Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Ecological Stability

Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies

Organisation/Company University of Zurich Department Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies Research Field Biological sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Zurich) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The research group of Owen Petchey at the University of Zurich invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship of up to three years' duration, 100%.

The fellowship provides an opportunity for an early-career researcher to develop and pursue an original programme of research that advances understanding and prediction of ecological stability. Research proposals should align with the group's broad scientific interests, including the development and application of concepts and tools such as response diversity.

The group investigates the determinants of ecological stability in temporal and or spatial dimensions, through a combination of ecological theory, mathematical modelling, experimental ecology, and the analysis of ecological observations and experiments. We are interested in understanding how ecological systems respond to environmental change and in improving our ability to predict ecological dynamics across scales.

About the Fellowship

Unlike project-based postdoctoral positions, this fellowship is intended for researchers who wish to develop and lead their own research programme. Applicants are therefore expected to propose an original research agenda that aligns with the broad scientific interests of the group.

We welcome proposals that contribute to understanding and predicting ecological stability through theoretical, computational, experimental, observational, or interdisciplinary approaches, or combinations thereof.

The fellowship combines substantial intellectual freedom with active mentorship and support. Fellows will shape and pursue their own research programme while benefiting from regular scientific interaction, guidance, and collaboration within the research group and the wider research environment at the University of Zurich.

We are particularly interested in applicants who are motivated by important scientific questions, who enjoy collaborative research, and who can articulate a clear vision for how their proposed work will advance the field.

Fellowship Support

The fellowship is funded for up to three years.

The successful applicant will have access to:

• research funding to support the proposed programme;
• computing resources and analytical resources;
• laboratory facilities and infrastructure within the research group;
• opportunities for collaboration within the University of Zurich and beyond;
• a supportive, inclusive, and collegial research environment.

Projects involving fieldwork and or analyses of local to large scale ecological data are welcome, although such work should be planned, organised, and led by the fellow as part of the proposed research programme.

Projects involving Arctic ecosystems are welcomed, and may be supported through collaboration with Prof. Dr. Gabriela Schaepman-Strub (University of Zurich).

Applicants must have been awarded their PhD no more than four years before the application deadline.

We welcome applications from researchers who can demonstrate:

• creativity and initiative in developing scientific ideas;
• a strong record of research achievement relative to career stage;
• the ability to bring research projects to completion;
• enthusiasm for collaborative and constructive research environments.

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds relevant to ecological stability.

Application Materials

• Contact information for two referees.

The research proposal should describe:

• the scientific questions to be addressed;
• the significance and originality of the proposed research;
• the planned approach and methodology;
• expected outcomes and contributions to the field;
• how the proposed research contributes to advancing understanding and prediction of ecological stability.
• career objectives and the major steps and milestones required during the fellowship to achieve these;

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• the applicant's research achievements and contributions relative to career stage;
• the quality, originality, feasibility, and scientific significance of the proposed research programme;
• the fit of the proposed programme with the fellowship theme;
• evidence of creativity, initiative, and the ability to translate ideas into impactful research.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Zurich / Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies Country Switzerland Geofield