Postdoc position (m/f/d) in Evolutionary Theory (Henshaw lab)

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 59,387 - 77,660; Full time

Job summary

The University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoc position in Evolutionary Theory (Henshaw lab). The role focuses on developing simulations and mathematical models to understand animal behaviour evolution, with opportunities to publish internationally.

The initial contract is 3 years with possible extension, and a teaching commitment of 4 hours per week is included. The ideal candidate has a PhD in biology or a related field, strong theoretical and coding skills, and a track record

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, mathematics, or another relevant discipline (graduates soon welcome but must have PhD before starting)
• Strong theoretical skills relevant to evolutionary biology (quantitative genetics, game theory, adaptive dynamics)
• Strong coding abilities in R, Python, Julia or Mathematica
• Record of excellent publications in peer reviewed journals
• Brief cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your reasons for joining the lab, education background and skills
• CV with publications (max 2 pages)
• Contact details for two referees (letters not required)

Responsibilities

• Develop simulations or mathematical models to study evolution of animal behaviour
• Publish work in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
• Meet teaching requirement of 4 face-to-face hours per week during the semester; supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students as applicable

Skills

Theoretical biology

Coding skills

Education

PhD in biology or related field

Tools

R

Python

Julia

Mathematica

Job description

Postdoc position (m/f/d) in Evolutionary Theory (Henshaw lab)

NEW

Full-time

Research and Instruction

• Publication date: 28. July 2026
• Start-date: At the earliest possible date.
• Scope of work: Full-time position
• Id no.: 00005120

Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Jonathan Henshaw at the University of Freiburg in Germany (https://www.henshaw-lab.com/ ). We are a primarily theoretical lab working on a broad set of topics in evolutionary biology, with a particular focus on the evolution of animal behaviour. We develop both individual-based simulations and mathematical models (e.g., using evolutionary game theory, adaptive dynamics and quantitative genetics). We put a strong emphasis on a supportive and inclusive working environment. As a postdoc in our lab, you would have considerable freedom to shape the direction of your projects within these broad areas of interest.

The initial contract is for 3 years with the possibility of extension. The start date is flexible.

Role

As a postdoc, you will develop simulations or mathematical models to understand the evolution of animal behaviour, with the precise research questions to be decided on in collaboration with Jonathan. You will publish your work in peer-reviewed journals and present it at international conferences. This position comes with a teaching requirement of 4 face-to-face hours per week during the semester. Opportunities to supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s student are available and count partially towards the teaching requirement.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in biology, mathematics, or another relevant discipline (applicants who will graduate soon are welcome to apply, but should have received their PhD officially before starting the position)
• Strong theoretical skills with relevance to evolutionary biology (e.g. in quantitative genetics, game theory, adaptive dynamics)
• Strong coding abilities (e.g. in R, Python, Julia or Mathematica)
• A record of excellent publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Brief cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your reasons for wanting to join the lab, your educational background and relevant skills, and which topics you would most like to work on
• CV including a list of publications (max. 2 pages)
• Contact details for two referees (it is not necessary to send reference letters)

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or family status .

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about the position or the application process. I look forward to hearing from you.

The position ist limited for 3 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Postdoc position (m/f/d) in Evolutionary Theory (Henshaw lab)

NEW

Full-time

Research and Instruction

• Application deadline: 7. September 2026
• Publication date: 28. July 2026
• Start-date: At the earliest possible date.
• Scope of work: Full-time position
• Id no.: 00005120

Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Jonathan Henshaw at the University of Freiburg in Germany (https://www.henshaw-lab.com/ ). We are a primarily theoretical lab working on a broad set of topics in evolutionary biology, with a particular focus on the evolution of animal behaviour. We develop both individual-based simulations and mathematical models (e.g., using evolutionary game theory, adaptive dynamics and quantitative genetics). We put a strong emphasis on a supportive and inclusive working environment. As a postdoc in our lab, you would have considerable freedom to shape the direction of your projects within these broad areas of interest.

Duration, start date

The initial contract is for 3 years with the possibility of extension. The start date is flexible.

Role

As a postdoc, you will develop simulations or mathematical models to understand the evolution of animal behaviour, with the precise research questions to be decided on in collaboration with Jonathan. You will publish your work in peer-reviewed journals and present it at international conferences. This position comes with a teaching requirement of 4 face-to-face hours per week during the semester. Opportunities to supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s student are available and count partially towards the teaching requirement.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in biology, mathematics, or another relevant discipline (applicants who will graduate soon are welcome to apply, but should have received their PhD officially before starting the position)
• Strong theoretical skills with relevance to evolutionary biology (e.g. in quantitative genetics, game theory, adaptive dynamics)
• Strong coding abilities (e.g. in R, Python, Julia or Mathematica)
• A record of excellent publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Brief cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your reasons for wanting to join the lab, your educational background and relevant skills, and which topics you would most like to work on
• CV including a list of publications (max 2 pages)
• Contact details for two referees (it is not necessary to send reference letters)

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or family status .

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about the position or the application process. I look forward to hearing from you.

The position ist limited for 3 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

For further information, please contact Herr Prof. Dr. Jonathan Milne Henshaw on the phone number [phone] or E-Mail [e-mail] .

Join the University of Freiburg, one of the most prestigious and research-intensive universities in Germany, offering a unique diversity and interplay of disciplines and perspectives in one of the most popular cities in the heart of Europe.