Fully-funded PhD Position in Palaeoanthropology

Submitted: 09/05/2024
Submitted By: Martin Haeusler
Department: Institute of Evolutionary Medicine
Institution: University of Zürich
Job type: Other
Apply by: 09/30/2024
Application Email: martin.haeusler@iem.uzh.ch
Application URL: www.jobs.uzh.ch

The Evolutionary Morphology Group of the Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland, is seeking to fill the position of a Postdoc to work on a NSF-SNSF co-funded project entitled “Evolutionary and ontogenetic foundations of modern body form: inferences from the juvenile early Homo skeletons from Nariokotome, Kenya, and Dmanisi, Georgia” (in collaboration with Tea Jashashvili, University of Southern California, and Christopher Ruff, John Hopkins University). The PhD will be part of the PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology. Start of employment as soon as possible but no later than January 1, 2025.

Your responsibilities
The project aims to analyse the known Homo erectus skeletons using advanced virtual imaging techniques and modern reference samples to explore aspects such as evolutionary changes in body proportions and growth trajectories, skeletal development, pathology, and biomechanical adaptations in response to bipedalism. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to collect data abroad and present their findings at international conferences, as well as to collaborate in other projects of the group. In addition, they will assist in teaching as well as in training and mentoring of students.

Your profile
Requirements include a Master’s degree or equivalent in anthropology, palaeontology, biology or a related field. Applicants should show a strong interest in human evolution and enjoy publishing, while a background in virtual techniques, human anatomy, or biomechanics is desirable.

What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers.

Location
Institute of Evolutionary Medicine
Winterthurerstrasse190,8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Information on your application
Applications should be submitted no later than September 30, 2024. They should include:
1) a letter of motivation highlighting your interests (not to exceed 2 pages)
2) a curriculum vitae
3) your Master thesis
4) names and contact information of two referees
Salary will be according to the regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation (www.snf.ch). The initial contract is for 1 year and renewable up to 4 years corresponding to the project’s duration.
Please note that the position requires relocation to Zurich.

Questions about the job or application procedure
NicoleTorres Tamayo (nicole.torres-tamayo@iem.uzh.ch)
Martin Haeusler (martin.haeusler@iem.uzh.ch)