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Dr. Jeremias Brand's research group at the University of Basel offers a PhD position to study flatworm biodiversity in the African Great Lakes.

Adaptive radiations-characterized by rapid speciation and remarkable morphological diversity-are key drivers of biodiversity on our planet. Ecological opportunities such as the colonization of new environments like islands or lakes often trigger adaptive radiations. Yet a fundamental question remains unanswered : Why do some lineages radiate while closely related ones do not?

This project investigates this evolutionary puzzle by studying Macrostomum flatworm in the African Great Lakes. While cichlid fishes in these lakes represent one of biology's most celebrated examples of an adaptive radiation, we have recently uncovered evidence that tiny flatworms have undergone a parallel but independent radiation in the same waters. This project represents the first investigation of an adaptive radiation in free-living flatworms and will substantially contribute to understanding why speciation occurs in certain lineages but not others.

Your position

The project brings together two complementary research areas :

Speciation Research

• Conduct fieldwork along lake shores in Zambia and Tanzania to collect flatworm samples
• Use phylogenetic and population genetic approaches to study speciation patterns
• Identify and describe new species, contributing to biodiversity research
• Investigate the role of two contrasting mating systems on speciation rates

Meiofauna Ecology

Your profile

Essential Requirements

Preferred Experience

We offer you

Application / Contact

Please submit your CV, one-page cover letter explaining your motivation and relevant experience, and two reference letters to [email protected] .

Starting Date : September 1, 2025

The advert is open until the position is filled

For further inquiries, contact Dr. Jeremias Brand at [email protected] .

Universität Basel

4000 Basel