The division of Conservation Biology investigates the mechanisms involved in the degradation of ecosystems and in the decline of threatened species with the aim to propose conservation guidance for stopping biodiversity erosion, restoring wildlife populations and reinstating functional ecological communities and key ecosystem services.
In one of our research programs we investigate various aspects of bird ecology, with the overarching objective to propose state-of-the-art guidance for implementing sound conservation action plans, in particular in Alpine and farmland ecosystems, and mostly within Switzerland. To this endeavour, we investigate various aspects of birds’ biology, notably their ecological requirements, population dynamics, adaptive potential and responses to environmental change, relying on a wide array of field and analytical techniques.
Tasks
• Contribute to our ongoing research programs, notably on farmland and high-alpine birds, with our project teams
• Develop new conservation research projects of your own, preferentially with vertebrates
• Supervise students at all levels of education, in particular BSc, MSc and PhD candidates
• Lead the analysis of research results and write papers for peer-reviewed outlets
• Active participation in students’ education at all teaching levels
Your profile
Your profile
• Completed PhD degree in ecology, conservation biology or a related field
• Leadership in conservation research on vertebrates, in particular birds, assessed by a good publication record
• Broad biostatistical skills, proficiency with the R platform, remote sensing and geospatial analyses
• Extended knowledge of modelling frameworks such as resource selection functions and modelling of occupancy
and abundance
• Knowledge of conservation concepts, rooted in ecological and evolutionary theory, and ability to translate
research results into conservation policy
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written; knowledge of German and/or French would be an asset
• Ability and willingness to publish scientific papers in high-ranked peer-reviewed journals
We offer
The position is foreseen as an 80-100% employment for two years. The anticipated starting date would be January –
February 2025. The University of Bern is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on
fostering career opportunities for women and disabled persons. The appointed researcher will work in close
collaboration with other members of the Division and external scientific partners.
Application
Application deadline: November 30th.
Please send your application in electronic form as a single PDF-file including a letter of motivation, CV, information for two references and your study certificates to alexandra.depeyer@unibe.ch.
Further information is available from Prof. Dr Raphaël Arlettaz (raphael.arlettaz@unibe.ch).
Interviews will be likely held December 2024.