Dr. Jake Alexander

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Jake Alexander is a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on interface ecology and evolution, addressing fundamental questions about species interactions and how they influence patterns of plant species distribution and diversity. Since 2021, he has been involved in various projects examining the impacts of climate change on alpine vegetation and the mechanisms that drive biogeochemical and microbial feedbacks in Arctic ecosystems. His work spans a range of topics, including ecological consequences of novel plant-soil interactions and biological invasions, making significant contributions to our understanding of how species are affected by changes in their environment.

Research Interests

Interface Ecology Evolution Species Interactions Plant Species Distribution Plant Diversity Climate Change Ecological Feedbacks Biogeochemistry Biological Invasions

Experience

Adjunct Professor, Senior Scientist

2023-01-01 — Present

ETH Zurich, Department of Environmental Systems Science • Zürich, Switzerland

Research and teaching in Plant Ecology.

Assistant Professor (non-tenure track)

2019-01-01 — 2023-01-01

ETH Zurich, Department of Environmental Systems Science • Zürich, Switzerland

Focused on Plant Ecology.

Assistant Professor (non-tenure track)

2016-01-01 — 2019-01-01

University of Lausanne, Dept. Ecology Evolution • Lausanne, Switzerland

Involved in Experimental Plant Ecology.

Visiting Scholar

2015-01-01 — 2015-01-01

University of California Santa Barbara, Dept. Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology • Santa Barbara, U.S.A.

Research collaboration in ecology.

Senior Researcher, Postdoc

2011-01-01 — 2016-01-01

ETH Zurich, Department of Environmental Systems Science • Zürich, Switzerland

Worked with Jonathan Levine's group.

Postdoctoral Researcher, Lecturer

2007-01-01 — 2011-01-01

ETH Zurich, Department of Environmental Systems Science • Zürich, Switzerland

Engaged in teaching and research in ecology.

Courses

Biology III: Essentials Ecology Plant Ecology

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.