Two PhD positions in linking plant species coexistence to ecosystem functioning and plant-microbe interactions, at the University of Bern
Applications are invited for two PhD positions, ideally starting in March 2027, to work with Prof. Eric Allan, at the University of Bern in Switzerland.
Understanding the mechanisms determining plant species coexistence and effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning is a key goal of community ecology. Several studies have now linked the two bodies of theory in experiments. However, in naturally assembled communities, many species are transient and unable to stably coexist. We currently know very little about how these transient species affect functioning.
We are looking for two PhD students to work on understanding the effects of transient species on ecosystem functioning. Testing how transient species affect a range of ecosystem functions and whether transient plants affect microbial communities is critical to understanding ecosystem functioning and above-belowground linkages in communities dynamically reassembling following global change.
The PhD students will work on a large grassland field experiment (PaNDiv) near the city of Bern, which manipulates plant diversity and functional composition together with nitrogen addition and pathogen exclusion. The experimental plots will be opened to colonisation and the PhD students will initiate experiments to remove transient species and determine their effects on ecosystem functioning and soil microbial communities. Data collected in the PhD can be linked to large existing datasets from the experiment, particularly a 10-year series of plant cover and biomass and measures of competition between all species and a range of ecosystem functions. The PhD student will further collaborate with Prof Madhav Thakur (University of Bern), Prof Jake Alexander (ETH Zurich), Dr Oscar Godoy (CSIC Seville) and with other PhD students and postdocs on the experiment.
We are seeking highly motivated applicants interested in plant community ecology, coexistence theory and biodiversity-functioning research. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Biology or another relevant discipline, with a good background in ecology. Some previous research experience in ecology, knowledge of ecological theory and good statistical skills are desirable. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are required.
The PhD student will join the community ecology group at the Institute of Plant Sciences in Bern, which offers a stimulating, international research environment and excellent facilities.
Please send your application by email (as a single PDF) to eric.allan@unibe.ch. Applications should include a CV, names and addresses of two references and a one page cover letter outlining your motivation for the position and research interests. Applications will be reviewed from 23rd November 2026 until the position is filled.
We will hold a first round of online interviews in the week beginning 30th November and more in-depth interviews will be held on 17th December, in Bern (if possible for the candidate).
For queries on the application process or more information on the position, please contact Prof. Eric Allan (eric.allan@unibe.ch)
The PaNDiv Experiment in Münchenbuchsee, near Bern in Switzerland. Picture by Hugo Vincent.
You must be logged in to post a comment.