********************GradStudentPositions******************** MaxPlanckInstitutePloen_Germany.IMPRSEvolBio IMPRS EvolBio offers a variety of doctoral positions at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology Ploen, Germany, starting in September 2026. The program includes a six-month training period followed by a doctoral project of three years. The doctoral researchers are mentored by their principal investigator and an individual thesis advisory committee. Training includes seminars, courses (including soft-skill courses), workshops, an annual retreat, opportunities to attend international meetings and visit collaborating laboratories. The language of the graduate school is English. German language courses for beginners are offered to foreign researchers. All positions are fully funded for three and a half years. Funding beyond this time period may be available through departmental awards or from the supervisor. Further information about our graduate school, program and application details here http://www.evolbio.mpg.de/imprs Motivated, career-minded, and curiosity-driven individuals with a passion for evolutionary biology are welcome to apply. Applications can be submitted December 10, 2025 to January 11, 2026. Angela Donner (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD opportunity: How memory evolves: Integrating Animal Behaviour, Neuroscience and Experimental Evolution in Drosophila Supervisor: Professor Elli Leadbeater (UCL) Co-supervisors: Professor Max Reuter (UCL); Dr Florencia Camus (UCL); Dr Tamara Boto (Bristol University) Associative memory is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the animal mind, but it is far from a singular, uniform process. Our research group is using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to explore how associative memory evolves in response to different ecological selection pressures, what constrains its evolution, and how changes to memory affect performance in ecologically realistic tasks. We are looking for a PhD student who is interested in combining experimental evolution, psychology, ecology and neuroscience to understand the relationship between short- and long-term memory phases, and their roles in foraging and oviposition behaviour. The core work will involve creating memory-based selection lines, performing cognitive assays and measuring life-history traits, but in the later stages the project is open to development in various directions according to the successful applicant's interests and experience, which might include transcriptomics, neurogenetics and/or evolutionary ecology. This is an unusual opportunity to understand cognitive evolution by capitalizing on an experimental model with well-understood neuroscience and the potential to evolve in the lab. About us: The project is based at the UCL Bloomsbury Campus in Central London, in the research group of Professor Elli Leadbeater (lead supervisor). The supervisory team also includes expertise in Evolutionary Genetics (Professor Max Reuter) alongside life-history evolution and metabolism (Dr Florencia Camus) and neuroscience of learning and memory (Dr Tamara Boto, University of Bristol). You will be based in the Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, and will be a key contributor to our Drosophila research grouping as well as to our vibrant and diverse wider research community, both of which are host to many early-career researchers working on related themes. About you: A BSc degree is essential, and we welcome applicants from relevant subject backgrounds such as Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Psychology, Genetics or Animal Behaviour. Experience of working with insects is desirable but not critical, but strong evidence of motivation to study evolution and experience of independent research (e.g. through a BSc or MSc project in a relevant area) is very important. A collegiate research culture is critical for us and we are keen to find applicants who contribute to all aspects of research life, including outreach and departmental culture initiatives. The project will start in September 2026. Due to funder restrictions, one application route is open to UK home students only, with a deadline of 20th January 2025 5pm UK time. However, international applicants can apply via the TREES DLA (https://www.trees-dla.ac.uk/); please note that this route has an earlier deadline of 17th December 2025 5pm UK time. In either case, the first application step is to contact Professor Elli Leadbeater (Ellouise.Leadbeater@ucl.ac.uk) to discuss the position before applying. Eligibility for UK home fee status can be checked here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/fees-and-funding/pay-your-fees/fee-schedules/student-fee-status Elli Leadbeater Professor of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Research People and Nature Lab, CBER Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment University College London "Leadbeater, Ellouise" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Vacancy for a Lecturer in Zoology at Aberystwyth University, UK We are seeking a skilled, highly-motivated member of academic staff to join the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University, to complement and enhance our existing strengths in research and teaching in Zoology (see https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/life-sciences/study-with-us/). The successful applicant will be expected to undertake curiosity-driven research using contemporary, experimental approaches in Zoology, to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students in Zoology, Wildlife Conservation and related fields, to develop attractive new Zoology modules and to contribute to the administration of the Department. More information: https://jobs.aber.ac.uk/en/vacancy/lecturer-in-zoology-598845.html Faculty/Department: Department of Life Sciences Salary Scale: �42,254.39 - �46,048.78 per annum Salary: Spinal point 31 Contract Type: Permanent Weekly Hours: 36.5 Ref No: 6015 Closing Date: 15/01/2026 Prifysgol y Flwyddyn yng Nghymru Y Brifysgol Orau yng Nghymru ac Ymysg y 3 Uchaf yn y DU am Ansawdd y Dysgu a Phrofiad Myfyrwyr Canllaw Prifysgolion Da 2024, The Times and Sunday Times Welsh University of the Year Top in Wales and Top 3 in the UK for Teaching Quality and Student Experience Good University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg a Saesneg. Cewch ateb Cymraeg i bob gohebiaeth Gymraeg ac ateb Saesneg i bob gohebiaeth Saesneg. Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg yn arwain at oedi. We welcome correspondence in Welsh and English. Correspondence received in Welsh will be answered in Welsh and correspondence in English will be answered in English. Corresponding in Welsh will not involve any delay. "Peter Korsten [pek19] (Staff)" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** *Research Position @UNIFE* Two-year research position in population genomics and metagenomics is available in the Silvia Ghirotto research group at the University of Ferrara (Italy - https://ghirotto-lab-at-university-of-ferrara.github.io/index.html). *General Project* Several archaeological and genetic evidence have shown that the Neolithic transition has deeply affected human recent evolutionary history through the adoption of new ways for foods processing and cooking. Such transition in human dietary habits triggered important changes in the evolution of both humans and of the microbes associated with them. Despite these numerous signals suggest that a strong human microbiome transformation occurred, only very few scientific studies have analysed the composition of past oral microbial communities during this transition, depicting sometimes contrasting scenarios. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that bacterial oral taxa show patterns of phylogenetic diversification able to distinguish coeval populations based on their geographical distribution. This project will focus on a peculiar archaeological remains: the dental calculus, a highly informative substrate that retains biological information from both host and microbial communities, as well as residues of food and materials introduced in the oral cavity. Combining metagenomic and population genetics analysis on a large dataset of Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Eneolithic individuals from Central-Southern Italy, the project aims to: 1) reconstruct the oral microbiomes of ancient human populations in Italy, to infer changes in diet, health and lifestyle during the Neolithic transition compared to previous time; 2) investigate the evolutionary and demographic processes associated to the Neolithic transition in Italy and in the Mediterranean Europe, through the analysis of genomes of commensal species; 3) developing new methodological approaches for the genetic analysis of dietary components in ancient dental calculus. In particular, the project aims to expand the number of samples from Palaeolithic period, exploiting one of the most important pre-Neolithic archaeological site in Italy, in order to explore the oral microbiome variability within ancient hunter-gatherer communities that are still poorly investigated. Moreover, providing a high number of samples from different time transects covering a wide temporal scale in a restricted geographical area will be crucial to unveil the genetic impact of this cultural revolution in finer detail. The project will be developed through the collaboration of two Research Units (Florence and Ferrara), that possess research infrastructures and renowned expertise in molecular analysis applied on ancient DNA, bioinformatics, metagenomics, and population genetics. *Requirements* Candidates should have finished their bachelor's or master's degree no more than six years before the deadline for applications. Specifically, the position at UNIFE is focused on the reconstruction of ancient metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from dental calculus, and on performing phylogenetic and population genetic analyses on assembled bacterial genomes with the aim of shed light on Neolithic transition in Southern Europe. We are looking for a motivated candidate, hardworking, and interested in addressing scientific problems with rigor and creativity. The ideal candidate should have a graduate degree in biology, genetics, or a closely related field, and a strong interest in bioinformatics. The candidate should have a good computational background (basic knowledge of R, Python or Bash programming languages are mandatory); experience with cluster computing environments is mandatory. He/she should also have a good population genetics background. Selection will be held around January 2026; starting date is March 2026. Net salary will be around 1650 EUR/month. For further information please contact Prof. Silvia Ghirotto ( ghrslv@unife.it) and/or Patrícia Santos (sntprc1@unife.it) Patrícia Santos, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology University of Ferrara (IT) Patricia Alexandra Silva Santos (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** Hello, We are a group of biologists and biology education researchers conducting a collaborative research project to create and evaluate educational resources showcasing biologists' hobbies outside of science with the end goal of supporting graduate student wellbeing and preventing burnout. This project is an expansion of the Beyond the Bench blog that Christine Lattin at LSU started in a scientific writing class for graduate students. We are looking to recruit biology and evolution instructors interested in implementing an activity in their graduate-level biology and evolution courses that features scientist profiles and asks students to make their own scientist profile. Instructors will be compensated $150 for participating. For more information about this study, please visit our FAQ page. For instructors interested in participating in our study and in learning more, please fill out the brief form linked below and provide us with more information about the courses you teach. Beyond the Bench blog: https://thelattinlab.com/beyond-the-bench FAQ page: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PDJX9oVJR_MjdJ2KuMvsiQ8-vgeWXfqb/view?usp=drive_link Brief form to fill out to express interest: https://sunybuffalo.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bkHYIEf6aGfJFxs We ask that you please forward this message to all biology and evolution faculty at your university who teach introductory graduate courses (i.e., Introduction to Graduate School, Science Communication, Scientific Writing). Thank you for helping with our efforts to improve graduate education and wellbeing, and please reach out with any questions. Cheers, Robin Costello, Assistant Professor, University at Buffalo Christine Lattin, Associate Professor, Louisiana State University Melissa Kjelvik, Research Specialist, Michigan State University Margaret Adams, Graduate Student, University at Buffalo Margaret Adams (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** The call in Birgitta Sintring foundation is now open for applications of post-doc scholarships at the Department of Ecology and Genetics in Uppsala University, Sweden. The call closes on 9 Feb 2026. Read more on our homepage. https://www.uu.se/en/department/ecology-and-genetics/research/the-birgitta-sintring-foundation Anssi Laurila Professor Animal Ecology/ Department of Ecology and Genetics Evolutionary Biology Center Uppsala University Norbyv�gen 18D 75236 Uppsala Sweden Tel. +46-18-4716493 Mobile: +46-70-2384356 N�r du har kontakt med oss p� Uppsala universitet med e-post s� inneb�r det att vi behandlar dina personuppgifter. F�r att l�sa mer om hur vi g�r det kan du l�sa h�r: http://www.uu.se/om-uu/dataskydd-personuppgifter/ E-mailing Uppsala University means that we will process your personal data. For more information on how this is performed, please read here: http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/data-protection-policy Anssi Laurila (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** *Postdoctoral Position in Evolutionary & Quantitative Genomics Song Lab (UNC Charlotte)* The Song Lab at University of North Carolina at Charlotte is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on evolutionary and quantitative genomics of wild legume species. Our group integrates genomics, phenotyping, and systems biology approaches to study adaptation, stress resilience, and the genetic architecture of key traits. *Qualifications:* PhD in evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, plant biology, or a related field Strong skills in genomic data analysis, quantitative genetics, or bioinformatics Experience with R/Python and high-throughput sequencing datasets Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset *How to Apply:* Please send a single PDF containing (1) a brief cover letter describing your research interests and fit, (2) CV, and (3) contact information for 2-3 references to Dr. Bao-Hua Song at bsong5@charlotte.edu. More details available here: https://jobs.charlotte.edu/hr Bao-Hua Song (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** The Gibson lab is hiring a postdoc on the evolution of dispersal as a parasite avoidance mechanism. Apply here: https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs/job/Charlottesville-VA/Research-Associate-in-Biology_R0078709 Application review will begin mid-January. The ad: The Department of Biology at the University of Virginia invites applicants for a post-doctoral Research Associate position in the lab of Professor Amanda Gibson as part of an NSF-funded project. The Gibson lab is broadly interested in the evolution of avoidance versus resistance as modes of parasite defense. This project specifically tests the idea that host dispersal evolves as an escape in space from parasites, and it evaluates the downstream consequences of dispersal for the evolution of host resistance. The work makes use of the experimental tools and resources available for the model nematode C. elegans and its natural parasites. Associated projects entail evolve-and-resequencing, quantitative trait mapping, and field sampling with spatial analyses. The selected candidate will also mentor undergraduate students in independent research projects through a summer program for incoming transfer students. Find out more about the lab at https://coevolving.org. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: · A PhD in Biology or a related field by the start date. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: · Demonstrated conceptual and technical strengths in host-parasite interactions, evolutionary ecology, evolutionary genetics, and/or dispersal biology · Experience in basic lab and molecular work · A strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and data management · Excellent written and oral communication, demonstrated by a strong publication record, consistent with the candidate's career stage, and presentations at conferences · Demonstrated ambition, creativity, independence, and ability to work well with others · Experience in and dedication to mentoring junior trainees APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs/job/Charlottesville-VA/Research-Associate-in-Biology_R0078709 and search for R0078709. Attach a cover letter outlining your qualifications and motivation for pursuing the position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters. In the cover letter, please address your fit with the qualifications above and your experience in mentoring undergraduates. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2026. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. Anticipated start date for this position is May, 2026, but the start date is flexible. This is a one-year appointment; however, appointment may be renewed for additional two, one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance. For questions about the position, please contact Amanda Gibson, Associate Professor, at akg5nq@virginia.edu. For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu. For information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment. Amanda Kyle Gibson, Ph.D. Associate Professor (she/her) Physical Life Sciences Building, RM 408 Department of Biology University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA Email: akg5nq@virginia.edu Website: https://coevolving.org/ "Gibson, Amanda K (akg5nq)" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** We are recruiting a postdoctoral candidate for a scholarship position in evolutionary genomics of polyploidization. The scholarship is for one year with opportunity for prolongation for an additional year. The position is based in the SPeciation, Adaptation and Co-Evolution (SPACE) lab at Lund University, Sweden. The candidate will be part of the research groups of Dr. Anna Runemark and Dr. Magne Friberg. The SPACE research environment at Lund University currently comprises Friberg, Runemark, an additional senior PI, three senior scientists, seven postdocs, four PhD candidates and several MSc students and research assistants interested in ecology and evolutionary genomics of adaptation. In the project, we will take advantage of polyploidization in Lithophragma bolanderi, a plant complex with ploidy variation, and its specialized Greya politella moth pollinator to study the genomic consequences of the ploidy change in both interacting organisms. Polyploidization has been shown to alter both floral morphology and scent in the L. bolanderi complex (Gross et al. 2025 PNAS), with consequences for the interactions with moths. We aim to investigate the genetic and gene expression changes of polyploid plants, under selection to attract their pollinators. The project builds upon findings of morphological and scent differences between diploid and polyploid L. bolanderi, and differences between neopolyploids and natural ones exposed to selection (Gross et al. 2025 PNAS, Friberg et al. 2019 PNAS). The work will largely be based on analysis of a WGS dataset from comprising phenotyped plants, including six tetraploids and four hexaploids, all from divergent populations, as well as ca. 70 diploid genomes from a range of populations both in sympatry and allopatry with polyploids. There is room for the candidate to sequence additional individuals and shape the project according to their research interests. Eligibility: The scholarship is funded by the Carl Trygger foundation, requiring candidates to have a PhD younger than 6 years exempting documented parental leave and stipulating that candidates cannot have been previously employed at Lund University. We are primarily searching for a candidate with a strong background in evolutionary genomics and a solid track record of bioinformatical analysis. The Department of Biology at Lund University is a highly international environment with weekly seminars with invited international speakers. The Department also organizes a lot of social activities, including regular joint division breakfasts, a well visited Friday pub, floor hockey, board game nights etc. Contact persons: Anna Runemark anna.runemark@biol.lu.se and Magne Friberg magne.friberg@biol.lu.se Application: Please apply by sending an email containing a 2 page CV and 1 page letter of interest to us at latest February 13th 2026. Anna Runemark (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Hi everyone, I am looking for candidates interested in applying for a competitive postdoctoral fellowship in my lab at the Department of Ecology and Genetics at Uppsala University. I am interested in supporting applications from people interested in floral evolution, pollination, polyploidy, and other related topics. Uppsala is a fantastic place to do evolutionary biology, and our department is hosted at the Evolutionary Biology Centre at Uppsala University. Uppsala is a nice and easy-going city (the fourth largest city in Sweden but that is only 170k people) and you are always close to nature. Besides an excellent academic environment, Uppsala University offers a fantastic work-life balance and an incredible international community. English is spoken widely and commonly both within and outside the University. The Sintring fellowship to which we will apply is provided as a tax-free stipend for two-years and has some funds for research expenses. To find out more about the Sintring program see this: https://www.uu.se/en/department/ecology-and-genetics/research/the-birgitta-sintring-foundation The deadline for applying to the fellowship is 9 February, but you should contact me way before that. I will help you develop a project that is of interest to both of us. If you are interested in applying, please send me an email, CV, and a brief statement of why you would like to join my lab. Cheers, Mario Mario Vallejo-Marin Plant Ecology and Evolution Department of Ecology and Genetics Evolutionary Biology Centre Uppsala University Norbyv�gen 18 D 752 36 Uppsala Page Title N�r du har kontakt med oss p� Uppsala universitet med e-post s� inneb�r det att vi behandlar dina personuppgifter. F�r att l�sa mer om hur vi g�r det kan du l�sa h�r: http://www.uu.se/om-uu/dataskydd-personuppgifter/ E-mailing Uppsala University means that we will process your personal data. For more information on how this is performed, please read here: http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/data-protection-policy Mario Vallejo-Marin (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear Conservation Genomic Padawans and Masters alike, We are pleased to announce our 2026 workshop "dartRverse: Harnessing the Force of R for Conservation Genomics", running 8-14 March 2026 at the ANU Kioloa Coastal Campus, with online participation available. This hands-on workshop will take participants through our six Star Wars-themed Episodes, covering population genomic diversity, structure, drift, gene flow, adaptation, and practical scientific skills for emerging leaders. Full details, speaker list, and registration can be found here: https://cba.anu.edu.au/news-events/events/dartrverse We would be delighted to welcome participants from across the conservation, ecology, and genomics communities. May the (R) Force be with you. The dartRverse Team Luis Mijangos University of Canberra / DArT Pty Ltd luis.mijangos@gmail.com Jose Luis Mijangos (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear colleagues, Transmitting Science is offering the online course: "Morphological Phylogenetics: Principles, Applications, and Techniques". Course webpage: https://www.transmittingscience.com/courses/evolution/morphological-phylogenetics-principles-applications-techniques/ This course will focus on the analysis of morphological data (and combining morphological data with molecular data) using multiple optimality criteria for phylogenetic inference. We will discuss the best available approaches to construct morphological data sets and their impact on phylogenies. We will follow with theory and hands-on practice of phylogenetic programs using Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood, and Bayesian inference. Participants will learn how to combine morphological and molecular data for total evidence analyses, how to conduct time-calibrations using tip and node dating, different birth-death models, morphological clocks and combined evidence relaxed clock analyses. Format: Live online sessions (sessions will be recorded) Dates: March 2nd, 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 16th, 18th, and 20th, 2026. Times: 16:00 to 19:30 (Madrid time zone). Best regards, Haris Haris Saslis, PhD Course Coordinator Transmitting Science www.transmittingscience.com [1] Links: [1] http://www.transmittingscience.com Haris Saslis - Transmitting Science (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear colleagues, We would like to invite you to the next online seminar for the "Internal Conflicts and Organismal Adaptation" Special Topic Network (STN) funded by the European Society for Evolutionary Biology, which will take place on December 16th, 16:00 UTC. We have a special event lined up to mark the release of a new book, "The Paradox of the Organism: Adaptation and Internal Conflict", a collection of chapters contributed by biologists and philosophers on organisms, organismality, and internal conflicts, edited by Arvid Ågren and Manus Patten. The event will be hosted by Athena Aktipis, author of "The Cheating Cell" and "A Field Guide to the Apocalypse". We expect the meeting to take approximately 1.5 hours. Meeting details: Date: December 16, 2025. Time: 16:00 UTC Meeting link: https://georgetown.zoom.us/j/99509526675?jst=3D2 If you would like to get on our mailing list and take part in our upcoming events, please visit our website ( https://internalconflictsstn.wordpress.com/) for more information. Sincerely, The Internal Conflicts and Organismal Adaptation STN Manus Patten, Arvid Ågren, Thomas Hitchcock, Martijn Schenkel, and Nina Wedell ESEB-funded Special Topic Network "Internal Conflicts and Organismal Adaptation" https://internalconflictsstn.wordpress.com/ https://eseb.org/prizes-funding/special-topic-networks/ internalconflictsstn@gmail.com (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)