Open PhD position on Biomechanics and Anatomy of the Ape and Hominin Organ of Hearing Join to apply for the PhD position on Biomechanics and Anatomy of the Ape and Hominin Organ of Hearing at Universität Zürich .
We invite applications for a PhD position within the Evolutionary Morphology and Palaeobiology of Vertebrates group at the Department of Paleontology, University of Zurich. The candidate will work on a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, led by Dr. Alessandro Urciuoli.
Your Responsibilities The PhD candidate will investigate the evolution of the hearing organ in extant and extinct hominids, focusing on morphology and function. Responsibilities include anatomical description of the cochlear system in apes, adapting human-based computational models (finite element analysis) to apes, and reconstructing hearing sensitivity in fossil hominins using synchrotron-based CT imaging data from the Comparative Ear Bank digital repository. The student will join an international network studying inner ear structures and may undertake research stays at European institutions.
Your Profile Applicants should be highly motivated students with backgrounds in Life, Biomedical, or Engineering Sciences, with experience in bioengineering, paleoanthropology, or otorhinolaryngology. Proficiency in English is essential. Desirable skills include finite element modeling, fluid dynamics, auditory physiology, biomechanics, ear anatomy, programming in Python and MATLAB, CAD software, and digital image processing. Candidates should have a master's degree or equivalent by the start date and ideally have published or be preparing publications related to their master's work. Enrollment in the evolutionary biology graduate program is required.
Application Process To apply, submit a single PDF containing a motivation letter (max 2 pages), CV, contact details of two referees, and an electronic copy of your master’s thesis. The deadline is April 20, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in early May 2025, with an expected start date around September 1, 2025. The position is funded for four years and follows the university's salary guidelines.
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