********************GradStudentPositions******************** Overview: A Ph.D. studentship in mathematics as related to modeling the evolution of multicellularity is available in the research group of Eric Libby at Umeå University in Sweden (http://ericlibby.github.io/). Candidates should have some quantitative background with an interest in building mathematical models of biological systems. Background for the project: The evolution of multicellularity is considered a major transition for the evolution of life on earth that made possible significant increases in organismal complexity. Somehow single-celled organisms, who were successful in their own right, evolved to form new kinds of individuals composed of many cells, multicellular organisms. While multicellularity has evolved on dozens of independent occasions, these events occurred millions of years ago and are absent from the fossil record. Recent experiments, however, have made it possible to study this pivotal event in the lab by using microorganisms to evolve primitive multicellularity de novo. Such experimental systems provide excellent opportunities to test hypotheses about the conditions that govern major transitions and facilitate the evolution of additional forms of complexity. Goal of the PhD project: The goal of this project is to develop mathematical models that marry theory with empirical results to uncover general principles of how life evolves to be complex. Useful modeling techniques include differential equations, network approaches, agent-based simulations, evolutionary analyses, and probabilistic models. Qualifications: Candidates need to be skilled in both oral and written communication in English, and should be able to work independently as well as in collaboration with others. Certain coursework is needed in mathematics (contact Eric or see job posting for detailed information). Candidates need to have proficiency, but not necessarily documented, in working with computers and programming, e.g. in Matlab, Python, Julia, C++, etc. A good background in mathematics, optimization, differential equations, computer science, and/or programming is qualifying. Interest and knowledge of evolutionary biology, microbiology, and/or molecular biology is desirable but not necessary. Apply: To apply visit the website: https://umu.mynetworkglobal.com/en/what:job/jobID:240085/ Questions: If there are any questions please contact Eric Libby at: Eric Libby Umeå University elibbyscience@gmail.com Eric Libby ********************GradStudentPositions******************** NERC GW4+ funded studentship available on "The lottery of life: How chance shapes the evolutionary dynamics of wild populations" Location: University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK Supervision: Dr Erik Postma (University of Exeter), together with Prof David Studholme (University of Exeter) and Prof Michael Bruford (Cardiff University) Brief project outline: Despite a large body of theory describing how genetic variation and selection shape evolutionary trajectories, theoretical predictions are often at odds with what we observe in the real world. Being able to understand the source(s) of this discrepancy would significantly advance our understanding of the evolutionary process and provide a much-needed understanding of the ability of population to persist in a world changing at unprecedented rates. However, as of yet we lack a comprehensive understanding of the importance of stochastic versus deterministic (but unknown) processes in shaping the evolutionary dynamics of populations. In this project, you will quantify the importance of stochasticity in shaping the evolutionary dynamics of wild populations using a combination of long-term individual-based morphological, life-history, pedigree and genomic data to obtain a a unique insight into the genomics of adaptation in a wild vertebrate and the evolutionary process in general. Funding: This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP). The GW4+ DTP consists of the Great Western Four alliance of the University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter plus five Research Organisation partners: British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. For further details about the programme please see http://nercgw4plus.ac.uk/ For eligible students, the studentship will provide funding of fees and a stipend which is currently 14,777 per annum for 2018-19. Students from EU countries who do not meet the residency requirements may still be eligible for a fees-only award but no stipend. Applicants who are classed as International for tuition fee purposes are not eligible for funding.' Application deadline: Midnight on 7 January 2019 More information and how to apply: Email me at e.postma@exeter.ac.uk and have a look at: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id339 https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/the-lottery-of-life-how-chance-shapes-the-evolutionary-dynamics-of-wild-populations/?p102017 http://erikpostma.net -- Erik Postma Senior Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology University of Exeter www.biosciences.exeter.ac.uk Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College for Life and Environmental Sciences Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK E.Postma@exeter.ac.uk ********************Jobs******************** See full posting at: https://spelman.peopleadmin.com/postings/1964 Spelman College seeks teacher/scholar dedicated to excellence in teaching and to the continued enhancement of the academic environment for students and colleagues. Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a private four-year liberal arts college located in Atlanta, GA. The oldest historically Black college for women in the United States, Spelman is a member of the Atlanta University Center Consortium and Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The Department of Biology invites applications for a One Semester, Part-Time Instructor for an upper-level Animal Behavior (Bio 365) Course for Spring 2019. The instructor will be responsible for teaching a single section of Animal Behavior for junior and senior undergraduate biology majors. This lecture course will meet three times per week (MWF 1-1:50 pm). The successful candidate will prepare and deliver learning activities, design and grade exams and homework assignments, assess the learning outcomes of students, and meet with students during scheduled office hours. Required Qualifications Master¢s degree in Biology or 18 graduate credit hours. Preferred Qualifications PhD in Biology preferred. Previous teaching experience is a plus. Rank Instructor Employment Status Non-Tenure Track Full Time/Part Time Part Time Posting Detail Information Posting Number Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants EEO Statement Spelman College is an EEO /Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Title IX Employer and we participate in E-Verify. We are a smoke-free campus Jennifer Kovacs, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology Spelman College Atlanta, GA 30030 jkovacs@spelman.edu alfred.r.wallace@gmail.com ********************Other******************** *Re: *Announcing the new Editor-in-Chiefs of GBE *Dear Colleague* *After 10 years in the role Bill Martin has decided to step down as Editor-in-Chief of Genome Biology and Evolution. Bill founded the journal with Takashi Gojobori in 2009 and has been its sole EiC since then. Under his guidance the journal has grown to one which now receives over 500 submissions and publishes around 300 papers per year. His place is taken by not one, but by two EiCs: Laura A. Katz and Adam Eyre-Walker. Laura will serve for 5 years and Adam for 4, to allow overlap going forward into the future.* *We don¢t anticipate making any changes in the near future but we would welcome your input as to how the journal can be improved. We would also ask that you bear with us as we take over and iron-out any problems running the journal with two EiCs.* *We are very grateful to Bill for all that he has done for the journal and we look forward to receiving submissions from you.* *Best wishes* *Laura A. Katz and Adam Eyre-Walker* *Editors in Chief, Genome Biology and Evolution* -- Dr Lulu Stader Executive Administrator, Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution smbe.contact@gmail.com "Lulu Stader (SMBE admin)" ********************Other******************** *Student field assistant in **behaviour-related settlement of songbirds* The Behavioural Ecology group at the Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) of Munich, Germany is seeking 2-3 field assistants to help with data collection between February and July 2019. Preferred starting dates are between 1st of February ¡V 1st of April 2019, and field assistants should be available for at least 4-6 month. Employment as a student assistant (Minijob) can be provided. The study will use the great tit (*Parus major*) ¡V a key species in animal personality research ¡V as a model system. The aim of the project is to investigate how social structures within wild populations drive the assortment of behavioural phenotypes (and *vice versa*), and what fitness consequences result from such interactions. Candidates should have a BSc in Biology or a related field. Also, applicants should be well-organized and able to work independently, as well as together with other researchers and students. Fieldwork is physically demanding and working hours can be long, including work in all types of weather and during the weekend. Main working tasks will include: ¡P Catching and ringing ¡P Territorial mapping ¡P Conducting behavioural tests (aggressiveness and exploration) ¡P Nest monitoring ¡P Data entry and management Applicants should be aware that Lyme disease (carried by ticks) is prevalent in the area and should inform themselves about this disease beforehand. In addition, successful candidates should be vaccinated against Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE or FSME) before commencing the fieldwork. The Behavioural Ecology group is based at the Bio-centre of the LMU in Martinsried. Fieldwork will take place at the Forstenrieder Park, which is located 10 min from the Bio-centre. The working language of the Behavioural Ecology group is English, so good knowledge of the language is required. To apply please send a letter of motivation (max. 1 page) and a detailed CV as one single pdf file to holtmann@bio.lmu.de. Review of applications will start immediately and continue until positions are filled. For further information or questions on the project and the Behavioural Ecology group, please refer to http://www.behavioural-ecology.bio.lmu.de/index.html or contact Dr Benedikt Holtmann per e-mail. Benedikt Holtmann ********************Other******************** The International Society for Evolution, Medicine and Public Health is offering a 20% discount on membership fees only until December 15th. Use codeISEMPH2019 at checkout Full information at https://isemph.org/membership $1000 discount for Sponsors $200 discount for Lifetime $50 discount for Regular 3 year The Fifth Annual Meeting will be in Zurich in August. Registration and Abstract Submission are open. https://isemph.org/2019-Meeting Full Members get many benefits: - Reduced fees for the Annual Meeting August 13-16 in Zurich. - Early notice about events, funding opportunities and the ISEMPH Newsletter - A $1000 discount on publication fees for articles in the Society¢s journal, Evolution, Medicine & Public Health - A 25% discount on all Oxford University Press academic books (use your email or ISEMPH member number) - Notification of new publications in Evolution, Medicine, & Public Health (1 click unsubscribe) - Advanced search and download functions for all 1500+ resources on EvMedEd - Nomination and voting rights in Society elections - Your information listed online to facilitate connections with other members (you can specify what is displayed) - Access to more information about other members of ISEMPH - Opportunities to collaborate with other members to help develop the field of evolutionary medicine Gratis membership is also available. It includes only a newsletter subscription and an opportunity to list selected information on the EvMed Network to facilitate connections with others who share your interests Randolph Nesse