PHD POSITION IN LIZARD EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY Country: BELGIUM University: UCLOUVAIN Research group: ANIMAL EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY LAB PI: PROF SIMON BAECKENS PhD topic: LIZARD ADAPTATIONS TO HUMAN-INDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE Anticipated start date: 1 MAY OR ASAP THEREAFTER The PhD project will investigate (adaptive) phenotypic responses to rapid human-induced environmental change, using lizards as a model system. The research will adopt an organismal and integrative approach, examining (the interplay between) morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits. The overarching aim is to understand how organisms respond to abrupt and novel selective pressures, and to what extent such responses facilitate population persistence under global change. The precise direction of the project is flexible and will be shaped according to the candidate's profile, interests, and strengths. Possible research themes include anthropogenic drivers of environmental change, such as bio-invasions and urbanization/pollution.Methodological approaches may include field-based experimental work in Belgium or Mediterranean systems and comparative analyses across species or populations. WHAT WE OFFER: * Fully funded PhD position for up to 4 years * Dedicated funding for fieldwork, research costs, and conferences * Advanced doctoral training and career development at UCLouvain * Supportive and collegial research environment REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS - Profile requirements: * MSc degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or a related field * Good knowledge of evolutionary and organismal biology and ecology * Ability to work independently while contributing actively to a collaborative research environment * Good command of spoken and written English - Strongly valued * Strong quantitative skills, including use of R * Interest in field-based research and willingness to conduct extended fieldwork * Ability to communicate scientific results clearly in writing * Previous publications (not required, but an asset) - Professional conduct and values * Commitment to high ethical standards in research and academic practice * Attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation in scientific work * Respectful and inclusive attitude toward colleagues, collaborators, and students - Additional assets * Experience with lizard biology or reptile fieldwork * Knowledge of French (helpful for administrative matters and local integration, but not required) HOW TO APPLY Applications must be submitted via UCLouvain's online recruitment platform NO LATER THAN 9 March 2026 (23:59, Brussels time). The following documents should be included as attachments: 1. A motivation letter 2. A curriculum vitae (CV) 3. A one-page (A4) description of a potential PhD research idea, outlining your proposed topic and how you would approach data collection and analysis 4. The contact details of 2-3 referees who can provide academic references All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee as soon as possible after the closing date. Candidates who remain under consideration after the initial screening will be contacted regarding the next steps in the selection process. All applicants will be informed once a final decision has been made. Contact: Simon Baeckens, Assistant Professor Earth & Life Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Website: www.simonbaeckens.com Email: simon.baeckens@uclouvain.be SUBMIT APPLICATION HERE: https://jobs.uclouvain.be/Personnelscientifique/job/PhD-Position-in-Evolutionary-Ecology/1289884901/ Simon Baeckens (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)