Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany
PhD position in plant-insect coadaptation 100 %
Start of employment 1st of July 2026, temporaryOur department is located in the university botanical gardens and houses modern molecular and ecological labs, including greenhouses and climate chambers for plant cultivation. The University of Zurich has a broad research coverage of organismal and molecular biology, and several research groups work on evolutionary topics. The city of Zurich also offers excellent quality of life as well as an attractive surrounding for outdoor sports.
Your responsibilities
A PhD position in plant-insect coadaptation is available from 1st of July 2026 in my group at the Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zürich, for a period of four years. The position is to study patterns and mechanisms of coevolution between plants and animals, using wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) and its pollinating-herbivore, Pieris rapae, as a model system. In this SNF-funded project, greenhouse experiments will be combined with field work and lab-based analyses to study coadaptation between Raphanus and Pieris and their underlying mechanisms in natural populations in Switzerland.
Your profile
I am looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join my team working on evolutionary questions in the context of plant-insect interactions. I offer a vibrant, collaborative work environment and high-quality supervision. Several of my past PhD students have published as first authors in the highest-ranking journals such as Science, Nature Communications, New Phytologist, Functional Ecology, etc.; many have consecutively attained PostDoc positions at renowned academic institutions. You should have a Master (or comparable) degree in any field of biology and a thorough interest in evolutionary biology; proficiency in English, both orally and written, is also required. Prior experience in working with plants and/or insects, genomics analyses, and scientific publishing is an advantage. You should like to work in the greenhouse and/or in the field have some lab experience.
Information on your application
If you are interested in the job, please send Prof. Dr. Florian Schiestl, florian.schiestl@systbot.uzh.ch a letter describing your motivation, CV, copy of degrees, publications (manuscripts), and e-mail addresses of two academic referees, or apply using the "Apply now" button, by 30th of May 2026 (the job will remain open until filled).Please send all documents in a single file. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
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Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.
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Prof. Dr. Florian Schiestl Director
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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/en/explore/work.html
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/en/explore/work.html
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!
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