PhD Opportunities
This page details PhD projects of which we are aware. This list is by no means exhaustive and the institutions listed, and others, may well be offering additional projects. Further details for many of these projects are already available on institutional websites. For UK PhD programmes, note that application deadlines can be as early as January, and interviews usually take place during the period January-April.
This list relies on supervisors submitting details of their projects. If you are advertising a PhD currently, please submit it using the form linked below:
The origin of animals: Building a precise timeline from the geological record
The Ediacaran–Cambrian transition saw the evolutionary appearance of complex macroscopic life and animal-dominated ecosystems. Yet basic questions on the timing and sequence of evolutionary events during that period remain unresolved, due to the challenge of correlating a geological record that straddles multiple continents. Signatures of ocean chemistry, such as stable carbon isotopes (δ13C), in principle allow for the correlation of fossil-bearing sedimentary sections from different locations. However, such chemostratigraphic signals are typically aligned by visual inspection, and may not exclusively represent a global oceanic signature. As such, this inherently subjective approach often produces multiple possible alignments, and gives no rigorous way of determining the most likely alignment, or quantifying uncertainty.
This project will use the StratoBayes correlation software to produce an objective stratigraphic framework of late Ediacaran–early Cambrian deposits, which will provide a definitive timeline of early animal evolution at an unprecedented temporal resolution. StratoBayes is a novel tool developed by members of the supervisory team; it uses innovative Bayesian models to derive correlations between stratigraphic sections based on the geochemical signatures they record.
Extinction Risk and Irreplaceability: Integrating Phylogeny, Morphospace, and Complexity
Project aims and methods:
This project will investigate how different forms of evolutionary uniqueness (phylogenetic, morphological, and structural) shape patterns of biodiversity and extinction risk across major animal groups. While conservation often prioritises phylogenetic Evolutionary Distinctiveness, species may also be unique because they occupy isolated positions in morphospace or exhibit unusual organismal complexity. By comparing these axes across extant and fossil clades, the project will ask whether they align, whether they predict extinction selectivity, and how their combined use can refine conservation priorities.
Collaboration:
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) will provide training in phylogenetic metrics and conservation prioritisation. Desk space will also be provided at ZSL for brief or longer visits and support for some travel.
Candidate requirements:
Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree 1st or 2.1, or international equivalent.
Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement before the application deadline, unless they are currently studying in the UK. No exceptions will be considered.
Weathering, nutrient and carbon cycling during Earth’s oxidation in the Paleoproterozoic
The Great Oxidation Event (GOE) marked a significant shift in the Earth's atmospheric composition, transforming surface environments and influencing the evolution of the biosphere. This pivotal event unfolded during a prolonged period of climatic instability, characterized by multiple global glaciations. An initial rise in atmospheric oxygen concentrations around 2.45 billion years ago was followed by fluctuating oxygen levels for the next c. 200 million years, culminating in permanent atmospheric oxygenation and the Lomagundi carbon isotope excursion at c. 2.22 billion years ago. A crucial sedimentary unit in the narrative of early oxygenation is the c. 2.32 to 2.25 billion year old Timeball Hill Formation in South Africa. This formation comprises two upward-shallowing siliciclastic sequences and is overlain by glacial deposits representing the fourth and final Paleoproterozoic glaciation. Within the first shallowing sequence, a layer of granular iron formation exhibits trace metal enrichments indicative of extensive oxidative weathering of the exposed crust, widespread acid rock drainage, and the influx of metals, sulfates, and nutrients into the oceans. These changes may have contributed to increased primary productivity, substantial burial of organic carbon, and a notable disruption in the global carbon cycle – the Lomagundi carbon isotope excursion.
The proposed PhD project aims to comprehensively explore the sedimentary context and geochemical record of the transition from a low-oxygen state to an atmosphere conducive to aerobic metabolisms. The methodology involves a detailed sedimentological examination and sampling of existing drill cores and outcrops in South Africa. Laboratory work will involve the application of petrography, trace metal and isotope geochemistry of core and field samples to provide insights into this critical phase in Earth's history.
We are looking for a candidate with background in outcrop/core-based sedimentological and geochemical data acquisition, and a willingness to learn the application of low-temperature geochemical techniques (principally mass spectrometry of trace metals and stable isotopes). Previous experience in sedimentary thin section petrography, Precambrian geology and/or geochemical techniques will be advantageous. A track record of academic engagement with the research community can be a plus to this role.
The successful candidate will be based at the University of Manchester and will join an international team of researchers with access to world-class analytical facilities where all the necessary training will be provided (Dr Stefan Schroeder and Prof Kevin Taylor, University of Manchester; Prof Kurt Konhauser, University of Alberta; Prof Bertus Smith, University of Johannesburg; Prof Ronny Schoenberg and Dr Ilka Kleinhanns, University of Tübingen). Extended periods of laboratory and field work – where appropriate – can be spent at partner universities and in South Africa.
Conodont evolution in response to Early Triassic disturbances
The Department of Paleontology of the University of Zurich (https://www.pim.uzh.ch/en.html) invites applications for a full-time PhD position (a total of 4 years funding). The successful candidate will work in an Ambizione research project (Swiss National Science Foundation supported) held by Dr. Pauline Guenser (principal supervisor; https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/233157) in the team of Prof. Dr. Torsten Scheyer (co-supervisor).
The Ambizione project aims to assess the adaptation of organisms in response to climate change by focusing on Late Permian-Early Triassic environmental disturbances. The successful candidate will use conodonts for that purpose. These small extinct marine vertebrates can serve as a powerful biological model for this type of investigation thanks to their “teeth” – i.e. conodont elements – which are morphologically diverse and abundant in the fossil record. Using Synchrotron microtomography, morphometry and statistics, the PhD student will quantify the evolution of conodont growth rate and assess their adaptive response to Early Triassic disturbances, especially around the end-Smithian crisis. In particular, the PhD project will involve:
• Conodont picking under binocular magnifier; eventually rock-processing through acid and sieving;
• Scanning session at the Synchrotron Swiss Light Source (Paul Scherrer Institute)
• 3D reconstruction of conodont elements
• Quantification of conodont elements shape through traditional measurements and geometric morphometrics (using either TPS suite, R language or ImageJ)
• Statistical analyses using R language
• Building and managing a database of 3D models and morphological information
• Disseminating the results through scientific publications and international conferences
• Supervising bachelor/master interns
• Participation in teaching for Bachelors in Biodiversity (practicals, student projects, supervision of exams and theses) : ~60h/year
Candidates must hold a Master degree in Geosciences or Biology before June 01st 2026. A major in Paleontology or Evolution is highly recommended. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate skills (or if not, interest) in:
• Conodont taxonomy and systematics, especially around the Permian and Triassic periods;
• (micro)tomography and 3D reconstruction;
• Geometric morphometrics;
• R language;
• English spoken and written (B2 level minimum)
The University of Zurich (UZH) is one of the top comprehensive institutions in Europe. The Department of Paleontology offers state-of-the-art research facilities in an international and stimulating, as well as diversity-friendly and inclusive academic environment. The successful candidate will be able to develop a strong academic network for their career and the opportunity of exchanging with experts in diverse subjects in paleontology (https://www.pim.uzh.ch/apps/cms/pageframes/research_projects.php?get=leaders). Furthermore, the city, in close proximity to the Alps, offers conditions for an excellent quality of life.
A blind procedure has been built to avoid any bias during the first step of the recruitment. We seek to evaluate the candidates based only on their skills and experiences, without considering their gender, nationality or origin. The applicants are then invited to fill an online form available here: https://framaforms.org/phd-application-1768230507
CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATION: February 15th
the applicants will be notified by email for an interview in end-February. They may be asked additional information such as referees and a complete CV before the interview.
STARTING DATE OF THE PhD: Between May 01st and June 01st
SALARY: CHF 50,000 – CHF 55,000/year (gross)
Any question? Email contact: pauline.guenser@gmail.com