About the PhD Position
University of Tübingen invites applications for a fully funded PhD Researcher position in Human Evolution at the Human Origins Cluster of Excellence, located in Tübingen, Germany. This doctoral opportunity focuses on how past climate shaped hominin movements, interactions, and evolutionary trajectories, contributing directly to the origins and diversity of Homo sapiens. It supports cutting-edge international research in human evolutionary genetics, palaeoanthropology, and climate-driven population dynamics.
The successful candidate will join the GPS Lab led by Dr Cecilia Padilla-Iglesias. Moreover, they will work within interdisciplinary teams using climate-informed spatial genetic models, species distribution modelling, and palaeoclimate reconstructions. In addition, the project integrates population genetics and computational modelling to reconstruct Middle and Late Pleistocene human population dynamics. This ensures exposure to advanced quantitative approaches and high-impact collaborative research environments.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, evolutionary biology, or related quantitative disciplines. Strong proficiency in R and some experience with bioinformatics or population genetic data are essential. Importantly, candidates must demonstrate curiosity, independence, and motivation to develop interdisciplinary scientific research skills. Furthermore, communication ability and teamwork experience are highly valued in this international research setting.
This is a fully funded PhD position for 3 years under E13 (65%) funding, starting in 2026. The programme offers training in computational evolution, access to weekly coding sessions with Cambridge collaborators, and potential fieldwork opportunities in Africa. Consequently, it provides an excellent pathway for academic careers in human evolution and interdisciplinary science.
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Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Human Evolution & Climate Modelling
- Position type: Full-time PhD
- Institution: University of Tübingen, Germany
- Department: Human Origins Cluster of Excellence
- Research Group: GPS Lab (Genotype-Phenotype Evolution in Space)
- Supervisor: Dr Cecilia Padilla-Iglesias
- Location: Tübingen, Germany
- Country: Germany
- Duration: 3 years (E13 65%)
- Start Date: 2026 (Flexible)
- Funding: Fully Funded PhD salary (E13 65%)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree: Master’s in archaeology, anthropology, biology, or related fields
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Research Areas
- Human Evolution
- Palaeoanthropology
- Population Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Archaeology
- Bioinformatics
- Computational Biology
- Climate Change & Palaeoclimate Studies
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Spatial Modelling / Species Distribution Modelling
- Ancient DNA (aDNA) Research
- Anthropological Genetics
- Quaternary Science
- Earth System Science (past environments focus)
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Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, evolutionary biology, or a related discipline
- Strong proficiency in R programming
- Experience with bioinformatics or population genetic data
- Interest in human evolution and computational modelling
Preferred Qualifications:
- Background in archaeology or palaeoanthropology
- Experience with interdisciplinary research
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills
- Familiarity with climate or ecological datasets
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Key Responsibilities
- Develop climate-informed spatial genetic models
- Analyse population genetic and palaeoclimate datasets
- Conduct computational simulations of hominin dynamics
- Collaborate with international research teams
- Contribute to peer-reviewed publications
- Participate in interdisciplinary workshops and coding sessions
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via email as a single PDF to the supervisor.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter
- Academic CV
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Contact details of two referees
- Master’s thesis (if available)
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Any relevant research samples
Important Dates
- Applications Open: April 2026
- Application Deadline: 07 June 2026
- Interview Period: Mid–Late 2026 (if applicable)
- Expected Start Date: 2026
Where to Apply
- University/Institution: University of Tübingen
- Department: Human Origins Cluster of Excellence
- Job ID: N/A
Official Information
- Source: AABA submission / University of Tübingen GPS Lab
- Details – PhD position – How did climate shape the movements, interactions, and evolution of hominin populations?
- Apply Link: cecilia.padilla-iglesias@uni-tuebingen.de
This position offers an excellent opportunity for scholars seeking fully funded research positions, international academic collaboration, and advanced training in human evolution, computational modelling, and interdisciplinary palaeoanthropology at the University of Tübingen, Germany.
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