A PhD-student position is available at the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research and the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern. The PhD-student will study the long-term interactions between vegetation, environment, climate and land use in Southern Italy (Lago di Monticchio, Basilicata). Ecological and environmental reconstructions will require the use of Quaternary methods (sediment analyses, palynology, macrofossil and charcoal analyses). The position requires a diploma or master in Natural Sciences, preferably in Botany, Geobotany, Geography, Climate Sciences, Earth Sciences or Quaternary Sciences. Good knowledge in vegetation ecology, pollen, macrofossil analysis, sedimentology and statistics is desired.
The position involves labor-intensive microscopic analyses (e.g. of pollen, annual laminations) and 2-3 months of field work in Mediterranean environments (core and data collection). Knowledge of Italian language is of advantage.Salary is according to the Swiss National Science Foundation rules. Start of position: