PhD Studentship on Population Genetics and Tropical Forest Ecology

Fully funded PhD studentship offered in the Professorship of Ecosystem

Management, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Title Genetic processes underlying species coexistence in tropical rain

forests: is competition intensity shaped by genetic relatedness?

Start Date probably July 2010

Project This project seeks to explore differences among tree species in gene

flow (by pollen and seed dispersal) in relation to patterns of tree

distribution, and the further implications of differential gene flow and

seed dispersal for seedling competition in the lowland rainforests of

Malaysian Borneo. Ultimately, the research aims to contribute to an

understanding of the mechanisms that maintain tree species diversity in

tropical forests.

The project combines population biology, experimental ecology and

molecular ecology to address questions including:

Collaborators This research will be conducted in collaboration with the

Sepilok Forest Research Centre in Sabah, Malaysia, and the University of

Aberdeen, UK.

Relevance Aside from the scientific interest, the outputs of this

project will be relevant for tropical forest conservation, management and

restoration across Southeast Asia.

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Jaboury Ghazoul (ETH Zurich); Dr. Chris Kettle

(ETH Zurich); and Dr David Burslem (University of Aberdeen)

Requirements We are seeking highly motivated applicants with a desire to

work on tropical forest ecology as part of a dynamic team. You will ideally

have a B.Sc and M.Sc degree, in ecology, evolutionary biology, population

genetics or other related field. Very good spoken and written English are

essential; knowledge of German or Bahasa Malaysia would be advantageous but

not required. Applicants should enjoy working in challenging tropical field

conditions, and also be prepared to spend substantial time in the lab. An

ability to work independently is highly desired, although we place strong

emphasis on cooperation and team work.

Group The Professorship of Ecosystem Management comprises around 25

researchers and staff and has a diverse international composition. Research

within the group tackles a range of topics relating to plant ecology,

conservation and ecosystem management in both temperate and tropical

systems. See our web site for more details (www. ecology.ethz.ch).

Facilities We offer a dynamic and stimulating scientific environment

with world-class facilities, including well equipped genetic and ecological

labs, and access to the newly established ETH Zurich Genetic Diversity

Center. Facilities at the Sepilok Forest Research Centre will support the

ecological work. Technical support will be available for molecular work at

ETH Zurich.

Conditions Three year appointment at ETH Zurich with a starting salary

of CHF 44,000 (gross). The position will be based in Zurich, but will

require extended periods of fieldwork in Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah,

Malaysia.

Application Applications should consist of (1) a letter describing

research interests and reasons for doing a PhD; (2) a full CV, including any

relevant experience; and (3) names, addresses and emails of two referees.

Applications shoule be sent to Ankara Chen by e-mail: chen@env.ethz.ch.

Please quote reference ETHIIRA 2010 in the subject line. Closing date for

applications is 21 April 2010. The position is open to candidates of all

nationalities.

For a more detailed PhD description email Ankara Chen. For other

informal enquiries contact Jaboury Ghazoul (jaboury.ghazoul@env.ethz.ch).