Fully Funded PhD Position in Conservation Biology – University of Bern & University of Basel, Switzerland

The Division of Conservation Biology at the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, in collaboration with the Division of Umweltsystembiologie, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, is offering one fully funded PhD position in Conservation Biology.

This exciting PhD opportunity, starting in November 2025, will focus on the protection of high-alpine alluvial habitats released by melting glaciers as a consequence of global warming ❄️🌱.

If you are passionate about ecology, biodiversity, and climate change research, this position provides the perfect platform to pursue cutting-edge research in one of the most pressing scientific areas today.

🏔️ Research Project Overview

🔬 Project Title

Protection of High-Alpine Alluvial Habitats Released by Melting Glaciers as a Consequence of Global Warming

📖 Project Context

The rapid melting of glaciers in the Alps due to climate change is opening up new habitats known as proglacial alluvial zones. These landscapes, initially colonized by pioneer species, are critical for biodiversity but also at risk due to human activities and infrastructure development.

This PhD project aims to:

• Predict where new alpine alluvial habitats will emerge.
• Assess their biodiversity potential and vulnerability.
• Develop indicators for monitoring habitat changes.
• Provide practical in situ management guidelines to promote biodiversity and sustainable land use.

📌 Key Research Tasks

The PhD candidate will:

• 🗺️ Use predictive spatial models to forecast the development of new alpine alluvial habitats.
• 🌱 Assess biodiversity values and risks linked to potential infrastructure development.
• 📊 Develop a biodiversity indicator for alpine alluvial zones.
• ⛰️ Rank Swiss alpine landscapes based on conservation value and vulnerability.
• 🧪 Conduct fieldwork to gather data on environmental and ecological parameters.
• 📚 Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• 👩‍🏫 Assist in teaching and supervise BSc/MSc student projects.

🎓 Requirements

Applicants should:

• Hold an MSc degree in Biology or a related field.
• Demonstrate strong interest in conservation science, environmental management, or spatial analyses.
• Have experience or knowledge in areas such as:
  • 🌍 Alpine or alluvial habitats
  • 📊 Advanced statistical techniques (e.g., R programming)
  • 🗺️ GIS and spatial analysis tools
• Possess a good command of English (French/German is an advantage).
• Show motivation for fieldwork in challenging alpine environments.
• Be committed to teamwork, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

💰 Funding & Salary

• 💵 Salary: According to Swiss National Science Fund (SNSF) rules – approx. CHF 47,000 gross per year.
• 📅 Duration: 3 years (starting November 2025).
• 🏫 Hosting: Position is administratively based at the University of Bern, but the student will also join the research team at the University of Basel.
• 📚 Training: Access to the CUSO PhD doctoral program and postgraduate training opportunities.

📅 Application Deadline

• Deadline to Apply: 🗓️ 15 September 2025
• Interviews: Online interviews scheduled for the second half of September 2025.
• Start Date: November 2025

📥 How to Apply

Applications must include:

• 📑 Motivation letter (explaining interests, experience, and relevance).
• 📄 Curriculum Vitae (with publications, if any).
• 🎓 MSc certificate/transcripts.
• 📘 Summary of MSc thesis.
• 👥 Contact details for two referees (name, institution, email, phone).

📧 Submission

• Send as a single PDF to: alexandra.depeyer@unibe.ch
• Email Subject: Glacier PhD post
• File name format: surname.firstname.pdf

👉 Official details: University of Basel – PhD Opportunities

If you require any help regarding your application, you can contact us at scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com

📌 Why Choose This Fully Funded PhD Position in Conservation Biology?

• 🏔️ Conduct research in the unique alpine landscapes of Switzerland.
• 🌍 Work on globally significant issues: climate change, glacier retreat, and biodiversity conservation.
• 🧑‍🏫 Supervision by world-renowned experts in ecology and environmental sciences.
• 📚 Access to strong academic networks, including University of Bern, University of Basel, and CUSO doctoral programs.
• 💡 Opportunities to collaborate with international researchers and present at conferences.

📍 Internal Links

Check out other PhD opportunities:

• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–27
• Fully Funded PhD & MS Research Positions at MSU 2026

❓ FAQs – PhD Position in Conservation Biology

1️⃣ Where will the PhD student be based?

The position is hosted at the University of Bern, but the student will also join the University of Basel research team.

2️⃣ What is the focus of the research?

Studying high-alpine alluvial habitats emerging from glacier retreat due to global warming, and developing strategies to conserve them.

3️⃣ What are the funding conditions?

Salary is ~CHF 47,000 per year, fully funded by SNSF, with a duration of 3 years.

4️⃣ When is the deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 15 September 2025.

5️⃣ Who is encouraged to apply?

Applicants from underrepresented groups and those with a strong background in conservation biology, ecology, or spatial analysis.

🏆 Conclusion

This fully funded PhD position in Conservation Biology (2025–2028) at the University of Bern and University of Basel, Switzerland, provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on biodiversity conservation in alpine environments impacted by glacier retreat.

With a strong focus on ecology, climate change, and sustainability, this program prepares scholars for academic and research leadership roles worldwide.

📅 Don’t miss this opportunity — deadline 15 September 2025.

👉 Apply now by submitting your application to alexandra.depeyer@unibe.ch.

🧑‍🎓 Author Bio

Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates top-ranked, fully funded scholarships for international students. With a strong background in global education and SEO, he helps students worldwide gain access to world-class research programs.

Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.

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