PhD in Physiological Tree Ecology — University of Basel

Key details

• Host institution: University of Basel
• Location: University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland
• Application deadline: May 27, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

The Physiological Plant Ecology group at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland, invites applications for a four-year PhD position in physiological tree ecology. This position is part of a project fully funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and conducted in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).

Project Overview

Tree species reach upper elevational and latitudinal distribution limits primarily due to species-specific low temperature thresholds that prevent sustained persistence and reproduction. Understanding these limits and their underlying biological mechanisms is essential for developing mechanistic models of tree distribution and growth, which will improve predictions of species range shifts and productivity changes under future climate warming. Cold limitation of tree growth may be driven by hydraulic constraints from restricted root water uptake at low soil temperatures, yet current knowledge of soil temperature effects on temperate tree productivity and distribution remains limited. This project combines experimental studies with tree seedlings and observational field records on mature trees to assess the physiological impact and ecological significance of low root temperatures on hydraulic relations and growth of common European temperate tree species.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments with seedlings of different European tree species to identify physiological mechanisms and biological consequences of cold-temperature restriction of root water uptake.
• Investigate the significance of aquaporin-facilitated root water transport as a cause for differential cold sensitivities among species using stable isotope labeling.
• Determine species-specific low temperature thresholds of root water uptake using continuous sap flow measurements.
• Conduct in situ measurements of soil and air temperatures in forests across elevational transects in the Swiss Alps to relate experimentally identified hydraulic cold thresholds to thermal conditions at natural upper elevational limits.
• Jointly contribute to field measurements at the long-term alpine treeline research site Stillberg in Davos, Switzerland, in collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher joining the team in the second half of the project.
• Contribute to teaching within the Physiological Plant Ecology group.

Requirements

• MSc degree in botany, ecology, forest science, environmental science, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of plant physiology.
• Self-organized and solution-oriented work attitude.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a team and commitment to an inclusive workplace.
• Very good written and spoken English.
• Ability to prepare and conduct greenhouse experiments with tree seedlings and independently perform statistical analyses with R.
• Willingness to conduct field work in subalpine terrain over extended periods.
• Experience with plant ecophysiological methods and a basic understanding of electrical engineering are assets.

We Offer

• A fully funded PhD position for four years in a dynamic research group with excellent research infrastructure within the international and interdisciplinary Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel.
• A supportive, collaborative, and cooperative working environment with integration into established international research networks.
• Internationally competitive salary and social benefits according to University of Basel regulations.
• Access to a PhD school offering courses to improve hard and soft skills, as well as career development opportunities.

Application

Please submit your application via the online platform, including a motivation letter (max. 1 page) stating your research interests and motivation for applying, a CV, a copy of your MSc degree, and the names and contact details of three references. We especially encourage applications from women and persons underrepresented in academic research. Review of applications will begin on May 11, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Only online applications submitted through the recruiting platform will be considered.

For further questions, contact Prof. Dr. Günter Hoch ([email protected]). For information about the research group, visit the Physiological Plant Ecology website.