About the Program
A fully funded PhD position in Palaeoecology is available at the University of Bern, Switzerland, as part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) project CIVES: Assessing the environmental context of past urbanization dynamics using sedimentary archives. Supervised by Prof. Willy Tinner at the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research and the Institute of Plant Sciences, this doctoral project investigates the long-term interactions between land use, climate, vegetation, and fire in south-western Greece over the past 3,000 years. Using palynology, macrofossil analysis, sedaDNA, and XRF, the research will reconstruct the environmental context of ancient urbanisation. The project offers fieldwork opportunities in Mediterranean regions and collaboration with institutions in Greece, Italy, and Switzerland, providing an exceptional interdisciplinary training environment for early-career researchers.
Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Bern
- Department/Faculty: Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research and Institute of Plant Sciences
- Supervisor: Prof. Willy Tinner
- Location: Bern, Switzerland
- Start Date (Anticipated): 1 January 2026
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Funding: Fully funded, Swiss National Science Foundation doctoral salary (CHF 47,000–55,000 per year)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master of Science in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Climate Sciences, Earth Sciences, or Quaternary Sciences
Research Focus / Area
- Palaeoecology and Environmental Reconstruction
- Human–Environment Interactions
- Land Use, Vegetation, and Climate Dynamics
- Fire History and Sedimentary Analysis
- Urbanisation Processes in South-Western Greece
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Climate Sciences, Earth Sciences, or Quaternary Sciences
- Specialisation in sedimentary palaeosciences and/or vegetation ecology
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with microscopic and laboratory analyses such as pollen, macrofossils, and sedaDNA
- Fieldwork experience in palaeoecology or environmental research
- Knowledge of Greek and/or Italian language
- Strong academic record and analytical skills
Key Features of the Program
- Interdisciplinary and international research environment
- Fieldwork opportunities in Greece and Mediterranean regions
- Access to advanced palaeoecological laboratories
- Enrolment in the Graduate School of Climate Sciences, University of Bern
- Funding for conferences, workshops, and research travel
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF application by email to willy.tinner@unibe.ch
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter (maximum one page)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcripts
- MSc diploma
- Contact address or reference letter from MSc thesis supervisor
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently open
- Deadline: 28 November 2025
- Start Date: 1 January 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Bern
- Official Notification: Institute of Plant Sciences – Palaeoecology Research
- Application Portal: click here
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