The Institute for Alpine Environment is looking for a

Ph.D. student in eco-hydrological modelling

The research activity will be based at EURAC. We offer the opportunity to pursue a PhD program in collaboration with the Institute of Ecology of the University of Innsbruck.

The successful applicant will be in charge of modelling tasks in the framework of the project entitled "Klimawandel in Südtirol / Cambiamento climatico in Alto Adige".

The project will asset impacts of the current climate change on mountain ecosystems.
It is focused on the likely changes in the grassland/forest distributions, as well as on their linkages with the catchment runoff production and its overall hydrological cycle. Special attention will be given to the development of future scenarios of land use and their impacts on water availability, vegetation dynamics, and alpine agricultural practices.
The project will be held in collaboration with local institutions and will include a combination of field activities and numerical modelling over selected high altitude mountain catchments. Both surface based and remote sensing observations will be used.

The applicant will work mostly on the modelling side, using existing spatially distributed models and developing new tools, as well as participating to field data collection.

To complete the Ph.D. program, results should be published in international peer- reviewed journals.

Requirements include a M.S. in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, or similar.

Strong quantitative and programming skills and a sound background in computational mathematics, statistics, hydrology, system and landscape ecology, geographic information systems, and remote sensing are desirable.
Previous modelling and field research experience are preferential titles.

Good organization and team skills, excellent oral and written English skills, good German and / or Italian skills are also desirable.

We seek a highly motivated individual to work within a team with a broad range of scientific backgrounds. We are a young enthusiastic international team, and we offer access to EURAC’s numerous scientific and cultural facilities and events, and an attractive working place in a vivid city in the heart of the Alps, with endless opportunities for skiing, hiking, climbing.

Selection Criteria
Essential

• A M.S. in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Physics.
• Strong mathematical skills
• Experience in computer programming
• Good English written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as a professional member of a team

Desirable

• A high level quantitative understanding of hydrological and ecological processes
• Experience in hydrological modelling
• A willingness to undertake fieldwork
• Good knowledge of Italian or German languages

For further information please contact:
Dr. Giacomo Bertoldi, Tel. +39 0471 055314
Prof. Ulrike Tappeiner, Tel. +43 (0)512 5075923

How to apply
Please send your application (detailed CV + cover letter) by post, fax or e-mail to:

European Academy of Bolzano
Institute for Alpine Environment
Viale Druso, 1 - 39100 Bolzano
e-mail: alpine.environment@eurac.edu
Tel +39 0471 055 333 - Fax +39 0471 055 399

Please add the following phrase to you CV otherwise your application will not be considered:
I consent to the use of my personal data in accordance with the provisions of decree 196/2003.