Postdoctoral Position in Mountain Macroecology – Basel

About the Position

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Position in Mountain Macroecology. This Position is a part of the ERC project “Global status, trends, drivers and impacts of non-native plant species in mountain ecosystems” (GloNoMo). Supervised by Prof. Sabine Rumpf, this five-year, 70–90% position focuses on macroecological analyses of non-native plant species across mountain ecosystems using a novel global dataset. The role combines fieldwork in the Swiss Alps, advanced data analyses, and collaboration with international networks such as GLORIA and MIREN. Candidates will also contribute to teaching, co-supervise MSc/PhD students, and have the opportunity to develop independent research questions, advancing global understanding of plant invasions and biodiversity trends in mountain habitats.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution: University of Basel
Department: Environmental Sciences
Research Field: Ecology, Macroecology, Environmental Science, Biogeography, Botany
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (70–90%)
Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026
Working Hours: 70–90%
Salary Range: Competitive, according to University of Basel regulations
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Mountain macroecology and biodiversity
Global patterns and drivers of non-native plant invasions
Large-scale ecological data analysis and GIS
Field ecology and plant species identification
Integration of experimental and observational datasets

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Ecology, Botany, Biogeography, Environmental Science, Computational Biology, or related fields
Strong skills in macroecological analyses and handling large datasets
Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork in the Swiss Alps
Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with GIS, project management, and student supervision
Knowledge of plant species identification and experimental ecology
Strong communication, organizational skills, and teamwork orientation

Key Responsibilities

Conduct macroecological analyses of non-native plant species using global datasets
Participate in field campaigns in the Swiss Alps
Collaborate with national and international researchers and research networks
Co-supervise MSc and PhD students
Contribute to teaching and departmental research activities
Develop independent research questions aligned with project goals