University of Lausanne | Associate Professor in behavioral ecology and cultural evolution

About the position

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,500 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges sites. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility. The Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM) of the University of Lausanne is inviting applications for position of: Associate Professor in behavioral ecology and cultural evolution within the Department of Ecology and Evolution (DEE).

The DEE covers the breadth of ecology and evolution and aims to cultivate an atmosphere of scientific excellence which is respectful of people. It is structured around independent research groups working on a wide range of different ecological, evolutionary, and conservation biology topics that span fundamental and theoretical research through to more applied research.

Main tasks (Research):

• Conduct, in the field of behavioral ecology and cultural evolution, independent and innovative research at a high international level, financed by competitive funds and published in peer-reviewed international journals. The research program is expected to contribute to the aims both of the DEE and of the Sense (interdisciplinary center for research, innovation and training in sensory sciences).
• Ensure the management of a research group, coordinate its research with that developed in other groups in a spirit of collaboration, and participate in the preparation of the next generation of academics.
• Collaborate in the scientific and academic life of the Department and the Faculty, contribute to impact at regional, national and international levels, while actively participating in international conferences.

Main tasks (Teaching):

• Contribute to teaching in behavioral ecology and in related topics, in the Bachelor of Biology and in the Master of Behavior, Evolution and Conservation. Within two to three years of joining the department, contribute to teaching in “biology and society” and in vertebrate faunistics, in the Bachelor of Biology.
• Supervise master and PhD theses, contribute to the evaluation and mentoring of master and PhD students.
• Organize and participate in internal and external seminars, etc.

Desired profile

• PhD in Science, with experience in the field of behavioral ecology, cultural evolution, or evolutionary psychology. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are welcome with a preference for a person who can contribute to interdisciplinary research in the behavioral or cognitive sciences. The selected candidate will bring expertise in principles of animal behavior and its evolution, learning and cultural transmission, and causal inference.
• Priority will be given to candidates who contribute to balance the diversity of organisms studied and to minimize the environmental impact of research programs.
• Strong research background, publications in high-level international journals and ability to raise funds.
• Pedagogical knowledge of academic level with confirmed practice in teaching behavioral ecology or related topics.
• Managerial skills (management of teams and projects).
• Preference will be given to a personality open to communication and cooperation, able to stimulate young colleagues.
• Knowledge of French or capacity to acquire it quickly (level at least B2, C1 ideally).
• Proven record of exemplary professional conduct: the successful candidate must demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and full compliance with the legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements associated with the position.

The successful candidate will receive installation credit as well as annual research and consumable endowment in a dynamic research environment.

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Marc Robinson-Rechavi (direction_dee.1@unil.ch), Director of the DEE.

Applications, in English, should include i) a motivation letter, ii) a curriculum vitae, iii) a list of publications highlighting the five most significant ones, iv) a brief statement (5 pages max.) of past and future research, including an evaluation of environmental impact of future research, v) a summary of previous teaching experience (if applicable), vi) the names and contact information of at least three references, vii) a copy of diplomas, and viii) a valid identity card.

Full applications should be submitted as a single PDF file by September 30th, 2026 (23:59 GMT+1) by clicking the “apply” button. Only applications sent through this site will be considered. The job description is available dowm below. In case of discrepancy, the French version shall prevail.

Source and more details: https://wwwfbm.unil.ch/releve/application/announces/155