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PhD position in Palaeobiology and Palaeoecology of early arthropods University of Geneva in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Geology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 16, 2026
Country
Switzerland
University
University of Geneva

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About this position
PhD opportunity in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, within the ERC-funded RECO-ECO project.
The project investigates the palaeobiology and palaeoecology of Earth’s earliest arthropods, with a focus on juvenile trilobite morphologies and their hydrodynamic adaptations. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining palaeobiology, ecology, geology, fluid dynamics, computational modelling, experimental work, and biogeographic analysis.
The successful candidate will work on testing ecological hypotheses using fluid dynamics simulations and experiments, compare results with fossil record data, simulate dispersal in ancient seas, and integrate continental plate and ocean current models to assess how ecological adaptations may have influenced arthropod dispersal in the Cambrian and Ordovician oceans.
Supervision will be provided by Dr Harriet B Drage at the University of Geneva, with close collaboration from international colleagues including Prof. Minter (University of Portsmouth, UK) and Dr Pates (UCL, UK). The student will be based in Geneva and join a new lab within a diverse and active research environment. The position is fully funded as part of an ERC Starting Grant and lasts four years.
Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree or equivalent in palaeontology, earth sciences, evolutionary biology, ecology, or a related field; excellent English; and desirable experience in ecology, quantitative palaeo/biology, statistical analysis, coding (R or Python), and digital modelling. The role also includes teaching assistance and supervision/helping of Bachelor’s or Master’s students. The position is open to all nationalities, with applications from under-represented groups and women strongly encouraged.
Application deadline: 16 October 2026. To apply, send a single PDF by email to [email protected] including a CV, a motivation and research statement (max 2 pages), academic transcripts, and contact information for two professional references.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Palaeontology, Earth Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Experience in ecology and quantitative palaeo/biology is desired, and an interest in physics and fluid dynamics is highly beneficial. Strong preference is given to candidates with experience in statistical analysis, coding in R or Python, and digital modelling. Applicants should be willing to travel, including to the UK for experimental work, and should be enthusiastic about both experimental and computational research methods.
How to apply
Prepare a single PDF in English containing your CV, a statement of research interests and motivation, academic transcripts, and contact details for two professional references. Email it to [email protected] with the subject line "PhD application_[yourlastname]". Submit by 2026-10-16.
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