PhD position in Palaeobiology and Palaeoecology of early arthropods – University of Geneva – Geneva, Switzerland

Summary

The University of Geneva is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Palaeobiology and Palaeoecology of early arthropods, starting in April 2027. The project, RECO-ECO, is funded by an ERC Starting Grant and focuses on testing the hydrodynamic adaptations of juvenile trilobite morphologies and their impact on dispersal. The successful candidate will work within the Department of Earth Sciences, developing computational and experimental fluid dynamics methods, simulating animal dispersal, and conducting biogeographic analyses. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in a relevant field, possess excellent English skills, and ideally have experience in ecology, quantitative palaeo/biology, statistical analysis, coding, and digital modelling. The position offers international collaboration, one-on-one training, and a competitive salary.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Earth Sciences
Position Type	PhD Positions
Discipline	Geosciences / Biological sciences (Zoology) / Environmental science (Ecology)
Degree Required	Master Degree or equivalent
Salary	highly competitive internationally
Funding	Horizon Europe – ERC (ERC Starting Grant, RECO-ECO project)
Contract Duration	4 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-16
Employer Address	Rue des Maraîchers 13, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Employer Contact	Harriet B Drage, [email protected]

About the Project

The RECO-ECO project, funded by an ERC Starting Grant, aims to test the ecologies of Earth's earliest arthropods. This interdisciplinary research combines palaeobiology, ecology, geology, and fluid dynamics to investigate the potential ecological adaptations of different arthropod morphologies that may have enabled their dominance in ancient oceans. The PhD project specifically focuses on testing the hydrodynamic adaptations of juvenile trilobite morphologies and their impact on dispersal in Cambrian and Ordovician oceans. It involves developing and applying computational and experimental fluid dynamics methods, simulating animal dispersal, and conducting broad-scale biogeographic analyses integrating continental plate and ocean current models.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the PI in developing comprehensive computational and experimental fluid dynamics methods
• Use developed methods to test ecological hypotheses and contrast with fossil record data
• Simulate dispersal of animals in water and assess their dispersal capabilities
• Use resulting data for broad-scale biogeographic analyses integrating continental plate and ocean current models
• Teaching assistance
• Supervising Bachelors or Masters students
• Helping within the department

Required Skills

• Masters degree in Palaeontology, Earth Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, or related field
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Experience in ecology and quantitative palaeo/biology (desired)
• Interest in physics (fluid dynamics) (highly beneficial)
• Experience with statistical analysis (strongly preferred)
• Experience with coding (R or Python) (strongly preferred)
• Experience with digital modelling (strongly preferred)
• Willingness to travel (minimum to UK for experimental work)
• Enthusiasm for both experimental work and computational analyses
• Enjoy developing new methods

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for candidates with a Master's degree in Palaeontology, Earth Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Ideal applicants will have excellent English skills, experience in ecology and quantitative palaeo/biology, and a strong interest in physics (fluid dynamics). Experience with statistical analysis, coding (R or Python), and digital modelling is highly preferred. The role requires a willingness to travel for experimental work and enthusiasm for both experimental and computational analyses. Applications from under-represented groups and women are strongly encouraged, and the position is open to all nationalities.

Benefits

• Join a new lab at the University of Geneva on an interdisciplinary project
• Strongly established international collaborations
• Opportunity to travel internationally to collaborators' labs
• Opportunity to learn different approaches and develop own research network
• One-on-one training in a variety of research skills (fluid dynamics methods, quantitative palaeontological analysis, field work, scientific publishing)
• Develop strong skills in handling datasets, biogeographic analysis, digital modelling, fluid dynamics, and coding (R, Python)
• Multidisciplinary skillset providing a strong foundation for positions in earth system sciences and biology
• Opportunity to learn project management, writing and editing, presenting, open science practices
• Belong to the Doctoral Program in Earth Surface Processes and Paleobiosphere
• Many opportunities for professional and personal development in research and transferable skills
• Funded meetings, field courses and workshops
• Fully funded position with a highly competitive international salary

About the Employer

The University of Geneva is the organization offering this PhD position within its Department of Earth Sciences. The department is described as diverse and engaging, covering a wide range of research topics in the earth sciences and biology. The university is committed to furthering equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to developing a respectful and fair work culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected start date for this PhD position?

The expected start date is April 2027, or upon mutual agreement.

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract length is 4 years.

What are the main research areas of the RECO-ECO project?

The RECO-ECO project focuses on testing the ecologies of Earth's earliest arthropods, bringing together palaeobiology, ecology, geology, and fluid dynamics.

What specific skills will the PhD student develop?

The student will develop strong skills in handling datasets, biogeographic analysis, digital modelling, fluid dynamics, and coding (R, Python), along with project management, writing, editing, and presenting.

Are there opportunities for international travel?

Yes, the position offers opportunities to travel internationally to collaborators' labs to learn different approaches and develop a research network.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a detailed CV, a statement of research interests and motivation (max 2 pages), academic transcripts (in English or French), and contact information for 2 professional references.