PhD Positions in Dolphin Genomics and Behavioural Ecology

Start of employment 01.06.2026 or by arrangement

The Evolutionary Genetics Group at the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, is seeking two highly motivated PhD students.

Our group has broad interests in evolutionary genomics and behavioural ecology of delphinids and great apes. The work will be conducted together with our research collaborators of Shark Bay Dolphin Research. The students will work in a dynamic research environment working on all aspects of evolutionary anthropology. Our department is well connected with numerous close collaborations within the Faculty of Life Sciences and many other international universities.

Your responsibilities

The work will entail a combination of field work in Shark Bay, Australia, and genomic laboratory work at the University of Zurich. The positions are for four years, fixed-term and will be remunerated according to UZH PhD salary scales. The PhD positions will be embedded in the Zurich Life Science Graduate School‘s program in Evolutionary Biology.

Your profile

Successful candidates will have a Diploma/Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, a strong interest in cetacean or primate fieldwork (with prior experience), bioinformatic skills, laboratory work, and evolutionary theory. The ideal candidates will have strong oral and written communication skills in English and the ability to work and share ideas in a collaborative environment. Knowledge of German language is not essential, but may help with everyday life whilst in Zurich.