PhD position: Experimental evolution of reproductive strategies under varying sex ratios -80%
Universität Zürich
Kontakt aufnehmen
Wichtige Links
Zur Stelle >
Zur Firma >
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
PhD position: Experimental evolution of reproductive strategies under varying sex ratios 80 %
Start of employment 01.09.2025, temporary
Prof. Dr. Stefan Lüpold from the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies seeks a highly motivated
PhD candidate to investigate how operational sex ratios shape long-term evolutionary adaptations in reproductive
strategies. The project leverages Drosophila prolongata populations experimentally evolved over 60 generations under
male- or female-biased OSR regimes. This work addresses critical gaps in understanding how competition and mate choice
drive the evolution of male and female mating strategies in dynamic social environments.
Your responsibilities
This fully funded project of 4 years combines large-scale experimental evolution with cutting-edge deep-learning tools
for automated, high-throughput phenotyping of behavioral and morphological traits. This approach allows rigorous
testing of hypotheses about adaptive benefits of evolved strategies in mixed social contexts.
Your profile
- Master's degree in evolutionary biology, ecology, animal behavior, or a related field
- Good knowledge of sexual selection theory and evolutionary ecology
- Experience with statistical analysis using R or similar
- Enthusiasm for lab-based experimental work using a unique Drosophila species
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
Prior experience with behavioral assays, insect experimentation, or deep-learning is a plus though not essential. We
prioritize candidates with a commitment to learning these techniques.
Information on your application
Please send the following documents to the contact below:
- Motivation letter (1-2 pages) describing your expertise and interests, as well as why you see yourself as a good fit
for this project
- CV with publication list (if available) and contacts of 2-3 referees
- Academic transcripts
- Interviews will start on 9 June 2025.
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
More Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
More Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
More Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
More Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
More Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
More International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
More Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
More
Location
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
Winterthurerstrasse, Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Dr. Stefan LüpoldProfessor +41 44 635 47 77 Contact Form
Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Stefan Lüpold
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *I accept the privacy policySend Thank you for your message. We will get
back to you shortly.
Questions about the application procedure
Isabel SchöchliAdministrative assistant +41 44 635 52 04 Contact Form
Contact question to: Isabel Schöchli
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *Ich akzeptiere hiermit die DatenschutzerklärungSend Thank you for your
message. We will get back to you shortly. Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
PhD position: Experimental evolution of reproductive strategies under varying sex ratios 80 %
Start of employment 01.09.2025, temporary
Prof. Dr. Stefan Lüpold from the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies seeks a highly motivated
PhD candidate to investigate how operational sex ratios shape long-term evolutionary adaptations in reproductive
strategies. The project leverages Drosophila prolongata populations experimentally evolved over 60 generations under
male- or female-biased OSR regimes. This work addresses critical gaps in understanding how competition and mate choice
drive the evolution of male and female mating strategies in dynamic social environments.
Your responsibilities
This fully funded project of 4 years combines large-scale experimental evolution with cutting-edge deep-learning tools
for automated, high-throughput phenotyping of behavioral and morphological traits. This approach allows rigorous
testing of hypotheses about adaptive benefits of evolved strategies in mixed social contexts.
Your profile
- Master's degree in evolutionary biology, ecology, animal behavior, or a related field
- Good knowledge of sexual selection theory and evolutionary ecology
- Experience with statistical analysis using R or similar
- Enthusiasm for lab-based experimental work using a unique Drosophila species
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
Prior experience with behavioral assays, insect experimentation, or deep-learning is a plus though not essential. We
prioritize candidates with a commitment to learning these techniques.
Information on your application
Please send the following documents to the contact below:
- Motivation letter (1-2 pages) describing your expertise and interests, as well as why you see yourself as a good fit
for this project
- CV with publication list (if available) and contacts of 2-3 referees
- Academic transcripts
- Interviews will start on 9 June 2025.
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
More Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
More Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
More Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
More Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
More Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
More International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
More Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
More
Location
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
Winterthurerstrasse, Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Dr. Stefan LüpoldProfessor +41 44 635 47 77 Contact Form
Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Stefan Lüpold
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *I accept the privacy policySend Thank you for your message. We will get
back to you shortly.
Questions about the application procedure
Isabel SchöchliAdministrative assistant +41 44 635 52 04 Contact Form
Contact question to: Isabel Schöchli
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *Ich akzeptiere hiermit die DatenschutzerklärungSend Thank you for your
message. We will get back to you shortly. Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More