PhD Position in evolutionary biology of microalgae

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel invites applicants to apply for a PhD position in evolutionary biology of microalgae as part of the SNSF Ambizione project: "Key functional and morphological innovations in a rapid evolutionary radiation of diatoms in African Lake Tanganyika" awarded to Dr. Elena Jovanovska. This project will be conducted in close collaboration with the University of Arkansas, Ghent University, North-West University, the University of Zambia, the University of Dar es Salaam, and fishery research institutes along Lake Tanganyika.

Project Description

Diatoms are among the most successful life forms on Earth, having taken over a substantial role in regulating the global oxygen balance and climate that other microalgae maintained for nearly a billion years. Their ecological and evolutionary success has made them dominant and diverse, yet the mechanisms behind this success remain poorly understood. This project seeks to address this question by examining the role of adaptive radiation and associated key innovations in the evolution of freshwater diatoms. By integrating morphology, physiology, genomics, transcriptomics, and computational modeling, we aim to (i) determine whether a newly discovered assemblage of diatoms of the genus Diploneis from Lake Tanganyika has diversified through adaptive radiation, and (ii) identify the morphological and physiological triggers of their rapid diversification.

The successful candidate will focus on physiological innovations related to sterols and will (i) identify their composition and distribution among species, (ii) examine genomes for positive selection to detect sterol-related innovations and associated genes, and (iii) assess sterol functions and the underlying genetic networks through comparative transcriptomics analyses. The work will involve fieldwork in East Africa and laboratory research in Switzerland, with additional visits to the University of Arkansas and Ghent University, providing opportunities to develop an independent research profile.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, physiology, genetics, or a related discipline. Experience in diatom culturing, single-cell DNA isolation and amplification, phylogenetic, and sterol analyses is highly desirable, but not required. The successful candidate should be able to work both independently and as part of a team, particularly when sampling and conducting fieldwork in remote locations in Africa. Strong communication skills and fluency in English are required.

A fully funded, four-year, full-time (100%) PhD position at the international and interdisciplinary Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel in Switzerland. The position offers the opportunity to become part of a supportive and collaborative research environment and to integrate into an international, multidisciplinary scientific network. The position includes participation in field research in East Africa as well as seminars, workshops, and academic training programs both within the university and across broader scientific networks The University of Basel, one of the oldest universities in Europe, offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, leading researchers, and internationally competitive salaries and benefits in accordance with SNF and university regulations.

Application / Contact

Please submit your complete application via our online application platform, including (i) a one-page motivation letter outlining your research interests, reasons for applying, and relevant experience and skills, (ii) a CV, (iii) two reference letters, and (iv) transcripts and diplomas from your bachelor's and master's degrees. To ensure that your application is fully considered, please submit it by 1st of December 2025. For further information, please contact Dr. Elena Jovanovska ).

Apply