PhD student (100%) in “Annual cycle energetics of migratory birds“
The Swiss Ornithological Institute is a non-profit foundation dedicated to ornithology and the protection of birds. It monitors native birds, researches their way of life and advocates for threatened species. It looks after injured and orphaned birds, provides information and advice to the public, and runs a visitor center in Sempach. The Swiss Ornithological Institute currently has over 200 employees in all parts of the country.
We are looking for the following person from 1st of June 2026 or upon agreement,
Responsibilities
Analyse readily available and new multi-sensor geolocator data to infer migration trajectories of individual birds of multiple species
Conduct fieldwork and aid project collaborators at various places across Europe to gather geolocator tracking data of individual birds
Model annual energy expenditure of the tracked birds at different temporal scale based on locomotion, thermoregulation, basal metabolism, and tissue synthesis
Work with past climatic data and future climate models to establish environmental influences on optimal bird migration strategies from an energetic perspective
Present at international conferences and publish your findings in international scientific journals
Your profile
MSc in biology, movement ecology, animal physiology, or related discipline
Keen interest in bird migration ecology and evolution
Proven record of scientific writing
Fieldwork experience with wild animals, preferably birds
Background in statistical analyses and programming, preferable R
Working language is English, although knowledge of German is a plus.
We offer
We offer a diverse position with a lot of responsibilities in a diversified work environment. Furthermore, we offer family-friendly and flexible working times, good opportunities for further education and exemplary social benefits. Working place is Sempach. The PhD position is limited to 4 years.
Are you interested?
The Swiss Ornithological Institutes values diversity of staff. We therefore consider all qualified applications. Further information can be provided by Martins Briedis, project leader and main supervisor, Paul Dufour, co-supervisor. We are looking forward to your application (motivation letter, CV, certificates) in a single PDF document submitted over our application portal on our website https://www.vogelwarte.ch/en/about-us/getting-involved/ by latest 20.02.2026. Other applications cannot be considered. Interviews are scheduled by invitation for 9 and 11 March 2026.
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