Graduate Position:UGraz_Austria.AmphipodBehavioralEcology

PhD position in behavioral ecology / evolutionary biology at the
University of Graz, Austria

We are looking for a PhD student interested in behavioral ecology and
evolutionary biology to study the co-existence of cryptic species of
the freshwater amphipod Gammarus fossarum.

The focus of the PhD research lies on reproductive isolation between
the cryptic species, which will be studied in the lab and in the
field. Methods include field work, genetic analyses and behavioral
experiments. The PhD position is embedded in a joint Austrian-Czech
project (University of Graz, Charles University of Prague and University
of Ostrava), which also involves studies of competitive interactions,
trophic differentiation, functional morphology and parasitism, and offers
opportunities for lab rotations and participations in different areas
of the project.

Formal requirements include a Master's degree in biology or closely
related field, and an excellent command of English. Applicants should have
a strong interest in animal behavior, evolution and ecology. The field
work requires a car driving license (and experience with manual gear
shift). The PhD research will be supervised by Univ. Prof. Kristina Sefc.

The position is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) for a
duration of three years, starting in spring 2026, with a net salary of
approx. 28,000 euro per year.  Graz is an attractive mid-sized city in
south-eastern Austria and is appreciated for affordable living, pleasant
climate, convenient distance to the Alps and the Adriatic Sea and ample
opportunities for outdoor activities in its close surroundings.

Please email applications to Dr. Kristina Sefc
(kristina.sefc@uni-graz.at), and send a pdf file including a statement
of research interests and expertise, a CV, list of publications and
presentations, and contact information of 2-3 references. Shortlisted
candidates will get more details about the project and will be invited
for an informal online interview.

"Sefc, Kristina (kristina.sefc@uni-graz.at)" <kristina.sefc@uni-graz.at>

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