PhD Position in Evolutionary Ecology

Offer

UCLouvain is hiring a PhD student in Lizard Evolutionary Ecology

Job Id : SF  38221
Internal and external job posting until...

For the Earth and Life Institute of the Science and Technology Sector
Main campus:  Louvain-la-Neuve
Fixed-term, full-time (100 %) contract, 4 years
Starting date: The anticipated start date is 1 May, or as soon as possible thereafter

Introduction

PhD Position in Evolutionary Ecology

Lizard adaptations to human-induced environmental change

UCLouvain is a multidisciplinary, research-intensive university based in the French-speaking community of Belgium. The university offers a dynamic and international research environment and hosts a vibrant community of doctoral researchers. Research in ecology and evolution is embedded within the Earth and Life Institute (ELI), and more specifically the Ecology and Biodiversity Section (ELIV), which brings together several research groups working on ecology, evolution, and global change biology.

Within ELIV, the Animal Evolutionary Ecology group led by Prof. Simon Baeckens investigates how, and how fast, animals adapt to natural and human-induced environmental change. The group integrates behavioral ecology, functional morphology, physiology, and comparative phylogenetics, combining field- and lab-based experiments with comparative approaches. Although the research spans a diversity of vertebrate taxa, lizards and snakes frequently serve as model organisms to address fundamental questions in ecology and evolution.

The Baeckens lab is currently recruiting a PhD candidate to join the team and conduct research on lizard adaptations to human-induced environmental change.

Job description

Understanding the proximate and ultimate mechanisms that drive adaptive responses to human-altered environments is one of the central challenges in contemporary evolutionary and conservation biology. Human activities generate extreme and novel environments worldwide, creating powerful opportunities to study evolution in real time. Anthropogenic systems therefore provide unique contexts for addressing fundamental evolutionary questions that are often difficult to investigate in traditional ecological settings.

This 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:

• Biological invasions,
• Urbanization and pollution

Methodological approaches may include:

• Field-based experimental work in Belgium and/or Mediterranean systems,
• Comparative analyses across species or populations

The project is embedded within a broader research program on evolutionary responses to global change. While the overall framework is defined, the PhD candidate will have substantial freedom to develop specific research questions in close collaboration with the supervisor.

What we offer

• A fully funded PhD position with funding available for up to 4 years. The appointment is made on a yearly basis, in line with standard doctoral regulations, and is renewed following the regular progress evaluations of the PhD trajectory. As part of the doctoral trajectory, the successful candidate will submit applications for individual doctoral fellowships (e.g. FRIA, FNRS); however, continuation of funding is not dependent on the outcome of these applications.
• A tax-free doctoral scholarship in accordance with Walloon funding regulations in Belgium. The monthly stipend follows the official rates for doctoral scholarship holders.
• Supervision by Prof. Simon Baeckens within a dynamic and internationally connected research group, with opportunities to interact and collaborate with members of other groups within ELIV.
• Access to advanced training, transferable skills courses, and career development support through the UCLouvain Doctoral School.
• Dedicated funding for fieldwork, research costs, and participation in international conferences.
• A stimulating, collegial, and supportive working environment at the Louvain-la-Neuve campus.
• The anticipated start date is 1 May, or as soon as possible thereafter, with flexibility upon agreement and depending on visa requirements

Required qualifications and skills

Profile requirements

• A Master degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or a closely related discipline (or completion by the start date)
• Excellent study results, demonstrating strong academic performance and competitiveness for external fellowship funding
• Good knowledge of evolutionary and organismal biology and ecology
• Ability to work independently while contributing actively to a collaborative research environment
• Strong motivation to complete a PhD within four years
• Good command of spoken and written English

Strongly valued

• Strong skills in quantitative data analysis, including the use of R
• Interest in all aspects of the research process, including hypothesis development, experimental design, planning, fieldwork, data analysis, and dissemination of results
• Demonstrated interest in field-based research and willingness to conduct extended fieldwork (potentially abroad) under variable and sometimes challenging conditions
• Ability to communicate scientific results clearly and effectively 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)

Application process

Applications must be submitted via UCLouvain’s online recruitment platform no later than 9 March (23:59, Brussels time). The following documents should be included as attachments:

• A motivation letter
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A one-page (A4) description of a potential PhD research idea, outlining your proposed topic and how you would approach data collection and analysis
• 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.

For questions about the position or research project, please contact Prof. Simon Baeckens (simon.baeckens@uclouvain.be). 

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of gender identity, disability, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.