Postdoc in species distribution modelling - horizon scanning

Postdoc position “Quantitative horizon scanning to identify species with the potential to become plant pests in Switzerland”

Context and Mission

Plant pest invasions have dramatically increased worldwide in recent years, causing serious impacts on agriculture and natural environments. Horizon scanning is a method that can proactively identify pests that are most likely to invade an area, and help prioritizing actions to prevent their entry and establishment. A newly-started Euphresco project entitled “Quantitative horizon scanning using climatic modeling to identify species with the potential to become plant pests” is developing quantitative and automated horizon scanning methods to facilitate the prioritization of potential invasive pests for a target area. The proposed postdoc project will be embedded and contribute to the general objectives of the Euphresco project while developing an horizon scan for Switzerland.

Key Duties

• Perform automated climate matching to identify insect plant pests with the climatic potential to establish in Switzerland
• Perform species distribution modelling (habitat suitability modelling) to assess the potential distribution of these species within Switzerland
• Develop quantitative automated horizon scanning methods within the framework of the Euphresco project and apply them in the horizon scan for Switzerland
• Contribute to an ‘expert’ horizon scan to prioritize potential plant pests likely to threaten Switzerland, and compare the method and outcome to the ‘automated’ horizon scan to assess its validity and usefulness in a Swiss context
• Formalize and publish results in relevant high-ranking scientific journals

Skills

Essential

• PhD in spatial / landscape ecology, biogeography, environmental sciences or related disciplines
• Specialisation and proven experience in species distribution modelling (SDMs)
• Advanced coding skills in R
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English
• Demostrated ability to take initiative, solve problems and work independently
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines

Desirable

• Experience with parallel modelling on HPC (supercomputer)
• Knowledge and familiarity of biological invasions, risk assessments, S(EICAT) criteria

The position is based in Switzerland and will be shared between CABi in Delémont and Agroscope (research group Neobiota) in Cadenazzo and will involve stays at both institutions.

Location: Cadenazzo (Ti) and Delémont (Ju), Switzerland

Salary: According to Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) rates

Employment: 12 months, 80-90%, with exact percentage dependent on candidate’s qualifications

We look forward to receiving your online application including cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria, CV, diplomas and the contact details of 2-3 referees in a single PDF file.

Deadline for application is 8 September 2025, 17:00 CEST

Interviews will take place online during the month of September 2025.

Expected start date: 1st of January 2026.