About the Program
The University of Basel is offering a fully-funded PhD position in Global Change Ecology within the ERC project “Global status, trends, drivers and impacts of non-native plant species in mountain ecosystems” (GloNoMo). This exciting opportunity, supervised by Prof. Sabine Rumpf, combines fieldwork, experimental research, and data-driven analyses to explore the spread and ecological impact of non-native plants in mountain ecosystems. The research includes participation in field campaigns in the Swiss Alps, growth and competition experiments in Basel, and collaborative work with international networks such as GLORIA and MIREN. This interdisciplinary position bridges ecology, biogeography, and environmental science, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge global change research while gaining hands-on experience in field ecology, macroecology, and statistical modelling.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Basel
- Department/Faculty: Department of Environmental Sciences, Ecology Research Group
- Supervisor: Prof. Sabine Rumpf
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Start Date (Anticipated): April 2026
- Duration: 3-4 years
- Funding: Full ERC-funded PhD scholarship
- Working Hours: 38 hrs/week
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in ecology, botany, biogeography, environmental science, or related fields
Research Focus/Area
- Global change ecology
- Non-native plant species spread and impacts
- Mountain ecosystems and biodiversity
- Field ecology and ex situ experiments
- Macroecology and data-driven ecological analyses
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in ecology, botany, biogeography, environmental science, or related discipline
- Strong command of written and spoken English
- Ability to conduct statistical analyses in R
- Capability to perform fieldwork in the Swiss Alps
- Plant species identification skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with ex situ experiments and growth/competition studies
- Knowledge of demographic modelling or large ecological datasets
- Valid driver’s licence
- Strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills
Key Features of the Program
- Hands-on field campaigns in the Swiss Alps
- Ex situ plant growth and competition experiments
- International research collaboration through GLORIA and MIREN
- Access to advanced laboratory facilities and ecological datasets
- Opportunities to contribute to teaching and interdisciplinary research
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online via the University of Basel recruiting platform.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Short description of previous research project (max. 0.5 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of MSc degree
- Contact details of 3 academic references
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 3 October 2025
- Deadline: 9 November 2025
- Interviews (if applicable): To be confirmed by the department
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Basel
- Official Notification: Academic Positions – University of Basel
- Application Portal: Apply Online
