"Open PhD position on Biomechanics and Anatomy of the Ape and Hominin
Organ of Hearing

We invite applications for a PhD position at the Evolutionary
Morphology and Palaeobiology of Vertebrates group (www.msanchezlab.net)
in the Department of Paleontology of the University of Zurich. The PhD
candidate will work in the context of an Ambizione Swiss National Science
Foundation, a project led by Dr. Alessandro Urciuoli.

The PhD candidate will explore the evolutionary trajectory of the
organ of hearing in extant and extinct hominids from a morphological
and functional perspective. The project will involve the anatomical
description of the cochlear system in ape species, the adaptation of
human-based computational simulations (finite element models) of the organ
of hearing to that of extant apes, and the reconstruction of the hearing
sensitivity to sound frequencies in fossil hominins.  The candidate
will rely on digital images of the cochlear membranous system of apes
and humans obtained with the most advanced synchrotron-based computed
tomography technology and housed at the Comparative Ear Bank digital
repository. The PhD student will be part of an international network
devoted to the holistic analysis of inner ear structures and will have
the opportunity to perform research stays at European institutions.

We are looking for a highly motivated student of Life, Biomedical,
or Engineering Sciences with a background in bioengineering,
paleoanthropology, or otorhinolaryngology. Proficient English writing
skills are essential.  Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the
project, knowledge in one or more of the following fields is desirable:
finite element modelling and theory, fluid dynamics, auditory physiology,
biomechanics, and/or ear anatomy. Skills in Python and MATLAB programming,
CAD software, and/or digital image handling and processing will also
be positively evaluated. The prospective student is expected to have
received a master's degree or equivalent by the start of the PhD and
will hopefully have published or are preparing to publish on her/his
Masters. The student is to enroll in the evolutionary biology graduate
program (www.evobio.uzh.ch/en.html).

The University of Zurich is one of the top research institutions in
Europe and offers an exceptional academic environment for research and
study. The Department of Paleontology has state-of-the-art research
facilities in an international and stimulating academic environment. The
ongoing collaborations with the Evolutionary Anthropology Department,
the Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, and the Department of
Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery will provide a unique
opportunity for knowledge interchange and development. The Natural
History Museum of the University is closely tied to our department,
offering opportunities to participate in and develop skills in scientific
outreach activities. The city of Zurich, in close proximity to the Alps,
with a lake and river in which to swim in the summer, offers conditions
for an excellent quality of life. We offer a vibrant, collaborative work
environment and high-quality supervision. All former PhD students of the
Sánchez-Villagra group graduated with excellent publication records and
almost all have consecutively moved on to postdoc positions at renowned
academic institutions. Our group represents an international environment
and has been hosting PhD students from many countries across the world.

To apply, please send a letter of motivation including information on
previous scientific work and publications if available (maximum of 2
pages), a CV, and contact details of two referees. Please ensure that
all those parts are combined into a single PDF-file. Together with an
electronic copy of the Masters-thesis, please send your application to
Alexandra Wegmann (alexandra.wegmann@uzh.ch).

The deadline for applications is 20th of April 2025. Applications
received after the deadline may be considered if the position is not yet
filled. Applicants should be prepared to be interviewed in the first
half of May 2025 and ideally start on September 1st of 2025 (starting
date may be discussed). The planned duration for the PhD project is
four years and compensation follows the standards set by the University
of Zurich's salary guidelines. If you have further questions, do not
hesitate to contact us (alessandro.urciuoli@pim.uzh.ch)."

Kind regards

Alexandra 

Alexandra Wegmann <alexandra.wegmann@uzh.ch>

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