Postdoctoral position in Evolutionary Conservation Biology

Introduction

The University of Lausanne is a research and higher education institution composed of seven faculties where approximately 15,000 students and nearly 5,000 professors, researchers, and staff work and study. Ideally situated along the lake of Geneva, near Lausanne's city center, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities.

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Presentation

The Group of Prof. Claus Wedekind is proposing a Postdoctoral (Premier Assistant) position in Evolutionary Conservation Biology at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The postdoc will join a team working on the selective forces that act on freshwater fish, i.e. the effects of human activities in interaction with natural and sexual selection. For more information, see https:// www.unil.ch/dee/wedekind-group.

Job information

Expected start date in position: 1.7.2026 or to be agreed

Contract length: 1 year, renewable depending on funding availability

Activity rate: 60-100%

Workplace: Lausanne-Dorigny

Your responsibilities

The research project will be defined together with the group leader based on the Postdoc interests and competencies in the field of Evolutionary Conservation Biology. Most of his/her 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 in 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 PhD degree in biology, a strong interest in research, and skills in one or several of the following fields: population genetics, population management, life history, bioinformatics, and evolutionary ecology. Experience with fish would be an advantage. Applicants should have good team skills. Collaboration is important in our group.

Interpersonal skills

• Be open-minded, motivated, and able to motivate others


• Interested in acquiring new skills and in teaching techniques and skills to others 


• Willing to discuss research ideas with others in the team


• Collaborate with team members at the various stages of research projects


• Have good communication skills


• Respect deadlines and priorities

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 at 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 the Lausanne region, the department research activities and seminars are conducted in English. The campus is located on the shore of Lake Geneva, with a view of the Alps.

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Contact for further information

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

Your application

Deadline to apply: 15.05.2026

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 have not yet finished your PhD indicate the scheduled or expected date (a contract as Postdoc/1er assistant cannot be issued before the completion of the thesis);

- the names and contact details 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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