A fully funded PhD position in Palaeobiology and Palaeoecology is available at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland. The four-year position is expected to start in April 2027, or upon mutual agreement. The successful candidate will be based in Geneva and supervised by Harriet B. Drage.
The PhD is part of the ERC-funded RECO-ECO project, which investigates the ecology of the earliest arthropods. The research will focus specifically on the hydrodynamic adaptations of juvenile trilobite morphologies and their potential influence on dispersal in Cambrian and Ordovician oceans.
The candidate will develop computational and experimental fluid dynamics methods to test palaeoecological hypotheses. The research will involve dispersal simulations, comparison with fossil record data, and biogeographic analyses incorporating continental plate and ocean current models. The role will also include teaching assistance and supervision of Bachelor’s or Master’s students.
The project provides interdisciplinary training across fluid dynamics, quantitative palaeontological analysis, digital modelling, coding and scientific publishing. The student will collaborate with international researchers, including colleagues at the University of Portsmouth and University College London, and participate in the CUSO Doctoral Program in Earth Surface Processes and Paleobiosphere.
Position Overview
- Position: PhD in Palaeobiology and Palaeoecology of Early Arthropods
- Reference: Not specified in the vacancy
- Institution: University of Geneva
- Department/Faculty: Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science
- Research Group/Supervisor: Harriet B. Drage, University of Geneva
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Contract/FTE: 4-year contract; FTE not specified
- Duration: 4 years
- Start Date: April 2027, or upon mutual agreement
- Salary/Funding: Fully funded position with an internationally competitive salary
- Required Degree: Master’s degree in Palaeontology, Earth Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology or a related field
Research Focus
- Palaeobiology & Palaeoecology
- Early Arthropod Evolution & Ecology
- Trilobite Morphology & Dispersal
- Cambrian & Ordovician Oceans
- Hydrodynamic Adaptations & Fluid Dynamics
- Experimental & Computational Modelling
- Biogeography & Fossil Record Analysis
- Continental Plate & Ocean Current Models
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Palaeontology, Earth Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology or a related field
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Experience in ecology and quantitative palaeobiology or biology
- Interest in physics and fluid dynamics
- Experience with statistical analysis
- Experience using R or Python
- Experience with digital modelling
- Willingness to travel, including to the UK for experimental work
- Interest in experimental and computational research
- Enthusiasm for developing and applying new research methods
Research Responsibilities
- Develop computational and experimental fluid dynamics methods
- Test ecological hypotheses related to early arthropod morphology
- Simulate juvenile trilobite dispersal in water
- Assess dispersal capabilities of different morphologies
- Conduct biogeographic analyses using plate and ocean current models
- Compare modelling and experimental results with fossil record evidence
- Assist with teaching and supervise Bachelor’s or Master’s students
- Contribute to departmental activities
Funding & Benefits
The PhD position is fully funded through an ERC Starting Grant and runs for four years. The vacancy states that the position offers an internationally competitive salary, but no specific salary figure is provided.
- International research collaboration with colleagues at the University of Portsmouth and University College London
- One-to-one training in fluid dynamics, quantitative palaeontology, fieldwork and scientific publishing
- Training in biogeographic analysis, digital modelling, datasets and R/Python coding
- Membership of the CUSO Doctoral Program in Earth Surface Processes and Paleobiosphere, with funded meetings, field courses and workshops
Application Process
Applicants should submit all required documents as one PDF file in English by email to harriet.drage@unige.ch. The email subject line should be: PhD application_ [yourlastname]
Required documents:
- Detailed CV, including research experience and publications.
- Statement describing research interests and motivation for the project, maximum two pages.
- Academic transcripts from relevant degree programmes, in English or French.
- Contact information for two professional references.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 16 October 2026
- Expected start date: April 2027, or upon mutual agreement
- Contract duration: 4 years
For the official vacancy, eligibility requirements and application instructions, review the University of Geneva announcement before submitting your application.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Palaeontology research opportunities
- Palaeoenvironmental Studies positions
- Geosciences opportunities worldwide
- Human Evolution research positions
- Funded doctoral opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the research topic of this PhD?
The PhD will investigate the hydrodynamic adaptations of juvenile trilobite morphologies and their potential effects on dispersal in Cambrian and Ordovician oceans.
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The University of Geneva states that the position is fully funded through an ERC Starting Grant and offers an internationally competitive salary.
What degree is required for this PhD?
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Palaeontology, Earth Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology or a related field.
Is coding experience required?
Experience with statistical analysis, R or Python, and digital modelling is strongly preferred. An interest in physics and fluid dynamics is also highly beneficial.
Who will supervise the PhD?
The PhD student will be supervised by Harriet B. Drage at the University of Geneva and will collaborate with international researchers, including colleagues at the University of Portsmouth and University College London.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 16 October 2026. The expected start date is April 2027, or another date by mutual agreement.
Institutional Overview
The University of Geneva is a research university in Geneva, Switzerland, with a long history of teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines. The University brings together faculties and research centres that work in the sciences, medicine, humanities, social sciences, law, economics and other fields. It offers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes and supports research at both national and international levels. Researchers at the University work across disciplinary boundaries and collaborate with academic and research institutions in Switzerland and abroad. Its location in Geneva also connects the University with a strong international community that includes universities, research organisations and international institutions. Through its teaching, research and doctoral programmes, the University of Geneva provides an academic environment for students and researchers from different fields and countries.
Follow HigherJobz for the latest palaeontology, palaeobiology, academic, research, PhD, postdoctoral and university job opportunities.
