Open PostDoc position

The Physiological Plant Ecology group is looking for a PostDoc in Stable Isotope Physiology and Global Change Ecology (80%, start in spring 2019)

The Physiological Plant Ecology group (Prof. Kahmen) of the University of Basel investigates the ecophysiological processes in plants that determine the fluxes of water, nitrogen and carbon in natural and agricultural ecosystems. The goals of our research are to understand how plants operate in the context of their environment and to reveal how plants shape the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. The open position is within the ERC project HYDROCARB, where we seek to determine the potential of stable isotope ratios in archived plant materials to assess long-term metabolic responses of plants to global environmental change.

Your position
In the past years our lab has analyzed the stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratios from more than 4000 herbarium specimen. The herbarium specimen originate from across Switzerland and have been collected in the past 200+ years and cover a wide range plant species from different habitats. The key objective of the advertised position is to analyze this dataset with geospatial and physiological models in order to identify long-term physiological changes in a wide range of plant species during the past century as a response to environmental changes.

Your profile
We are looking for a dynamic, reliable and motivated candidate with a PhD in biology, environmental sciences or related disciplines. Strong interest in process-oriented research in plant physiology, the ability to work analytically with large datasets and experience with process-based modelling are required. Teamwork within the group and project partners requires spoken and written English language skills.

We offer you
We offer an interesting position in an international and interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Basel. The position will initially be for one year with the option of a one-year extension, depending on the performance of the candidate. Salary and social benefits are provided according to University of Basel rules.

Application / Contact
Please send your complete application (CV, letter of motivation, contact information of three references) to Mrs. Maura Ellenberger (maura.ellenberger@unibas.ch). Application deadline is February 15th 2019. Further information on the project can be obtained from Prof. Kahmen (ansgar.kahmen@unibas.ch).