Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Ecological Stability

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).

Eligibility

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

We welcome applications from researchers who can demonstrate:

• a compelling vision for future research;
• 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

Please submit the following as a single PDF document:

1. A curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages).
2. A research proposal (maximum 4 pages, including references).
3. 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.

Application Deadline and Start Date

Application deadline: 31 October 2026

Earliest start date: January 2027

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF to: Maja Weilenmann maja.weilenmann@uzh.ch

Where to apply

E-mail: maja.weilenmann@uzh.ch

Requirements

Research Field	Biological sciences » Biology
Education Level	PhD or equivalent
Languages	ENGLISH
Level	Excellent

Work Location(s)

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

Contact

City	Zurich
Website	https://www.ieu.uzh.ch
Street	Winterthurerstrasse 190
Postal Code	8057