Doctoral student SNSF in Species distribution modelling

L'Université de Lausanne est une institution internationale de recherche. Rejoignez un environnement dynamique et multiculturel.

Tâches

• Participer au projet FutureSpecies.CH sur la biodiversité en Suisse.

• Effectuer des recherches sur la colonisation des nouvelles espèces.

• Collaborer avec des partenaires et des parties prenantes en conservation.

Compétences

• Master en écologie ou domaine connexe, compétences en modélisation.

• Connaissances en conservation et modélisation spatiale.

• Compétences en programmation, GIS et analyses statistiques.

Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a leading international teaching and research institution, composed of seven faculties where approximately 17,000 students and nearly 5,000 collaborators, professors, and researchers work and study, split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Since 2019, UNIL has a collaboration agreement with the headquarter of the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) in Gland near Lausanne and was recently ranked within the top academic institutions in Switzerland on sustainability issues.

Presentation

Our ECOSPAT group (www.unil.ch/ecospat) is part of UNIL’s Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST; www.unil.ch/idyst), a vibrant multidisciplinary institute including ten research groups in a large variety of disciplines around changes in climate, biodiversity, soil and water. ECOSPAT is specialized in spatial ecology and biogeography, with a particular focus on species distribution modelling, mountain environments, and applications to biodiversity conservation.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 1st November 2025 or upon agreement

Interviews (if application is selected): 25 and 26 August 2025

Contract length : 1 year, renewable up to a maximum of 4 years in total

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : University of Lausanne, Dorigny campus, Geopolis building, Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics

Your responsibilities

The position is included in the FutureSpecies.CH project funded by the Swiss national research program 82 (NRP82) on biodiversity and ecosystem services in Switzerland (www.nfp82.ch). NRP82 seeks “to understand the challenges facing, and opportunities offered by, biodiversity and ecosystem services, and to develop practical solutions for their conservation and sustainable use”. FutureSpecies.CH will assess (i) which species will enter Switzerland under climate change, including statistical and dynamic modelling, and (ii) the implications of these new species for law, policy and practice.

The PhD position advertised here is related to point (i) above, i.e. anticipating the colonization by newcomer species. A second PhD position related to point (ii) is advertised separately by the Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration (FDCA). The two PhD candidates are expected to collaborate together and with the entire project team, as well with a wider range of stakeholders involved in conservation biology in Switzerland.

80% of the working time will be devoted to PhD research; the remaining time will be allocated to teaching and other institutional activities (e.g., spatial analysis and modelisation practical work, attend committees, seminars, lab meetings, contribution to IDYST's events, etc.).

Your qualifications

In order to complete our team, we are looking for someone with the following qualifications and skills:

• Master in Ecology, Biogeography, Conservation, Landscape Ecology, Environmental Sciences or equivalent

• A good knowledge and understanding of biological conservation (including IUCN criteria) and spatial modelling

• At least basic skills in programming, GIS, statistics, spatial analyses, numerical simulations. Experience in species distribution modelling will be a clear advantage

• Interest in applying conservation in Switzerland and interacting with a variety of stakeholders

• Very good knowledge of English; Ability to speak French and potentially German would be an advantage.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Ideally situated along the lake of Geneva, near Lausanne's city center, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities and hosts many facilities, including a theatre and large set of sports infrastructures and clubs (for skiing, sailing, etc).

Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

More information on www.unil.ch/carrieres

Contact for further information

Prof. Antoine Guisan, E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline : 15.08.2025

Please, send your full application in Word or PDF via the online platform. Your application file should a minima include:

• A Cover letter

• Your CV

• Copy of diplomas

• A recent publication or your Master's thesis

Only applications through this website will be taken into account. We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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