental change can alter both ecological processes and selective pressures, and these processes influence one another, the framework for understanding resilience and predicting the occurrence of tipping phenomena in ecosystems has largely neglected adaptation in response to altered selective pressures. The project ‘A trait-based eco-phenotypic framework for understanding resilience and tipping phenomena in ecosystems’ led by Dr. Catalina Chaparro aims at developing a comprehensive framework of resilience in ecosystems integrating ecological, phenotypic trait, and environmental stress dynamics. 

In this project, the PhD candidate will develop and analyze eco-evolutionary models and datasets to study how adaptation contributes to maintaining resilience in ecosystems. While this is mainly a theoretical and computational research project, it is possible and highly encouraged also to carry out some experimental lab work in collaboration with other departments in Eawag. 

As long as it fits in the general topic of this research position, the PhD candidate will have flexibility in choosing the questions he/she wishes to investigate. Possible questions may be: 
  • How do evolution and phenotypic plasticity interact in response to increasing environmental stress? How does this interaction alter ecosystem resilience? 
  • How do the cumulative and interactive effects of multiple stressors on phenotypic dynamics influence ecosystem resilience? 
  • How does a fluctuating environment influence the short- and long-term dynamics of ecosystems and their resilience? 

The PhD candidate will have these responsibilities: 
  • Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years. 
  • Develop and analyze eco-evolutionary models 
  • Analyze datasets to test model predictions 
  • Discuss your work in our group meetings, incorporate feedback, and give input to others 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated person to learn new skills or explore new topics. Candidates for this position should hold a MSc in the biological sciences or different fields in the natural sciences (e.g., computational, mathematical, earth sciences) with a strong interest in ecology. Experience in programming and mathematical modeling would be an asset. Good communication skills are essential. 

Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions, please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment

Deadline for applications is 15 November 2024 or until the position is filled. Your application should include a cover letter explaining your research background and motivation to apply for this position, a CV, copies of your academic qualifications and contact information for two references. 

For further information, please contact Dr. Catalina Chaparro

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology