********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD position in plant evolutionary biology, University of Zurich. University of Zurich, Dept. of systematic and Evolutionary Botany RESEARCH PROJECT: Plant symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria is a unique form of mutualistic association. It has independently evolved in diverse, yet isolated lineages, from a few species of bryophytes, ferns, cycads, to a small genus of flowering plants. Compared to rhizobia, cyanobacteria are less dependent on the host, and therefore hold a promising translational potential toward installing nitrogen-fixing symbiosis onto crop plants. However, very little is known about the genetic regulation in plant-cyanobacteria symbiosis. The major difficulty to study such symbiosis had been the lack of tractable genetic systems for the host plant species. Because of this, most of the research has solely focused on the model cyanobiont Nostoc punctiforme, and how the plant partners initiate and maintain symbiosis still remains largely unknown. The recent groundwork by PI and project partners on hornworts, a group of bryophytes capable of cyanobacteria symbiosis, has made hornworts a promising model system. The complete genome of the hornwort Anthoceros agrestis is sequenced and annotated. More importantly, protocols for genetic transformation as well as targeted gene knockout have been developed. By leveraging the tractable systems established for both host (A. agrestis) and symbiont (N. punctiforme), this proposed research will take the first step to uncover the genetic underpinnings of plant-cyanobacteria symbiosis. This project has two specific objectives, aiming to identify the metabolites and the genes that are essential for symbiosis. The first objective focuses on the putative chemical signals exchanged during symbiosis initiation - the hormogonium inducing factor from the plant. The exact identities of this signal have been unknown, but will be determined using comparative metabolomics, structural analyses combined with a large-scale forward genetic screen. The second objective is to dissect the genetic control of symbiotic association through time course RNA-seq experiments. A systems approach will be taken to discover and prioritize candidate genes from both partners, and their functional involvements validated by reverse genetics. By integrating metabolomics, gene network analyses and genetic manipulations, this research will provide the first mechanistic overview on the interaction between hornworts and cyanobacteria, from the early communications to the symbiotic maintenance. The outcome will greatly complement what is known about plant interactions with rhizobia and AM fungi, and address whether the common symbiosis pathway also extends to cyanobacteria symbiosis. In addition, given the multiple origins of cyanobacteria symbiosis in plant tree of life, future work can build upon this hornwort study to examine other plant lineages, thereby testing if there is a unified molecular mechanism behind plant-cyanobacteria symbiosis. Furthermore, the essential genes and metabolites identified through this research will lay the foundation for future efforts to assess and design crop-cyanobacteria symbiosis. This project is founded by a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) grant to Peter Szovenyi. The Dept. of Systematic Botany hosts research groups working on the evolutionary and ecological drivers of biodiversity, on the macroevolution of plants, on plant-insect interactions/pollination, on the evolution of mating systems, hybridization and speciation. The Dept. of Plant and Microbial Biology hosts many groups working on plant molecular and developmental biology, epigenetics, community genomics and plant adaptation. Both institutes are housed in the beautiful Botanical Gardens and host a diverse community of researchers in plant biology. Ideal candidates will have an MSc in biology with a specialization in evolution, developmental genetics and/or bioinformatics. This position primarily involves metabolomic, reverse genetic and bioinformatic work and requires advanced skills in handling, analyzing and interpreting high-throughput metabolomic, next-generation sequencing and RNA-seq data. Good skills in assembling vectors, carrying out genetic transformations and microscopy are also required. In case not all these skills are covered, the willingness to quickly acquire them is absolutely necessary. The student will closely work together with the second PhD student on this grant. Students should be willing to work both in the wet lab and in the office doing computational work. The position is initially for four years. Selected candidates will be enrolled in one of the two affiliated PHD schools in evolution or plant sciences. CLOSING DATE: The position is opened until filled, but all application material including CV, a summary of research experience, a letter of motivation, copies of relevant publications (published or submitted) and names and contact information of three reference persons should be received by 18th Dec. 2019 to ensure full consideration. The position will start at the earliest possible date but it is negotiable (at the latest in March-April 2020). Candidates should indicate in a cover letter when they could take up the position. Please send all application material with the following subject line â euro œPhD hornwort_cyano" to: Peter Szovenyi, peter.szoevenyi@uzh.ch, as a single pdf document. For inquiries please contact Peter Szovenyi (peter.szoevenyi@uzh.ch). Peter Szovenyi University of Zurich Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany (ISEB) Zollikerstr 107 CH-8008 Zurich Phone: (+41) 044 63 48440 http://www.systbot.uzh.ch/Personen/ProfessorenundDozenten/szovenyi.html AND/OR http://peterszovenyi.weebly.com "peter.szoevenyi@systbot.uzh.ch" ********************GradStudentPositions******************** The University of Georgia is seeking graduate students to join a large community of ecology and evolutionary biology researchers through the Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) program. Admission through the ILS program allows new graduate students to explore research across 14 participating Ph.D. graduate programs, including over 50 laboratories with diverse ecology and evolutionary biology interests. Over their first semester in the program, graduate students can choose rotations among laboratories from nearly all life science departments. The application deadline for Fall 2020 admission to the ILS program is December 2, 2019. To learn more about the ILS program and research at the University of Georgia, please visit the website at: http://ils.uga.edu Potential students are encouraged to explore the ecology and evolutionary biology research underway at UGA through the ILS program and to get in contact with faculty whose research they are interested in: http://evolutionary.genetics.uga.edu/EvoEcol.html Athens, Georgia is a vibrant college town and is consistently ranked one of the top places to live. Please contact us with any questions. Michael White Evolution and Ecology ILS Group Representative Assistant Professor of Genetics whitem@uga.edu Michael White ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Evolutionary quantitative genetics in the wild: behaviour, growth and fitness in Soay sheep Project Description Contemporary natural selection frequently appears to favour the evolution of increased body size. However, corresponding evolutionary responses of body size, of magnitudes predicted by evolutionary quantitative genetic theory, are frequently not observed. The nature of evolutionary constraints in the evolution of many traits, particularly body size, thus present an important problem at the confluence of current evolutionary theory and data from wild populations. This PhD project will use cutting edge technology (3D accelerometers) to collect types of behavioural data that are not generally available in evolutionary quantitative genetic studies, to test hypotheses about behavioural trade-offs that could underly evolutionary stasis in body size. The Soay sheep of St Kilda, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, provide an excellent system for evolutionary quantitative genetic studies of wild populations. The population has been subject to an intensive individual-based study for approximately 35 years, during which time extensive phenotype, fitness, and pedigree data have been collected. These basic data have supported an extremely productive research program in the evolutionary quantitative genetics of wild populations. The current PhD project will use accelerometery data loggers to collect detailed behavioural data. This will allow for tests for trade-offs among different behaviours (e.g., feeding, resting, moving, agonistic interactions) that could underly variation in body size and constrain its evolution. The PhD will offer experience in field work in a remote location, the use of novel technologies for data logging, experience with modern statistics, and a chance to engage with current formal evolutionary theory. The School of Biology at the University of St Andrews is home to a large group of graduate students engaged in a wide variety of research projects. The school provides a highly supportive environment, and structured support throughout the course of PhD study. Informal inquiry is encouraged; please contact Michael Morrissey, michael.morrissey@st-andrews.ac.uk St Andrews postgraduate research application website here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pgr/home.htm Funding: Fees and stipend is provided for 4 years. References Falconer, D.S., and T.F.C. Mackay. 1996. Introduction to Quantitative Genetics, 4th ed. Longmans Green, UK. Hansen, T.F., and D. Houle. 2004. Evolvability, stabilising selection, and the problem of stasis. Chapter 5 in: M. Pigliucci and K. Preston, eds. Phenotypic integration: studying the ecology and evolution of complex phenotypes. Oxford University Press. Unpaywalled pre-print here: https://www.bio.fsu.edu/~dhoule/Publications/HansenHoulestasisfinal.pdf Hunter, D.C., J.M. Pemberton, J.G. Pilkington, and M.B. Morrissey. 2018. Quantification and decomposition of environment-selection relationships. Evolution 72: 851-866. Kingsolver, J.G. and D.W. Pfennig. 2004. Individual-level selection as a cause of Cope's rule of phyletic size increase. Evolution 58: 1608-1612. Michael Morrissey Royal Society University Research Fellow and Reader in Evolutionary Biology University of St Andrews michael.morrissey@st-andrews.ac.uk Michael Morrissey ********************GradStudentPositions******************** I am currently recruiting up to two PhD students to join my new group at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, starting October 2020. Our interdisciplinary research involves mathematical (especially stochastic) modelling and experimental tests using bacteria to address fundamental and applied questions in evolutionary biology, particularly with applications to infectious diseases. The currently proposed projects will primarily involve modelling and/or computation. Students from diverse backgrounds (e.g. mathematics, physics, biology) are welcome to apply. Depending on funding scheme, application deadlines start from 5 January 2020 and interested candidates (particularly those from outside the UK) are encouraged to contact me as soon as possible to discuss opportunities. Project 1: Evolutionary rescue or the emergence of antibiotic resistance in time-varying environments. * As part of the NERC E4 DTP (for students eligible for UKRI funding, i.e. UK or UK-resident EU students): https://www.ed.ac.uk/e4-dtp/how-to-apply/our-projects?item=892 * For university and external scholarships (for international students): https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/emergence-of-antibiotic-resistance-in-time-varying-environments-and-the-optimisation-of-antibiotic-dosing/?p113424 Project 2: Evolutionary consequences of mutation rate variation in bacteria. * As part of the EASTBIO DTP (for students eligible for UKRI funding): https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/eastbio-evolutionary-consequences-of-mutation-rate-variation-in-bacteria/?p113425 * For university and external scholarships (for international students): https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/evolutionary-consequences-of-mutation-rate-variation-in-bacteria/?p113423 Motivated students who are interested in working on other topics in microbial/pathogen evolution, infectious disease dynamics, adaptation to environmental change, stochastic population dynamics or mutagenesis are also welcome to contact me to discuss possibilities. For further details on eligibility and funding opportunities, and to formally submit an application, please follow the links from the appropriate project advertisement above. For more information about the department, please see https://www.ed.ac.uk/biology/evolutionary-biology For more information about my research, please see https://www.ed.ac.uk/profile/helen-alexander and https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jRW2Z7QAAAAJ To express interest or request further information, candidates are strongly encouraged to contact me, including a CV and a brief explanation of their research interests. Dr. Helen Alexander Royal Society University Research Fellow Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh Helen.Alexander@ed.ac.uk The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. ALEXANDER Helen ********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Range lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University is recruiting graduate students interested in evolutionary and developmental biology (www.therangelab.com). Research in the lab focuses on understanding how an interconnected network of three different Wnt signaling pathways (Wnt/Beta-catenin, Wnt/JNK, and Wnt/Ca2+) coordinate the exact positions of the gene regulatory networks that establish the primary germ layers along the anterior-posterior axis during early embryogenesis. We use sea urchin and hemichordate (acorn worm) embryos as the primary model systems. Remarkably, functional and expression studies in many metazoans (vertebrates, urochordates, hemichordates, echinoderms and cnidarians) suggest that many aspects of this Wnt signaling network governing AP axis specification is an ancient mechanism that existed in the common ancestor of bilaterians and cnidarians. We also work closely with the Counterman lab at nearby Mississippi State University to study how Wnt signaling is involved in butterfly wing pattern development. In collaboration, we have begun to characterize the Wnt network of signaling governing pigmentary and structurally based color patterns. The position is for a talented PhD student beginning in the Fall of 2020. The student will have the choice to work on any number of projects in the lab that focus on the roles of Wnt signaling during early AP axis specification and patterning in sea urchin and hemichordate embryos. The student will also have opportunities to contribute to our collaboration with the Counterman lab. The position offers training in a combination of molecular manipulations, high-throughput genome-wide assays and bioinformatics, gene regulatory network analysis as well as classical embryology. Auburn University is situated in the quintessential college town of Auburn, Alabama and is located close to several major cities (e.g. Atlanta [1.25 hrs] and Birmingham [2 hrs]), the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, and the Appalachian Mountains. You can learn more about the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University at http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Ryan Range at range@auburn.edu. With your inquiry, please include a CV and a brief description of your research interests and experience. GRE scores are not required by the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn. Applications for Fall 2020 are accepted until February 1st, 2020. In-person interviews at Auburn are available. There will be a graduate student recruitment hosted by the Department of Biological Sciences from January 21st - 23rd for interested students if they contact Dr. Range before December 31st, 2019. Recent publications related to the position: Integration of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways patterns the neuroectoderm along the anterior-posterior axis of sea urchin embryos. Range RC, Angerer RC, Angerer LM. PLoS Biol. 2013;11(1):e1001467. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001467. PMID: 23335859 Specification and positioning of the anterior neuroectoderm in deuterostome embryos. Range R. Genesis. 2014 Mar;52(3):222-34. doi: 10.1002/dvg.22759. Review. PMID: 24549984 An anterior signaling center patterns and sizes the anterior neuroectoderm of the sea urchin embryo. Range RC, Wei Z. Development. 2016 May 1;143(9):1523-33. doi: 10.1242/dev.128165. PMID: 26952978 Khadka, A, Martinez-Bartolomé, M, Snyder, S, and Range, RC . A novel gene's role in an ancient mechanism: secreted Frizzled-related protein 1 is a critical component in the Wnt signaling network governing anterior-posterior neuroectoderm patterning in sea urchin embryos. EvoDevo. 2017. DOI:10.1186/s13227-017-0089-3. Range RC. Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways define the expression domains of Frizzled 5/8 and Frizzled1/2/7 along the early anterior-posterior axis in sea urchin embryos. Developmental Biology. 2018. pii: S0012-1606(18)30238-0. DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.10.003. Ryan Range ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Graduate student opportunities are available to study butterfly evolution and development at Mississippi State University. Background: Butterfly wing color patterns serve as fantastic models to study the origin of adaptive novelty from evolutionary and developmental perspectives. We are seeking students for two NSF funded projects (awards 1736026 and 1755329) aimed to explore the genomic and developmental changes responsible for adaptive variation in pigment and structurally based wing color patterns. We are particularly recruiting students interested in studying (1) the developmental pathways involved in structural coloration, or (2) the molecular evolution of gene families and networks across Lepidoptera. These are part of larger collaborative projects with Ryan Range (Auburn University), Federico Hoffmann (Mississippi State University), Riccardo papa (University of Puerto Rico) and Arnaud Martin (George Washington University). Students will have opportunities to work directly with the collaborative team to develop their specific research projects, including opportunities to visit and work directly with collaborating labs. Qualifications: We are looking for highly motivated students interested in exploring the genomic and developmental drivers of evolutionary novelty. Candidates should have a strong background in biology, and preferably basic skills in computational biology and/or molecular biology research methods. Candidates should also have good organization skills and work well in a collaborative team environment. How to apply: The positions will be based in the Counterman lab at Mississippi State University. Please email a statement of interest and CV to Brian Counterman, bcounterman@biology.msstate.edu Student applications received by December 15th will be given priority consideration for competitively awarded stipend enhancements and have chances to be invited to an on-campus visit in Spring 2020. Graduate Program: Mississippi State University is home to a growing group of faculty that study the evolutionary genomics of biological variation. The Department of Biological Sciences hosts an excellent graduate program in biology, and a new interdisciplinary, cross-college graduate program in Computational Biology is currently being established with anticipated start in Fall 2020. MSU is located in Starkville, a quaint southern college town with a historic downtown district that celebrates the local music and cuisine. For more information on the Counterman lab please visit the lab website: (www.countermanlab.org). Opportunities are available for both MS and/or PhD students. Brian A. Counterman Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences Mississippi State University bcounterman@biology.msstate.edu www.countermanlab.org "BCounterman@biology.msstate.edu" ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Bangor University Drosophila Pop Gen & Biomechanics To apply visit: http://www.envision-dtp.org/2019/aerodynamic-invasions-does-the- biomechanics-of-flight-affect-dispersal-and-genetic-diversity-in-invasive-species/. NERC funded PhD Project: Aerodynamic invasions: Does the biomechanics of flight affect dispersal and genetic diversity in invasive species? Supervisors: Aaron Comeault (Bangor University), Kristen Crandell (Bangor University), Alex Papadopulos (Bangor University), and Si Creer (Bangor University) Project Description What are the factors that facilitate successful biological invasions? This question has been a central focus in invasion ecology and genetics for over a half-century, and has important ramifications for the effective management of invasive species. The ultimate goal of this project is to generate novel insight into the dynamics of biological invasions. The successful candidate will work at the interface of biomechanics and genomics to test timely questions in invasive species biology: What are the functional links between dispersal traits and genetic diversity in invasive species? How do dispersal traits differ between invasive and non-invasive species? And how does dispersal affect the spread of invasive species into novel habitats? To answer the questions described above, the student will collect phenotypic and genomic data from wild species of invasive and native Drosophilid fruit flies. The successful candidate will work at the interface between biomechanics and population genomics to perform integrative tests of the functional links between flight morphology, dispersal ability, and genetic diversity. Results will inform invasive species management by establishing direct links between morphology, dispersal, and genetic diversity. A resulting goal is to generate simple predictive tools for invasive propensity and management practices for ongoing invasions. Training Outcomes The studentship comes with the opportunity to develop marketable skills in big data science by learning and applying cutting-edge methods in the fields of biomechanics and population genomics. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork, and travel extensively across the UK to sample different species of invasive and native Drosophila. Hosted in the Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory group (MEFGL), the student will be exposed to a diverse and vibrant research environment, conducting research fields ranging from molecular ecology and conservation genetics to evolution and speciation. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this project, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to explore and develop their independent research interests in diverse areas of expertise. Zaprionus indianus Drosophila hydei Drosophila suzukii Figure 1. Three distantly related and independent examples of invasive Drosophilid species. For informal enquiries, please contact Aaron Comeault (a.comeault@bangor.ac.uk) and Kristen Crandell (k.crandell@bangor.ac.uk) For further details, and to apply, visit: http://www.envision-dtp.org/2019/aerodynamic-invasions-does-the- biomechanics-of-flight-affect-dispersal-and-genetic-diversity-in-invasive-species/. This studentship is in competition for funding with other studentships. The projects with the best applicants will be successful. Kristen Crandell, PhD Lecturer & Leverhulme Early Career Fellow Bangor University p: 44 1248.382566 e:k.crandell@bangor.ac.uk w:http://www.kriscrandell.com Kristen Crandell ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD position: Exploring the evolutionary fate of emergent tRNA genes in bacteria A fully funded, three-year PhD position is available in the Microbial Evolutionary Dynamics Group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology (Plön, Germany), starting May 2020. Project background: Our group is interested in the evolution of bacterial transfer RNAs (tRNAs). In a recent experiment, we deleted a tRNA gene from the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25, resulting in a decrease in growth rate. This was rapidly and repeatedly compensated during an evolution experiment, through duplication of large chunks of the genome. Each of the duplications contains a new, emergent copy of a compensatory tRNA gene. Project: The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the fate of the large scale duplications. The student will firstly use experimental evolution, whole genome sequencing and tRNA-seq to track the fate of the duplicated regions over time. Concurrently, they will use targeted genetic engineering and biological assays to unravel how each of the original and duplicated tRNA genes contribute to translation and fitness in their respective genomic backgrounds. The results of this project will contribute to a broader picture of how tRNA genes emerge and spread through bacterial chromosomes, and ultimately how different tRNA sets evolve. The institute and area: The MPI in Plön is a vibrant and interesting place to work. With three departments and around 20 research groups, it is one of the hubs of evolutionary research in Germany. There are PhD candidates from a wide range of countries, and the working language is English. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with top researchers in the field. Student life is affordable; many current students rent their own apartments. Application information: We are looking for a highly motivated student to join our lab. The ideal candidate would have an MSc in molecular biology, microbiology, or related field, plus some experience of scripting in R. Some background in mathematics would also be useful; we are part of the Department of Evolutionary Theory, and there are opportunities for collaboration with theorists. To apply, please send an application letter, CV, and contact details of two referees to gallie@evolbio.mpg.de by the 20th December 2019. Further information can also be requested at this address. Dr Jenna Gallie Research Group Leader for Microbial Evolutionary Dynamics Jenna Gallie ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD position in Experimental Evolution The recently formed group of Dr. Macarena Toll-Riera is seeking a PhD student to study bacterial adaptation to environmental changes through the combination of experimental and high-throughput sequencing approaches. We are hosted at the Institute of Integrative Biology (ETH Zurich), in the Professorship of Evolutionary Biology. Project background Environments are under constant change and one of the main strategies that organisms have to respond to these changes is through evolutionary adaptations. Although evolutionary adaptations have been studied for long time, the genetic bases underpinning them are still not fully understood. Most research done to understand how organisms adapt to changes in their environments has been done using model organisms. In this project, instead, we propose to study this question using a bacterium isolated from Antarctica. To survive to the harsh conditions found in cold environments, this bacterium has a unique set of adaptations that makes it a very interesting model organism to study the molecular mechanisms that can facilitate, or limit, adaptation to novel environments. Job description The candidate will investigate the role that enzyme promiscuity and large genome duplications have on facilitating adaptation to environmental changes. As a proxy to environmental change, she/he will use a large array of carbon sources and will perform laboratory evolution experiments to challenge bacteria to adapt to novel environments. She/he will couple laboratory evolution experiments to next generation sequencing to disentangle which are the genetic changes underlying adaptation. We offer 4 years of funding and to be part of a small, but collaborative and dynamic group. We are hosted at the Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich. The candidate will benefit from a vibrant and interdisciplinary academic environment with excellent opportunities for education, training and collaboration. Aside from the high quality of life, Zurich provides easy access to outdoor activities. Your profile The successful candidate should hold a master degree in a relevant area such as evolutionary biology, microbiology or genomics, have a genuine interest in evolutionary biology and have a good command of English. Wet-lab experience, ideally in microbiology, programming skills and experience analysing next-generation sequencing data are an asset. The candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, curious and able to work independently but also as a team member. Interested? We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents: motivation letter, CV, academic records, and contact information for 2-3 potential references. Please send your application (one single PDF file) by email to Macarena Toll-Riera (macarena.toll@env.ethz.ch). We will start to revise applications on 20th of December, until position is filled. Starting date: preferably February-March 2020. Toll Riera Macarena ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Genomics of rapid adaptation: the expansion and evolution of the invasive common myna and common starling in New Zealand A PhD scholarship, funded by a New Zealand Royal Society Marsden Fund Grant, is available with Dr Anna Santure and Dr Annabel Whibley in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand. This project is an exciting opportunity to use genomics and evolutionary genetics approaches to understand the evolution of two globally invasive species, the common myna (*Acridotheres tristis*) and common starling (*Sturnus vulgaris*). There is evidence that both species have adapted rapidly in the invasive ranges, despite what we assume to be very low founding genetic diversity. Common myna and common starling are two of only three bird species on the global 'top 100' invasive species list, and offer unique replicated systems to identify genomic differences between invasive and native source populations. Changes to morphology and gene expression will be correlated with identified genomic changes in genes and regulatory elements to infer the genomic basis of rapid adaptation. We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in genetics and bioinformatics, statistics, computer science or similar, as well as a passion for evolutionary biology and ecology. The PhD position requires the applicant to be eligible for admission to the PhD programme at the University of Auckland (see https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/for/future-postgraduates/how-to-apply-pg/apply-for-a-doctorate/phd-entry-requirements.html; please note the English language proficiency requirements). Candidates should ideally have a GPA of 7 or above (see https://www.gpecalculator.auckland.ac.nz/#/ for a grade conversion calculator); international students are welcome to apply. This project is a collaboration with Prof Rebecca Johnson and Dr Richard Major at Australian Museum and Dr Lee Ann Rollins at the University of New South Wales. To apply for this position, please email Dr Anna Santure ( a.santure@auckland.ac.nz) with your cv, names and details of two referees, your academic transcript, and a short statement of interest. I welcome informal enquiries. The PhD scholarship is available from 1 April 2020 and covers tuition fees and provides an annual tax free allowance of NZD$27,500 for three years. The closing date is 6 December 2019. Anna Santure ********************Jobs******************** Earlham College: Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology- Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Science Description Earlham College invites applications for a biologist with teaching and research interests in ecology, evolution, and/or environmental science. This is a full-time, one-year appointment in the Biology Department as a visiting professor, possibly renewable for a second year depending on institutional needs. The position begins in August 2020. The Department seeks an individual who is first and foremost excited about teaching'Xin lecture, seminar classes, laboratory, and research venues'Xto bright and motivated undergraduates in a student-focused department at a nationally ranked small liberal arts college. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Teaching responsibilities will include contributing to introductory courses in ecology, environmental science/sustainability, and biodiversity, and upper-level courses in the applicant'¦s area of expertise. Applicants who have an expertise in one or more of the following areas are especially attractive: population and community ecology, conservation, and field research. Typical course load is two courses with labs per semester (12 contact hours). For an expanded description of Earlham College and the Biology Department please visit: http://www.earlham.edu/biology Experience and Qualifications A Ph.D. is required; teaching or post-doctoral experience is desired. Application Instructions Please send a single PDF that includes: (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of teaching philosophy, (4) statement of research interests, (5) statement on diversity and inclusion, and (6) contact information for three references that can speak to your teaching, research, and communication skills. References should be people who are able to respond (or produce a letter of recommendation) within 1 week after they are contacted. Please send your application to Kim Allen, Biology Administrative Assistant (biology@earlham.edu). Please do not send application materials via postal mail. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. For additional information, contact Dr. Wendy P Tori, Associate Professor of Biology at: toriwe@earlham.edu. Earlham College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks applications from candidates who contribute to diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, age, religious affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and veteran status, among other distinctions and contributions. As a College with a Quaker identity, Earlham also is eager to solicit applications from members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Earlham utilizes E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees within the United States. Wendy P Tori ********************Jobs******************** Greetings! *Please note: Regarding the posting "Job: PrincetonU_Panama.FieldAssistantsForGreaterAniProject ". Due to the high volume of applications received from qualified applicants, we will stop accepting applications for the position after 8 PM EST on 13 November 2019. We apologize if this causes any inconvenience for interested potential applicants, but in order to allow adequate processing time for the large number of submissions received, we have decided the best course of action was to close the submission period prematurely. Thank you for your understanding. Announcements for the position can be found here: https://wfscjobs.tamu.edu/jobs/field-assistants-greater-ani-project-bci-panama/ https://ornithologyexchange.org/jobs/board/short-term-positions/field-assistants-wanted-for-study-of-greater-ani-behavioral-ecology-for-six-weeks-in-early-2020-r16174/ Cheers, Josh Joshua B. LaPergola, M.S., Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Riehl Lab Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Princeton University jl101@princeton.edu; jbl96@cornell.edu personal research site: https://sites.google.com/site/joshlapergola/ Riehl Lab: https://www.christieriehl.com/ Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail or any unimportant document. "For in the end, our society will be defined not by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy." - John C. Sawhill, 2000 "jl101@princeton.edu" ********************PostDocs******************** Post-doc in evolutionary genomics of fungal sex chromosomes in Paris Sud, France The Giraud lab in Paris Sud University, France is searching for a postdoc with experience in evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics to join us on a project funded by an ERC advanced grant on the evolution of sex chromosomes in fungi. We have shown that chromosomes involved in sexual compatibility in fungi lacking male and female functions can display stepwise suppression of recombination beyond mating-compatibility genes (Branco et al. PNAS 2017, Branco et al. Nat Com 2018). The post-doc fellow will use high-quality genome assemblies for studying the patterns of recombination suppression in sex chromosomes in various fungi and for identifying the evolutionary causes for stepwise recombination suppression. Applicants should possess demonstrated experience in research topics related to evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics and genome evolution. Applicants should have excellent bioinformatics skills related to large genomic datasets, as well as knowledge in evolution, selection, population and comparative genomics. Further desirable attributes include knowledge of and interest in orthology relationships, phylogenomics, genome-wide synteny, and gene prediction. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as creativity, motivation and ability to work in a team. Candidates should also have a good ability to conduct independent research, take initiative, ask pertinent scientific questions, and work collaboratively. Female scientists are especially encouraged to apply. The Department of Ecology, Systematics and Evolution in Paris Sud University has about 130 employees and is active within research areas focused on ecology and evolution, providing an excellent scientific environment. It also offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, includingplant and fungus growth facilities as well as equipment for molecular biology and bioinformatics. The Paris Sud University benefits both from the proximity of Paris and from a nice environment outside Paris. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility for renewal for up to three years. The salary is depending on experience. The starting date is negotiable, but can be as soon as early 2020. If interested, please contact Tatiana Giraud tatiana.giraud@u-psud.fr. Provide a CV and a brief statement of research interests and qualifications, and arrange to have two letters of recommendation sent. Applications should be submitted through the website: http://bit.ly/33GaMRD Tatiana Giraud Departement Genetique et Ecologie Evolutives Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution UMR 8079 CNRS-UPS-AgroParisTech Bâtiment 360 360 rue du Doyen André Guignier Université Paris-Sud 91400 Orsay France phone: +33 1 69 15 56 69 + 33 6 34 64 45 14 fax: +33 1 69 15 46 97 English: https://www.ese.u-psud.fr/en/team-members/tatiana-giraud/ Francais: https://www.ese.u-psud.fr/personnel/tatiana-giraud/ http://www.ese.u-psud.fr/ Tatiana Giraud ********************PostDocs******************** The Fritz lab is seeking a post-doc to study the evolutionary and quantitative genomic basis of traits involved in insect adaptation to transgenic crops in the landscape. The job posting can be found at: http://www.meganfritzlab.com/uploads/1/0/0/9/100940634/position_announcement_-_fritz_post_doc_nov_2019.doc_1_.pdf Megan Fritz Assistant Professor of Entomology University of Maryland 4291 Field House Dr. Plant Sciences Bldg. Rm. 3126 College Park, MD 20742 Office Phone: 301-405-3945 Website: www.meganfritzlab.com Twitter Handle: @MosquitoDoc Megan Lindsay Fritz ********************PostDocs******************** My lab is currently recruiting apostdoctoral fellowwho isinterested in improving how on-line content and associated courses are delivered. We're looking for someone with STEM training and experience with data analysis and educational research. While the successful candidate doesn't need to be an AI expert - collaborators at MIT and Edinburgh have that covered - a demonstrated ability to analyze data computationally is a big plus. If you have questions about the position please email me directly at:mtfacciotti@ucdavis.edu. The full position description can be found below: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FUNDED CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL DATA MINING POSTDOCTORAL POSITION Location: UC Davis Genome Center Description: We seek a skilled, creative, and motivated postdoctoral scholar with an interest in building the knowledge and computational tools that can help change how students interact with online content. The successful candidate will work with the project Principal Investigator (PI) Marc Facciotti and co-PIs to design, execute and report on experiments that will test: how the design of online content and its delivery impact student affect and engagement while interacting with content; how different strategies for interventions during student/content interaction can influence student affect and engagement; how knowledge of student interaction with content can influence instructor behavior; and how each of these variables impacts student learning and inclusion. This project applies artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to build newunderstandings of how to engineer student engagement with online content to enhance learning. Tools derived from this project will improve students' and instructors' experiences with online content, increase the value of online content delivery, and contribute to the personalization of online resources. Depending on the candidate's strengths and interests, duties may also include: analysis of multidimensional data and modeling, taking part in online tool creation, grant-writing, writing reviews and/or perspectives, presenting findings at conferences, development of improved course pedagogy and content, networking with and extending the use of knowledge gained and tools constructed with collaborators beyond the home institution, and coordination of multi-university studies through the SEISMIC consortium. Interaction and collaboration with members of the broader scholarship of teaching and learning community (both at and beyond UCD) is encouraged and will be facilitated by the senior investigators. Qualifications: The applicant must have a Ph.D. in biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, statistics, computer science, engineering, evolution, environmental sciences, psychology, or related fields, including science education. Experience with scholarship of teaching and learning, especially in undergraduate STEM disciplines is preferred. It is also preferred that the candidate have experience with quantitative techniques and approaches, including programming and data analysis, and have experience with and knowledge of modern online educational technologies. We are looking for a highly self-motivated, eager to learn, and excited to teach individual. The candidate should have an interest in improving undergrad STEM education, particularly with online learning. The candidate should have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, be comfortable collaborating with faculty in both the natural and computer sciences, and be able to work independently under minimal supervision. How To Apply: Applicants should submit Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications, a Letter of Interest, Statement of Research, Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and contact information for three references to Prof. Facciotti atmtfacciotti@ucdavis.edu. Questions: Please direct questions to Marc Facciotti:mtfacciotti@ucdavis.edu The University of California, Davis commits to inclusion excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is availablehttp://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. UC Davis is a smoke & tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/). If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department. Marc Facciotti, PhD Associate Professor UC Davis Genome Center Biomedical Engineering 451 E. Health Sciences Dr.Room 5312Davis, Ca. 95616 Phone: 530-752-3781 mtfacciotti@ucdavis.eduwww.bme.ucdavis.edu/facciottihttps://give.ucdavis.edu/BEDF/MPBILGV Robert Furrow ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Workshop: Standards, Precautions and Advances in Ancient Metagenomics (SPAAM2) PROPOSED DATES: 21-22nd September 2020 (prior to the ISBA9 conference) PROPOSED LOCATION:TBA, Toulouse, France Dear all, We are circulating a 'registration of interest' survey for an ancient metagenomics workshop, possibly to be held as a satellite-meeting the two days prior to ISBA9 (https://isba9.sciencesconf.org/). This workshop will revive the Standards, Precautions and Advances in Ancient Metagenomes workshop that was held in 2016, which resulted in the guidelines published in A Robust Framework for Microbial Archaeology (https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genom-091416-035526). We are currently developing a proposal to hold this meeting and ask for your input. We would like to have a round table discussion meeting between active PhD and postdoc researchers working in this area of research to share experiences, challenges, and propose practical solutions for the field in both data generation and analysis. We aim to announce the outcomes of this workshop at the closing ceremony of ISBA9, including an (in-)formal 'community'/network for continued interaction, and to develop an opinion paper in which we: -Discuss major issues -Outline recommended technical best-practices in ancient microbial genomics -Define metadata standardsAnnounce the network We would be grateful if you could forward the above information your students and early career researchers to get their feedback and register their interest. Please submit your registration of interest form by 30th January 2020. The registration of interest form can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fKkW7WSXhojBZCxk7DY38Qljk-zORg_-nL5-82DZ024 Kind Regards, SPAAM2 Organizing Committee James Fellows Yates (MPI-SHH, Jena. Email: fellows@shh.mpg.de) Irina Velsko (MPI-SHH, Jena) Alexander Hübner (MPI-SHH, Jena) Andaine Seguin-Orlando (UMR5288, CNRS, University Toulouse 3) Clio Der Sarkissian (UMR5288, CNRS, University of Toulouse 3) Åshild Vågene (Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen) Anna Fotakis (Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen) Irina M. Velsko, PhD. Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Archaeogenetics Max Plank Institute for the Science of Human History Kahlaische Strasse 10 07745 Jena Germany velsko@shh.mpg.de irinavelsko@gmail.com