We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with particular interests in biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and global change ecology. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and independent person with a passion for science and nature. Talented students with a degree in biodiversity, ecology, conservation biology, environmental sciences or related fields interested in taking an integrative approach are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants are expected to have research experience with field work (hiking at high-altitude), lab work (e.G., DNA metabarcoding, soil functionality, carbon sequestration), good quantitative skills (i.E., knowledge of R or gis), and be keen to learn experimental and computational techniques. A high level of written and spoken English proficiency is required.

The Research Team links the expertise in alpine botany of the Reference Person (Prof. Marco Caccianiga) with the research experience in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of the Direct Supervisor (Dr. Gianalberto Losapio). Furthermore, it matches with the long-standing studies of the host institution in climate change and mountain environments. The PhD student will develop their own research project while working in a multicultural, diverse, collaborative, and dynamic environment. We provide great opportunities for academic and professional training as well as acquisition of transversal skills. We offer stimuli for developing critical thinking and to become an independent scientist. In all, we are both professional and empathic. We select motivated, experienced, self-organized and passionate students. As we start, we clarify reciprocal expectations and set achievable goals. The student will be guided through the graduate school, will be trained and assigned to specific research subjects with diverse and achievable tasks. They will receive individualized attention and will be advised from the beginning (i.E., from the pilot study and planning data collection) and throughout the whole process (analyzing samples, implementing models, presenting results and writing publications). The PhD student will have many opportunities to develop close collegial relationships with fellow students (two ongoing PhD students), recruited Bachelor and Master students from different courses as well as different collaborator faculties (Prof. Ficetola and Prof. Trombino; Prof. Guisan and Prof. Grand at University of Lausanne; Prof. Schmid and Prof. Bascompte at University of Zurich; Prof. Dirzo at Stanford University).