Postdoctoral position in Evolution of learning strategies for behavioral development

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Group of Prof. Nourani is proposing a Postdoctoral (Premier Assistant) position in Evolution of learning strategies for behavioral development at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The postdoc will join a dynamic team working mainly on development of complex behaviors in wild animals. The group aims to understand how young animals learn and become skilled in complex behaviors as they grow, with a focus on how their physical environment and social interactions influence this learning process. The three main goals are: (1) Tracking the development of soaring flight in young golden eagles using advanced tracking devices, measuring their flight skills from early life until three years post-independence, (2) Understanding the learning environment that each bird experiences and how these, along with social and individual learning opportunities, contribute to learning of soaring flight, (3) Creating a predictive framework that allows for predicting how animals learn complex behaviors in various environments, applicable to other species and behaviors beyond just soaring birds. 

The postdoc researcher will contribute to the third goal and closely collaborate with Dr. Michael Chimento (Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, Konstanz, Germany).

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.01.2026 / to be agreed

Contract length : 2 years

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne Dorigny

Your responsibilities

The postdoc will lead the development of a framework combining existing knowledge on the evolution of learning strategies with insights from the soaring flight system. More specifically, the postdoc will develop and implement an agent-based model for evolution of learning strategies and duration of learning period under different environmental, life history, and behavioral specialization scenarios. They will then validate the model in a comparative study of soaring birds.

Most of the postdoc’s time will be dedicated to research, but a contribution to teaching is expected, including the possibility of supervising master students. The job description stipulates:

70% Personal research

25% Participation to teaching activities and master student supervision

5% Maintenance of lab equipment or other institutional tasks.

Your qualifications

• PhD degree in ecology, evolutionary biology, psychology, or a related field


• Experience with agent-based modeling or other simulation methods


• Familiarity with the literature and theories of social learning and cultural evolution and interest in studying learning in wild systems


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Interpersonal skills

• Willingness and ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other members of the team 


• Good cooperative skills, as the postdoc will work closely with external collaborators 


• Good communication skills, as the postdoc will be working in an interdisciplinary team

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment, with opportunities for professional training. Possibilities of continuous training, a lot of activities and other opportunities to discover.

The Department of Ecology and Evolution in Lausanne University hosts research groups working on a broad range of topics, producing a rich intellectual and social life. Although French is the common language in Lausanne region, the department research activities and seminars are conducted in English. The campus is located on the shore of the Geneva Lake, with the view on the Alps.

Contact for further information

For further information please contact Prof. Elham Nourani: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline to apply: 15.06.2025

Formal applications should include:

• a cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing your research interests, experience and motivation for applying;


• your CV (max 5 pages);


• a copy of your PhD certificate;


• the names of two or three referees;

To receive full consideration, application documents should be uploaded online through the University of Lausanne recruitment platform. 

Review of applications will begin immediately.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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