PhD Position University of Zurich

A PhD position to work on evolutionary theory is available at the University of Zurich. The focus of the project is on the evolution of conflict and cooperation, with an emphasis on genetic conflicts in microbes. The project will touch on cooperation and conflict, co- evolution, ecological-evolutionary feedbacks and the levels-of- selection problem. While the main part of the project will focus on social evolution, the research may address other questions in evolutionary and ecology, depending on the background of the student.

Application Deadline: Friday 14th August 2009

There will be close collaboration with empiricists and students who wish to test their models with empirical approaches will be encouraged to do so.

Zurich is located less than one hour from the Alps, and is a small but vibrant city that is regarded to have one of the best standards of living in the world. There is a large international community and is well connected to all major European cities.

The successful applicant will be supervised by Dr Daniel Rankin, a theoretical evolutionary biologist interested in a wide range of topics, from social evolution to the link between evolution and ecology (see http://www.rankin.sk/ for details). The department is very international and consists of a very diverse range of individuals who work on a wide range of interesting evolutionary topics. We also work closely with other ecology/evolutionary groups in Z¨¹rich and
abroad.

Candidates should have a good background in evolutionary biology, ecology or behavioural ecology, and some experience with modeling. The candidate should have a diploma/MSc degree. The working language of
the group is English, and knowledge German is very helpful but not necessary. The position, funded by the Swiss NSF, is available to start immediately and will be for three years. The salary will be in line with University of Zurich policy, which is rather generous.

To apply, please send an e-mail with a cover letter, CV and short (<1 page) statement of research interests and experience in a single pdf file to d.rankin@access.uzh.ch. Please mention ¡°PhD position” in the subject of e-mail. Please additionally give the names and contact details of two or three people willing to write letters of
recommendation. For full consideration please send your application by Friday 14th August 2009. Due to the large number of applications, if you are not contacted please consider your application unsuccessful.