The Institute of Interdisciplinary Mountain Research (IGF) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is engaged in basic and applied research on impacts of global change processes in mountain regions across the globe. The institute subdivision GLORIA is dealing with long-term monitoring and research on alpine plant diversity in the context of climate change and is now offering a

PRAEDOC (F/M/X) POSITION (DISS)

 (Teilzeit)

to join the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) project GLORIAGLO, focusing on the impacts of climate change on global alpine plant diversity. The position is to be filled in Vienna for a period of 4 years.

The GLORIAGLO project uses the world's largest standardized monitoring dataset on alpine vegetation to study changes in plant species richness and composition across more than 100 alpine regions globally (https://www.gloria.ac.at). The project integrates vegetation data from repeated surveys of permanent plots with remote sensing, climatic data, and species distribution data to address pressing questions about biodiversity loss and the drivers of change in mountain ecosystems.

Your tasks: 

As a PhD student, you will:

• prepare and analyse global datasets: Perform taxonomic harmonization, compile and check vegetation data, and link it with remote sensing (e.g., NDVI, snow cover) and climatic data.
• conduct research and analysis: Investigate biodiversity changes in response to warming, drought stress, and topographic factors using advanced statistical modelling (e.g., mixed-effects models).
• collaborate and contribute: Work with international researchers, contribute to scientific publications, and present findings at conferences.
• complete a doctoral thesis addressing critical aspects of alpine biodiversity under climate change.

Your profile: 

• Academic background: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in ecology, biodiversity research or a related field is required.
• Technical skills:
  a.     Experience with biodiversity and ecological data analysis, species distribution modelling, and remote sensing.
  b.     Strong statistical and programming skills (especially in R; experience with GIS software is an asset).
  c.      Experience in writing scientific publications.
• Interdisciplinary interest: Ability to integrate ecological, climatic, and geospatial datasets.
• Teamwork and communication: Strong collaboration skills and enthusiasm for working in a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Language: Strong English communication skills, both written and spoken. German is a plus.

Our Offer

• A fully funded, 4-year Predoc position based in Vienna, Austria.
• Mentorship and collaboration with leading researchers from ÖAW, BOKU University, the University of Innsbruck, and the University of Vienna.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for biodiversity and remote sensing data processing.
• Opportunities to participate in international research meetings and contribute to impactful publications.
• The annual gross salary for this position is € 39.208,79 according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The position is for four years, and, in accordance with the standards of the Austrian Science Fund, for 30h/week.

Supervisors and collaborators

Harald Pauli (ÖAW-IGF) is PI of the project and will supervise the successful candidate in collaboration with Stefan Dullinger (Dept. of Botany and Biodiversity Research at the University of Vienna) and his team, the GLORIA coordination team at IGF (ÖAW) and Inst of Botany (BOKU), and the other project partner teams.

Join us in this exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on the impacts of climate change on the planet’s most unique and fragile ecosystems!

Application Process

Please apply online including 1.) a cover letter explaining your motivation for this position and how your background aligns with the project goals. 2.) a detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and skills 3.) and contact information for two academic references. no later than March 25, 2025.  

Start date of the position: June 01, 2025

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.