Two Doctoral Positions in Tropical Forest Ecology and Restoration
Join ETH Zurich to investigate how animal communities shape tropical forest regeneration and carbon recovery.
Best for:Best for life science and ecology graduates with a background in tropical ecosystems and quantitative data analysis in R or Python.
Overview
The Species Interactions and Ecosystem Health group at ETH Zurich offers two fully funded doctoral positions within the SNSF Starting Grant project AniCaRes. The researchers will examine the role of animals in carbon sequestration and forest restoration across Panama and Brazil. Project 1 focuses on seed dispersal and mycorrhizal fungi in Panama, while Project 2 investigates herbivory and seedling survival in Brazil. Successful candidates will engage in extensive tropical fieldwork, molecular ecology, and quantitative data analysis.
What you'll do
- Conduct extensive tropical fieldwork in Panama and Brazil.
- Execute field experiments, exclusion studies, and vegetation surveys.
- Perform molecular laboratory work, including DNA metabarcoding and eDNA analysis.
- Analyze ecological data using R and/or Python.
- Contribute to scientific publications and present research findings.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in ecology, biology, environmental sciences, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent written and spoken proficiency
Instruction: English
- Strong background in quantitative ecological research and tropical ecosystems
- Experience with data analysis in R and/or Python
- Ability and willingness to conduct extended fieldwork in tropical environments
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international team
- Hold a recognized Master's degree prior to appointment
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-10
Submit your application through the online application portal by the specified deadline. Include a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation indicating your project preference, academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Emailed or postal submissions will not be reviewed.
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- 2 reference contacts
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.