PhD in Ecology (up to 4 years) 80 %

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Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting a series of experiments using microbial predator-prey communities within controlled laboratory settings. Utilizing a 3D tracking system, high-resolution and high-throughput measurements of both individual behavior and functional responses will be facilitated. This comprehensive data collection aims to test hypotheses regarding variations in functional response shapes and will aid in the parameterization of a model that relates functional responses to underlying movement behaviors in collaboration with partners at the University of Amsterdam. This role involves regular visits and exchanges between the University of Zurich and the University of Amsterdam.

Profile

• Master's Level Degree in Ecology or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of ecological concepts and theories, especially in movement ecology, community stability, species interactions, and food webs.
• Experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing ecological experiments.
• Proficiency in scientific writing.
• Effective project management skills.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently.
• Prior laboratory experience with microbial systems and a keen interest in quantitative approaches (including statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, and programming) and method development (particularly 3D tracking) are advantageous.