The Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich (UZH) invites applications for the

Assistant Professorship tenure track in

Plant Diversity and Macroevolution

We are seeking candidates with an excellent track record and the potential to establish an internationally visible and integrative research program in plant diversity at macroevolutionary timescales (i.e., inter-specific level) to expand current research at the faculty of science. Applicants with experience in phylogenomics, comparative genomics and transcriptomics, comparative morphology, comparative development, macroevolution, macroecology, plant-human interactions, biogeography, systematics, herbarium genomics and/or biodiversity-informatics are encouraged to apply. An integrative approach linking multiple levels of enquiry (from genes to phenotypes and beyond) and leveraging complementary sources of evidence (from genomics to experimental methods) is particularly valued. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, connecting genomes to phenotypes to explain the evolution of plant diversity and linking variation of plant diversity to climatic and other changes through time.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany (DSEB), which includes an extensive herbarium collection of over 3 million specimens and a Botanical Garden with both public and research greenhouses. Applications highlighting how such extensive collections can be integrated into cutting-edge research and innovative teaching are especially welcome. The future faculty member will have extensive opportunities for interaction and collaboration with other research groups at UZH and, more generally, in Zurich’s rich and diverse research environment. The future professor will contribute to teaching and is expected to develop new courses at both Bachelor and Master level. Target areas for new courses include, but are not limited to, systematic, evolutionary, and organismal botany, biogeography, comparative genomics and morphology, plant-human interactions, plant domestication, bioinformatic methods applied to plant diversity. The professor is expected to supervise Master and PhD theses, as well as mentor PostDocs. Furthermore, active participation in the academic self-administration of the department and University is expected.  

UZH provides generous research support, including dedicated funds for personnel, running expenses and competitive start-up packages. Additionally, the successful candidate is expected to acquire external research funding. We see researchers as modern leaders who conduct original research conformant to the Open Science principles, supervise and support junior researchers, and help shape a future-oriented University with innovative research-based teaching. Situated in the open-minded and family-friendly city of Zurich, which combines the vibrant cultural scene of a modern European city with the convenient accessibility to its beautiful natural surroundings, UZH is well integrated in the city's community and research environment.

Assistant professors tenure track are typically evaluated for tenure after 6 years. The employment conditions for this position follow UZH's legal regulations, including part-time options. UZH is an equal-opportunities employer, and the Faculty of Science strives to increase the percentage of women and underrepresented groups in leading positions. Therefore, qualified female researchers and others from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Care-time interruptions are considered during the evaluation of all applicants.

Applicants are kindly invited to submit their applications, which should include:

• a cover letter (max. 1 page)
• a curriculum vitae with date of submission, including teaching and supervisory track-record; outreach activities; a list of acquired research funding, including role and amount awarded to the applicant
• a description of their relevant research outputs for this application and their importance for the field (at most five outputs, max. 1 page in total)
• a research plan describing their mid-term scientific strategy and expected impact (max. 2 pages)
• a teaching reflection on their educational values, tools and methods, and their potential contribution to the curriculum development at UZH (max. 1 page)
• a description of their track record and/or planned measures towards diversity, equality, and inclusion (max. 1 page)
• a list of publications and other research outputs
• a copy of their PhD certificate

Please note that page limitations do not include references.

The evaluation processes at UZH and its Faculty of Science follow the DORA recommendations for assessing research quality and impact. Applicants are thus asked to refrain from referring to non-personal measures such as impact factors.

Please upload your application to www.mnf.uzh.ch/plantdivmacro by 25^th November 2023.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Elena Conti (elena.conti@uzh.ch).