********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Counterman lab at Mississippi State University is looking to recruit two highly motivated Ph.D. students interested in (1) evolutionary development, or (2) evolutionary genomics. Currently funded research projects in the lab are focused on the genetic basis of adaptive variation and developmental plasticity in butterfly 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. Current work on color pattern development focuses on Heliconius and several other butterfly species in collaboration with Ryan Range at Auburn University. Current work on the evolution of gene families involved in adaptive divergence of butterflies is in collaboration with Federico Hoffmann at Mississippi State University. Students will also have opportunities to work closely with collaborators at the University of Puerto Rico (Riccardo Papa), George Washington University (Arnaud Martin), and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama (Owen McMillan). Mississippi State University is home to a strong group of faculty researching evolution and genomics. 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. 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). Interested students are encouraged to email Brian Counterman (bcounterman@biology.msstate.edu). Please include a brief description of your research interests and a CV in your email. The target date for applications for Fall 2019 admission to is March 31, 2019. Brian A. Counterman Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences Mississippi State University bcounterman@biology.msstate.edu www.countermanlab.org BCounterman@biology.msstate.edu ********************Jobs******************** Research Fellowship Position Call: Bioinformatics/ Computational biology Technician The Population and Conservation Genetics group, at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia (IGC, www.igc.gulbenkian.pt) has an open call for a bioinformatics/ computational biology technician to work on the recently funded DISPO (Demographic Inference in Structured Populations) project for up to 24 months, starting on April 1st 2019. The research activity proposed for this project consists in analysing genetic and genomic data from natural populations living in fragmented environments, including the development of scripts and pipelines to simulate and infer populations' demographic history. The activities will also include the management of the lab computational resources. Admission requirements: Successful candidates should have a Masters degree in a relevant discipline, a strong interest in bioinformatics and genomic skills and some background in population genetics or statistics. Experience in a programming/ scripting language is an absolute requirement (Python, R, MATLAB, C, C ++, Java, etc). The candidate should also have strong oral and written communication skills in English. Applications: Interested candidates should send their application to chikhi@igc.gulbenkian.pt until February 28, 2019. The application should include, in one PDF file named "CandidateName_DISPO_ComputTech.pdf": a motivation letter expressing research interests relevant to the position, a complete CV. Reference letters should be sent in a PDF file named "CandidateName_DISPO_ComputTech_SupervisorName_Ref.pdf", directly by the previous supervisors to the e-mail address chikhi@igc.gulbenkian.pt. Application emails' should include project reference "PTDC-BIA-EVL-30815-2017" in the subject. More information can be found here: http://www.igc.gulbenkian.pt/mediaRep/igc/files/uploads/recruitment/Anuncio_DISPO_2017_COMPUT_Tech_L_Chikhi_F.pdf Bárbara Parreira Post-Doctoral Researcher Population and Conservation Genetics Group Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Portugal http://compbio.igc.gulbenkian.pt/pcg/pcg_home.html bparreira@igc.gulbenkian.pt ********************Other******************** *Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Plant Ecology and Evolution *at the University of California, Santa Barbara, sponsored by the National Science Foundation Apply to join the Mazer lab in summer 2019 as we investigate the process of natural selection in four populations of the widespread California native wildflower, Baby Blue Eyes (*Nemophila menziesii*). We're investigating wild populations along the length of the state to gain insight into the effects of rainfall and temperature regimes on the strength and direction of natural selection on life history and reproductive traits. Participants in this REU project will spend the summer at UCSB, conducting a combination of greenhouse- and lab-based activities. *Eligibility and Preferred Qualifications* ¢ U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are currently enrolled as undergraduates at any U.S. institution (In Fall 2019, you must be enrolled at your home institution). ¢ Students with a strong interest in ecology and evolution; previous course work in Biology is preferred. ¢ Students with a strong desire to obtain hands-on experience in plant evolution and ecology. ¢ We particularly welcome women and members of under-represented groups. ¢ *Start date: *June 1, 2019 ' July 1, 2019 (expected end date will be 12 weeks later, and there is flexibility in the duration of each student's REU. *What do REU participants receive?* ¢ A $7000 summer stipend (for 12 weeks of full-time participation @$600/week) ¢ Housing supplement of $400/month for 3 months ¢ The opportunity to conduct an independent research project while working on an ongoing collaborative project Experience in a variety of skills, including: plant cultivation and breeding, data management, image analysis, germination treatments, hypothesis-testing, statistical analysis, and discussion of the scientific literature in plant evolutionary ecology. *To apply:* Please send the following to Professor Susan Mazer (sjmazer@ucsb.edu) and Postdoctoral Associate Amber Nashoba (amber.nashoba@ucsb.edu) before March 15, 2019. ¢ *Statement of interest*: Please describe why this opportunity is a good match for your personal, scholarly, and professional interests; why you believe that you're a great fit for this project; and how your perspective and experiences may contribute to the diversity of the scientific community. ¢ *Transcript* (an unofficial transcript is acceptable) ¢ *Reference*: The name, email address, and phone number of a faculty member or mentor who knows you well. Susan Mazer President, California Botanical Society Director, California Phenology Project Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106 cell phone: 805-729-3980 office: 805-893-8011 FAX: 805-893-2266 email: mazer@lifesci.ucsb.edu http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/eemb/faculty/mazer/index.html Susan Mazer ********************PostDocs******************** Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems. The Department of Aquatic Ecology seeks to recruit a Postdoc in Evolutionary Ecology to study the effects of host-microbiome interactions in adaptation to environmental stress. The microbiome is known to influence organismal fitness, via effects on behaviour, dietary interactions and emergence of disease. However, to what extent host-microbiome interactions mediate responses to environmental stress, such as induced by anthropogenic changes (climate change and chemical pollution), is poorly understood. The goal of this project is to bridge this gap using the freshwater isopod (Asellus aquaticus) as a model system. The work involves next generation sequencing, field surveys, as well as manipulative experiments. This project is part of a wider effort to establish A. aquaticus as a model system and a part of the postdoc's responsibilities is to aid in this. The postdoc will be based at Eawag Dübendorf, Switzerland. A PhD degree in biology or related area is mandatory. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in evolutionary ecology and microbiomes, previous experience with molecular genetic tools, laboratory rearing experiments and fieldwork, is independent and works well in a team. This Eawag Discretionary Funds funded position is funded for two years and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found (earliest starting date 1st May, 2019). The Department of Aquatic Ecology is situated in Dübendorf (near Zürich) and offers an enjoyable and dynamic working environment with broad expertise in ecology and evolution (https://www.eawag.ch/en/department/eco/). The working language is English. The project is conducted in collaboration with Blake Matthews, Christoph Vorburger, Jukka Jokela and other researchers in our ˜Asellus consortium' (with interest in both basic and applied questions), and the Genetic Diversity Center (GDC) of ETH-Zurich. For further information consult Dr. Katja Räsänen (katja.rasanen@eawag.ch) or Personal webpage: http://www.eawag.ch/~rasaka Additional information Eawag offers a unique research and working environment and is committed to promoting equal opportunities for women and men and to support the compatibility of family and work. Applications from women are especially welcome. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment. The closing date for applications is 20th March 2019. We look forward to receiving your application, including an application letter (max. 2 pages, with a statement of research interests and relevant experience), a CV and a list of publications, copies of academic qualifications and the names and e-mail addresses of three referees. Please submit your application via the Eawag Jobs & Career webpage, any other way of applying will not be considered. The link below will take you directly to the application form. https://apply.refline.ch/673277/0685/pub/1/index.html "Räsänen, Katja" ********************PostDocs******************** Dear all, University of Graz, Austria, is seeking to appoint an assistant professor (postdoc) in evolutionary biology with a focus on genomic data analysis (6-year term). For details, please see: https://jobs.uni-graz.at/en/MB/43/99/4711 (english) https://jobs.uni-graz.at/de/MB/43/99/4710 (german) Deadline: February 20, 2019 Kristina Sefc (kristina.sefc@uni-graz.at) "Sefc, Kristina (kristina.sefc@uni-graz.at)" ********************PostDocs******************** Genomics Researcher Opportunity Beta Hatch (www.betahatch.com), a leader in the mass production of quality insects as feed, is seeking an experienced genomics researcher and/or breeder with a background in entomology and/or evolutionary biology. As part of our R&D division, we are looking to produce an insect genetically specialized for mass production. The position is open to post-doctoral candidates and other qualified researchers. Role The genomics postdoctoral or research scientist will report to the CSO and be involved in developing the Beta Hatch breeding program. Specific objectives include analysis of existing genomic data, using CRISPR to investigate key traits for commercialization, developing a long-term strategy for genomic resources at Beta Hatch, and establishing breeding and selection protocols in collaboration with researchers at the USDA. This position will be hosted for 2019-2021 at the laboratory of Dr. Christine Picard at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), with opportunity for a permanent full-time role as a senior researcher on the Beta Hatch R&D team based in Cashmere, WA. Beyond technical skills, the researcher must be able to perform well in a fast-moving startup company and handle multiple priorities. Candidates must be self-motivated, become well-versed in the field and rapidly learn new techniques. Excellent communication skills are a requirement. Primary responsibilities include: -Analysis of existing and future genomics data for Tenebrio molitor. -Use of RNAi and genomic manipulations to study insect development, physiology and reproduction. -Maintenance of insect colony used for study. -Development of specialized insect for commercialization. Qualifications -PhD in genomics or related field, additional experience preferred. -Laboratory experience in genomics or entomology essential, with a preference for candidates who have experience in RNAi, CRISPR, and next-gen sequencing. -Background in population genetics. -Knowledge of insect physiology and development strongly preferred. -Proficiency in the analysis and presentation of genomic and transcriptomic data. -Excellent planning and organizational skills. -Excellent verbal, written and graphic communication skills. -Must be excited about bugs! For more details, and confidential inquires please contact: Dr. Hans Kelstrup, Chief Science Officer hans@betahatch.com hans@betahatch.com ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear evoldir members, Transmitting Science is offering the course: USING GEIGER, PHYTOOLS, AND OTHER COMPUTATIONAL TOOLS TO STUDY MACROEVOLUTION ON PHYLOGENIES Instructors: Dr. Liam Revell (University of Massachusetts Boston, USA) Dr. Luke J. Harmon (University of Idaho, USA) Dates: July 16th-19th, 2019 Location: Heraklion, Crete (Greece) PROGRAM Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 Introduction to phylogenies and the comparative method. Introduction the basics of the R statistical computing environment. Introduction to reading, writing, manipulating, and visualizing phylogenies and comparative data in R. Models of phenotypic trait evolution on trees: Brownian motion. Simulating Brownian motion on trees using R. Introduction to the phylogenetic comparative method: Phylogenetic independent contrasts. Phylogenetic independent contrasts and exploring the properties of contrasts regression using simulation in R. Phylogenetic generalized least squares regression and phylogenetic generalized ANOVA. Wednesday, July 17th, 2019 Multivariate statistical methods with phylogenies: Phylogenetic principal components analysis, canonical correlation analysis, and other approaches. Phylogenetic PCA and phylogenetic CCA in R. Continuous character models of trait evolution on phylogenies. Fitting continuous character models to univariate trait data in R. Ancestral state reconstruction I: Continuous characters. Reconstructing ancestral states for continuous traits on phylogenies using R. Thursday, July 18th, 2019 Ancestral state reconstruction II: Discrete characters. Reconstructing ancestral states for discrete traits on phylogenies using R. Exploring the limitations of ancestral state reconstruction for continuous and discrete characters on phylogenies using R. Testing for the influence of one discrete character on a second using Pagel's (1994) method. Exploring the promise and limitations of the Pagel (1994) method using R. Analysing discrete character coevolution, and the evolution of discrete and continuous characters using the threshold model. Friday, July 19th, 2019 Fitting models of discrete and continuous character evolution on trees using the threshold model. Multi-rate, multi-regime, and multivariate models of character evolution on phylogenies. Fitting multi-regime and multivariate models for continuous character evolution in R. Visualizing trees and phylogenetic comparative data. Plotting phylogenies and comparative data using R. Wrap-up and optional additional exercise or lecture. For more information and registration: http://bit.ly/geiger-phytools-macroevolution Contact: courses.crete@transmittingscience.org Best regards, Haris Saslis, PhD Course Coordinator Transmitting Science www.transmittingscience.org Haris Saslis ********************Conferences******************** Dear all, Nature and Oceans of Americas and Botanical Garden of University ¡°Marta Abreu¡± de las Villas, Cuba in collaboration with The Center of Scientific Collections of the Almer¨ªaUniversity(CECOUAL) and The Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change(CAESCG), is also glad to announce the 4th Symposium on Biodiversity and Nature Conservation: Dissemination and transfer of knowledge among all social sectors. The fourth annual Symposium will take place on September 19th-21st, 2019 at the University of Cadiz, Spain. This will become a great venue for a diversity of researchers, managers, conservationists, environmental journalists, and the general public, so we hope to attract a diverse group. Information about our meeting: Our goal is to better integrate all society sectors focused on conservation. We plan to continue annual workshops in every corner of Spain. This will be our 4th annual meeting and we have been attracting scientists from all over the country and overseas. Registrations are now open. Abstract and early bird registration is due on June 1st, 2019. Symposium has a limited capacity of students. Link to meeting information: http://www.wordpress.conserbio.com http://www.facebook.com/infoconserbio/ The registration form for the 2019 Symposium is active: https://forms.zohopublic.eu/sommsnet/form/Conserbio/formperma/8HzxrzIHvFUj2IsO1mVSOFU-KVu9DmrUHa1Kcxqvkyg For further information, please feel free to contact us: infoconserbio@gmail.com The organizing committee marga lopez rivas