Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology / Biology

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Group of Prof. Charles Mullon is proposing a Doctoral Student SNSF position in Theoretical Evolutionary Ecology at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The PhD Students will join a dynamic team working mainly on developing and analyzing mathematical models to understand the evolutionary dynamics of traits that mediate interactions among individuals and with the environment. Interests include, but are not limited to, the evolution of sexual traits, genetic architecture, ecological interactions, niche construction, and social behaviour. 

For more information on the lab, visit https://lab-mullon.github.io/

Job information

• Expected start date in position : 01.07.2024 or to be agreed (up to 01.01.2025)
• Contract length : 1 year, extendable to a total of 4 years
• Activity rate : 100%
• Workplace : Lausanne-Dorigny
• Annual gross salary : CHF 47’699.- (1st year)

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Ecology and Evolution of the University of Lausanne, under the supervision of Prof. Charles Mullon. The research project will be defined together with the group leader based on the candidate’s interests and competences in the field of theoretical evolutionary ecology. Understanding of and confidence with mathematical modelling and evolutionary concepts are highly desirable. Most of the time will be dedicated to the realization of the doctoral thesis (85%) but a contribution to teaching activities will be asked (15%). The University of Lausanne offers a world-class international research environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

Your qualifications

In order to complete our team, we are looking for someone with the following skills: 

Essential :

• Master’s degree in a relevant area (e.g., biology, mathematics, physics, computer science)
• Scientific research motivation and experience in evolutionary biology
• Excellent spoken and written English proficiency

Desirable :

• Confidence in evolutionary biology (e.g., population and quantitative genetics, sexual selection, social evolution, evolutionary game theory)
• Experience with mathematical modelling (e.g., dynamical systems, applied probability)
• Programming skills (e.g., in Python, Java, R or C)

Interpersonal skills :

• Good cooperative skills with other researchers and team members
• Good communication skills, ability to keep an open-mind and to communicate your ideas
• Be motivated and be able to motivate others

What the position offers you

We offer an outstanding working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover. The Department of Ecology and Evolution in Lausanne University hosts research groups working on a broad range of topics, producing a rich intellectual and social life. Although French is the common language in Lausanne region, the department research activities and seminars are conducted in English. The campus is located on the shore of the Geneva Lake, with the view on the Alps.

Contact for further information

For further information, please contact Prof. Charles Mullon : charles.mullon@unil.ch

Your application

Deadline : 12.04.2024

Formal applications should include:

• a cover letter containing a short description of your research interests and research experience explaining why you reply to this job offer (max. 2 pages);
• your CV;
• a copy of your master certificate (if already available);
• master’s thesis summary (~one paragraph, max. one page);
• the contact details of 2-3 referees.

To be considered, application documents should be uploaded online through the University of Lausanne recruitment platform. Only applications through this website:

https://bit.ly/3x4zYVm

will be taken into account.