Postdoctoral position in Theoretical Evolutionary Biology and Social Interactions

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Group of Prof. Laurent Lehmann is proposing a Postdoctoral (Premier Assistant) position in Theoretical Evolutionary Biology at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The postdoc will join a team working mainly on developing and analyzing mathematical models to understand the evolutionary dynamics of social traits and human behavior. Interests include, but are not limited to, the evolution of preferences, cultural transmission, life-history, large-scale societies, social interactions, and ESS theory.

For more information on the lab, visit www.unil.ch/dee/en/home/menuinst/research/research-groups/lehmann-group.html

Job information

Expected start date in position: The first of a month during 2026 or to be agreed upon

Contract length: 1 year, renewable twice for two years

Activity rate: 100%

Workplace: Lausanne-Dorigny

Your responsibilities

The research project will be defined together with the group leader based on the Postdoc interests and competences in the field of theoretical evolutionary biology. Most of her/his/their time will be dedicated to research, but a contribution to teaching is expected, including the possibility of supervising master students. The job description stipulates:

70% Personal research

25% Participation to teaching activities and master student supervision

5% Maintenance of lab equipment or other institutional tasks.

Your qualifications

We are seeking to recruit someone with a strong interest and a PhD degree in evolutionary biology, physics, mathematics or economics, with advanced skills in mathematical or computational modelling (e.g. dynamical systems, stochastic processes, control theory, game theory).

Interpersonal skills

• Good cooperative skills with other researchers and team members


• Good communication skills, ability to keep an open-mind, ability to communicate your ideas to others


• Be motivated and be able to motivate others

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment, with

opportunities for professional training. Possibilities of continuous training, a lot of activities and other opportunities to discover. The Department of Ecology and Evolution in Lausanne University hosts research groups working on a broad range of topics, producing a rich intellectual and social life. Although French is the common language in Lausanne region, the department research activities and seminars are conducted in English. The campus is located on the shore of the Leman Lake, with the view on the Alps.

Contact for further information

For further information please contact Prof. Laurent Lehmann: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline to apply: 16.01.2026

Formal applications should include:

- a cover letter detailing your research interests, experience and motivation for applying;

- your CV;

- a copy of your PhD certificate; if you haven't yet finished your PhD indicate the scheduled or expected date. A contract as Postdoc/1er assistant can’t be issued before the completion of the thesis.

- the names of two or three referees.

To receive full consideration, application documents should be uploaded online through the University of Lausanne recruitment platform.

Review of applications will begin immediately.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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