PhD positions in Ecosystem modelling of plant-soil feedbacks

Develop a model-data integration framework: Using data from many experiments with two North Carolina grassland species, you will develop and validate a mathematical model that describes how the soil community builds up over time, and how these soil dynamics affect the two plant species. Extend this framework to multiple species: Using data from experiments that will be conducted with six Kansas grassland species, and recent theoretical advances to describe community-level plant-soil feedbacks, you will extend the applicability of the framework to more than two species. Integrate findings with community-level models of plant-soil feedback: You will integrate the framework with the findings of the other PhD student project, which focuses on describing the consequences of plant-soil feedback on plant community dynamics. Model the benefits of plant community diversity for ecosystem functioning: Using data from a long-term biodiversity field experiment, you will parameterize a model in which plant community dynamics are structured by plant-soil feedbacks. Model analysis will focus on how plant community diversity is created and maintained by plant-soil feedback, and how this affects ecosystem functions such as productivity. Model impacts of dispersal limitation on biodiversity and ecosystem function: You will study to what extent previously unexplained trends in the experimental data can be modelled by incorporation of dispersal constraints and their impact on plant-soil community interactions and plant competition. Integrate findings with dynamical soil community models of plant-soil feedback: You will integrate the multi-species model framework that includes dispersal constraints with the findings of the other PhD student project, which focuses on describing the consequences of plant-soil feedback on long-term dynamics. For both PhD positions, the findings of each of the three tasks are expected to be reported in three scientific articles. These articles will then form the basis of the PhD thesis, and an education module for Swiss and American high school students, which will be developed by the PIs and the project's outreach coordinator.

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education.

• Enthusiastic about discovering new explanations for real-world ecological phenomena through mathematical model development, analytical analyses and simulations.

• A Masters of Science (MSc) or equivalent degree from an accredited academic institution, in Environmental & Earth System Science, Geo- & Environmental Physics, Computational & Mathematical Biology, Ecology & Evolution, or related fields.

• Experience in developing and analysing ecosystem models, using (symbolic) coding languages such as MATLAB, Python, Fortran, Julia, Mathematica and/or R.

• Experience with statistical data analysis using open and reproducible methods

• Motivated to collaborate with project team members including field ecologists, and to participate in ecological experiments and field data collection.