2 PhD positions in plant ancient DNA research
Within the framework of the SNSF Consolidator grant project ARIaDNA, two 4-year PhD positions are available at the Institute of Plant Sciences and Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research of the University of Bern, Switzerland. ARIaDNA aims to reconstruct how key European tree species responded to past environmental changes, using genetic data from ancient plant remains preserved in lake sediment archives. This work will provide critical insights for predicting future vegetation shifts and inform conservation strategies for alpine ecosystems.
Tasks
As a PhD student you will study forest responses to climate change using innovative paleoecological and paleogenomic methods. The position involves fieldwork such as lake sediment coring in the European Alps, microscopic analyses of pollen and macrofossils, the extraction of ancient DNA in a designated laboratory, and the analysis of paleogenetic data using advanced bioinformatic tools to assess shifts in genetic diversity and identify adaptive genetic traits. The project offers the opportunity to work on the forefront of the rapidly developing field of ancient DNA research and provides an inspiring and interdisciplinary environment for Early Career Scientists. You will present your findings to the public and the scientific community in international conferences and publish your results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. You will be enrolled at the Graduate School of Climate Sciences.
Requirements
You hold a MSc degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Geography, or a related field. Good knowledge in vegetation ecology, molecular biology, and population genetics is desired. You are highly motivated, creative, reliable, resilient, independent, precise and like to work in a team. Preferably, you already have experience in writing scientific articles and possess good communication and organization skills. A good command of English is fundamental. Expertise in (a)DNA extraction, library preparation, NGS genome data analysis and bioinformatic tools (Unix, R, Python) is advantageous.
We offer
You will be working in a young, dynamic, ambitious and international team at a beautiful location in Bern. Employment conditions follow the standards of the University of Bern and the SNSF for PhD students (salary starting at 47 kCHF/year). The position is open from March 2025.
Please send your complete application, including motivation letter, CV, academic record incl. grades, MSc diploma, and reference letter or contact address of your MSc-supervisor as a single pdf file to:
christoph.schwoerer@unibe.ch
. Applications will be reviewed until the 31.12.2024, but further applications might be considered until the position is filled. The University of Bern is committed to diversity and inclusivity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. For further information contact Dr. Christoph Schwörer at the email above or see www.ips.unibe.ch/research/paleo/popdyn/index_eng.htm
l or www.oeschger.unibe.ch
o PhD positions provide a unique chance to contribute to ground-breaking research on forest ecosystems and climate adaptation through an interdisciplinary approach combining fieldwork, laboratory research, and computational modeling. Join us to help shape the future of climate change adaptation strategies for Europe's alpine forests!
