Open PhD Position in Neotropical Fish Palaeontology and Systematics
The Evolutionary Morphology and Palaeobiology of Vertebrates group at the Department of Palaeontology, University of Zurich, invites applications for a PhD position. This exciting opportunity is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and led by Prof. Dr. Marcelo Sánchez-Villagra. The successful candidate will explore the fossil record and evolutionary history of freshwater fish, with a focus on catfish and cichlid clades. Research includes taxonomic and systematic studies and analyses of faunal dynamics through deep time. The project involves comparative anatomical work with CT and surface scanning for 3D modeling, as well as potential fieldwork in South America.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be a motivated student in Life or Earth Sciences with a background in zoology or palaeontology. Proficiency in English writing is required, along with knowledge in systematics, vertebrate anatomy, and statistics. A master’s degree or equivalent is expected by the PhD start date, along with prior publications or publications in progress from their Master’s research. The candidate will enroll in the evolutionary biology graduate programme at the University of Zurich (programme information).
Research Environment and Facilities
The University of Zurich is one of Europe's premier research institutions, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic academic environment. The Department of Palaeontology collaborates closely with the University’s Natural History Museum, providing opportunities for involvement in scientific outreach. Zurich itself offers an excellent quality of life, with proximity to the Alps, lakes, and rivers. The work environment is vibrant and collaborative, with high-quality supervision. Former PhD students from the group have moved on to postdoctoral roles at renowned institutions worldwide.
Selected Publications Related to the Project:
- Albert JS et al. 2020. "Diversification of Neotropical freshwater fishes." Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 51:27-53
- Ballen GA et al. 2022. "A fossil fish assemblage from the middle Miocene of the Cocinetas Basin, northern Colombia." Papers in Palaeontology 8: e1405.
- Carrillo-Briceño JD et al. 2021a. "A historical vertebrate collection from the Middle Miocene of the Peruvian Amazon." Swiss Journal of Palaeontology 140:26.
Application Process
To apply, please prepare:
- A letter of motivation (max 2 pages) detailing your scientific background and publications, if applicable
- A CV
- Contact information for two referees
- A single PDF file containing all documents
- An electronic copy of your Master’s thesis
Send your complete application to: Alexandra Wegmann at alexandra.wegmann@uzh.ch.
Deadline: January 17, 2025. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interviews are scheduled for February 2025, with the anticipated start in Spring 2025.
For further questions, please contact us at www.msanchezlab.net or email Prof. Marcelo Sánchez-Villagra at m.sanchez@pim.uzh.ch.
