Postdoctoral research associate position in Palynology and Palaeoecology at University of Bern

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to study vegetational and land use dynamics in response to climate change and technological innovations. The position involves own palynological and palaeoecological research on sediment cores from Italy. We offer an inspiring and innovative research environment with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure within a diverse and motivated team.

The ideal candidate should have a PhD in Ecology, Environmental Sciences or Earth Sciences with a strong background in numerical analysis and optical microscopy, specifically excellent knowledge of palynology and/or plant macrofossil analysis. Knowledge of Mediterranean vegetation ecology is required. A record of high-quality research (MSc and PhD level) and successful international publication experience are essential. The ability to work well in a team with two PhD students will be crucial as the project will be highly collaborative, involving external university and public partners (e.g. archaeological surveys). Knowledge of Italian language is of advantage.

The successful candidate will work in the research section of Prof. Willy Tinner within the SNF (Swiss National Science Foundation) project CIVES (Assessing the environmental context of past urbanization dynamics using sedimentary archives). The project is based at the Institute of Plant Sciences (https://www.ips.unibe.ch/index_eng.html) and the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research of University of Bern (https://www.oeschger.unibe.ch/index_eng.html) and deals with the early urbanization dynamics in Greece, Italy and Switzerland, covering the past 3000 years.

The gross annual salary falls within the range of 80, 000 to 105, 000 CHF per year for 100%. Part-time employment can be negotiated but should reach 70%. The position is available from 1 January 2026 on, for a period of 12 months, extendable by arrangement up to 2+ years.

Please send your electronic application including a motivation letter (max. 1 page), CV, academic transcripts, PhD diploma and contact address or reference letter of your PhD thesis supervisor as one pdf file to

until 28. November 2025.

Prof. Willy Tinner, Head of Palaeoecological Research Section, Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research & Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, 3013 Bern (Switzerland).

For further information on the research of our group see https://www.ips.unibe.ch/research/paleo/index_eng.html