Kiel, Germany - PhD position - Natural ecology and evolution of C. elegans
Application deadline: 4 November 2026.
The PhD position is for 3,5 years with a possible extension for another 6 months. It is based in the Schulenburg group (https://evoecogen-kiel.de/). The PhD project aims at understanding how the model nematode C. elegans interacts with other organisms in its natural environment, ranging from the interaction with microbes up to predators and parasites. C. elegans is one of the best studied model organisms in the life sciences, yet there is still very little understanding of its natural ecology, and especially the interaction with other organisms, even though this natural context sets the stage for full appreciation of the nematode’s gene functions. Based on the observation of such interactions in nature, the project will then further study selected interaction types in the lab, taking advantage of the tools available for this model organism, thereby allowing us to generate new insights on the evolution as well as the genetic basis of ecologically relevant biotic interactions. The position will be integrated within the graduate school on Translational Evolutionary Research (https://transevo.de/), providing numerous opportunities for exchange with colleagues working on related topics.
Necessary competences and qualifications: (i) Master of Science or equivalent. (ii) Master thesis or equivalent in the field of Evolutionary Biology or Genetics. (iii)     Competences and experiences in experimental laboratory work with invertebrate animals. (iv) Competences in statistics. (v) English language skills at level C1. 
Beneficial competences: Competences and experience in (i) experimental research with the nematode C. elegans, (ii) performance of evolution experiments, (iii) genome sequence data analysis, (iv) advanced statistics, and (v) publication(s) from earlier research work.
For enquiries regarding the position and research topic please contact Prof. Dr. Hinrich Schulenburg: hschulenburg@zoologie.uni-kiel.de
Applications should be sent by email as a single PDF to Hinrich Schulenburg (hschulenburg@zoologie.uni-kiel.de). Applications should include: (1) A letter of motivation (max. 2 pages, Arial 11, line spacing 1.15). In your motivation letter, please explain how your background fits the required profile and how your research interests align with the group research focus. (2) Curriculum vitae. (3) Master certificate (or current grades transcript in case of ongoing studies).

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