Open PhD position in Population Genomics -80%
Universität Zürich
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Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
Open PhD position in Population Genomics 80 %
Start of employment 01.10.2025, temporary
A fully funded 4 years PhD position is available in the Human Genetic and Cultural Evolution group at the Department
of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies of the University of Zurich. Our research focuses on reconstructing
the demographic history of ancient and modern human populations to understand how various evolutionary processes - both
biological and cultural - shape genetic and linguistic diversity.
Cultural practices, while fluid and ever-changing, can alter a population genetic landscape by influencing social
structures and mating patterns. At the same time, genetic variation provides the foundation for cognition, language
development, and cultural behaviors. To explore this complex interplay, our lab investigates fundamental questions,
such as: How were early human populations structured? What processes led to the current mosaic of human genetic and
linguistic variation? What demographic factors drive language diversification, diffusion, and extinction? How does
migration and admixture impact our genomes and languages?
Your responsibilities
Join our group to investigate the impact of demography in the evolution and diffusion of languages and other cultural
traits. The project will involve modelling and the analysis of large datasets, including newly generated genomes. You
will have the opportunity to participate in sample collection in Africa and to be involved in the development of new
approaches to study the interplay between genetic and linguistic evolution.
Your profile
I am looking for a student with a strong background in population genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, computational
biology, statistics, or related fields, and an interest in linguistic and cultural evolution. Good communication skills
in English are required.
Information on your application
As the newly appointed Professor of Genetic and Linguistic Evolution starting at the University of Zurich (UZH) in
September 2025, I invite you to work with me and enroll in the PhD Program "Evolutionary Biology". The UZH offers
excellent infrastructure and opportunities to expand your scientific and transferable skills. You will be part of an
international, diverse, and inclusive community of researchers, and have the support of a PhD advisory committee.
Additionally, you will become a member of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "Evolving language",
contributing to the Diversification project. In these settings, you will benefit from a highly collaborative and
interdisciplinary research environment.
To apply, please send the following documents:
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your qualifications, interest in the project, and relevant experience.
- A CV including contact details for 2–3 referees.
- A copy of your Master's thesis, if available.
- The application deadline is June 30, 2025. The planned start is October 2025, with the project duration of four
years and a competitive salary following UZH standards. For questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Sandra Oliveira
Assistant Professor for Genetic and Linguistic Evolution (starting September 2025)
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
University of Zurich
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 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Sandra OliveiraAssistant Professor for Genetic and Linguistic Evolution (starting September 2025) Contact Form
Contact question to: Sandra Oliveira
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
Open PhD position in Population Genomics 80 %
Start of employment 01.10.2025, temporary
A fully funded 4 years PhD position is available in the Human Genetic and Cultural Evolution group at the Department
of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies of the University of Zurich. Our research focuses on reconstructing
the demographic history of ancient and modern human populations to understand how various evolutionary processes - both
biological and cultural - shape genetic and linguistic diversity.
Cultural practices, while fluid and ever-changing, can alter a population genetic landscape by influencing social
structures and mating patterns. At the same time, genetic variation provides the foundation for cognition, language
development, and cultural behaviors. To explore this complex interplay, our lab investigates fundamental questions,
such as: How were early human populations structured? What processes led to the current mosaic of human genetic and
linguistic variation? What demographic factors drive language diversification, diffusion, and extinction? How does
migration and admixture impact our genomes and languages?
Your responsibilities
Join our group to investigate the impact of demography in the evolution and diffusion of languages and other cultural
traits. The project will involve modelling and the analysis of large datasets, including newly generated genomes. You
will have the opportunity to participate in sample collection in Africa and to be involved in the development of new
approaches to study the interplay between genetic and linguistic evolution.
Your profile
I am looking for a student with a strong background in population genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, computational
biology, statistics, or related fields, and an interest in linguistic and cultural evolution. Good communication skills
in English are required.
Information on your application
As the newly appointed Professor of Genetic and Linguistic Evolution starting at the University of Zurich (UZH) in
September 2025, I invite you to work with me and enroll in the PhD Program "Evolutionary Biology". The UZH offers
excellent infrastructure and opportunities to expand your scientific and transferable skills. You will be part of an
international, diverse, and inclusive community of researchers, and have the support of a PhD advisory committee.
Additionally, you will become a member of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "Evolving language",
contributing to the Diversification project. In these settings, you will benefit from a highly collaborative and
interdisciplinary research environment.
To apply, please send the following documents:
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your qualifications, interest in the project, and relevant experience.
- A CV including contact details for 2–3 referees.
- A copy of your Master's thesis, if available.
- The application deadline is June 30, 2025. The planned start is October 2025, with the project duration of four
years and a competitive salary following UZH standards. For questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Sandra Oliveira
Assistant Professor for Genetic and Linguistic Evolution (starting September 2025)
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
University of Zurich
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 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Sandra OliveiraAssistant Professor for Genetic and Linguistic Evolution (starting September 2025) Contact Form
Contact question to: Sandra Oliveira
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