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PhD Position – Applied Animal Ecology Assessing Flower Strip Mixtures for Multifunctional Agroecosystem Services Using Novel eDNA Approaches
Start date: January 1, 2026
Location: Applied Animal Ecology Research Unit, University of Innsbruck, Austria
About the Project
Insect decline in agricultural landscapes is strongly linked to the loss of flower-rich semi-natural habitats. Flower strips are widely used to support insects—particularly pollinators—but questions remain about which plant compositions and temporal dynamics best sustain diverse and beneficial insect communities.
This PhD project will investigate how flower strip mixtures can be optimized to promote multifunctional agroecosystem services. Using cutting-edge eDNA approaches, observational studies, controlled experiments, and Citizen Science, the successful candidate will explore how to design flower strips that foster resilient insect communities while being practical for farmers to implement.
This position is part of a collaborative project funded by the Austrian Ministry, bringing together the Applied Animal Ecology Research Unit (University of Innsbruck), the Plant Research Centre at Raumberg-Gumpenstein Research & Development, the conservation farming association Boden.Leben, and BioAustria, the largest association of organic farmers in Austria.
Your Key Responsibilities
• Develop and apply novel eDNA-based approaches to study insect communities in flower strips
• Conduct field studies and controlled experiments on agroecosystem biodiversity
• Co-develop “best practice” flower mixtures supporting multifunctional insect communities
• Collaborate with researchers across disciplines (agroecology, plant ecology, molecular ecology)
• Engage with stakeholders and contribute to Citizen Science initiatives
• Co-supervise Bachelor and Master students involved in the project
Your Profile
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Zoology, Entomology, Agronomy, or a related field
• Strong motivation for applied research in sustainable agriculture and insect biodiversity
• Skills in fieldwork planning, arthropod identification, statistical analysis (R, GIS, Python), and scientific writing
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Excellent English (spoken and written) – German is advantageous but not required
Why Join Us? The Applied Animal Ecology Research Unit is internationally recognized for pioneering molecular approaches to study trophic interactions. For over 20 years, we have advanced ecological research in both terrestrial and aquatic systems, from glacier forelands to agroecosystems, covering organisms from beetles and birds to whales.
At the University of Innsbruck, you will work in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment, with opportunities to collaborate internationally and contribute to real-world conservation and agricultural practices. Beyond research, life in Innsbruck, the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, offers an exceptional balance of work, nature, and recreation. Learn more about our team and projects:
https://www.uibk.ac.at/zoology/forschung/applied-animal-ecology/
Application Documents (combined into one PDF):
• Cover letter (motivation and research interests)
• Curriculum vitae (including academic transcripts)
• Letters of recommendation and contact details of referees
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please send your application and inquiries to: Prof. Michael Traugott (Michael.Traugott@uibk.ac.at) and Oskar Rennstam Rubbmark, PhD (oskar.rubbmark@uibk.ac.at)