PhD student position: Man-made and Beaver Dams as Modulators of Aquatic Host-parasite Communities and Disease Landscapes We are seeking a highly motivated student holding a Master’s degree in Genetics, Biosciences, Molecular Biology, Ecology, or a related field for a four-year, fully funded PhD position. The project will evaluate the effects of man-made and beaver dams as modulators of fish parasite dynamics. Our primary focus is an emerging salmonid parasite myxozoan Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (Tb) and its associated temperature-dependent disorder, Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD). For more background, please look at our recent works (Lauringson et al. 2026 Comm Biol, https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-09470-1) The admitted doctoral researcher will be employed as a full-time junior research fellow for four years. The research will be conducted at the Estonian University of Life Sciences (Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Chair of Aquaculture, Tartu, Estonia). The PhD project is supervised by Prof. Anti Vasemägi, Prof. Riho Gross and Dr. Magnus Lauringson. The Chair of Aquaculture hosts a multinational team of researchers, PhD/Master’s students, and technicians, offering the applicant extensive opportunities for collaboration. The PhD student will participate in the following research tasks: Investigate whether man-made dams & reservoirs increase Tb prevalence, infection intensity and severity of PKD symptoms at European scale. Investigate whether beaver dams increase Tb prevalence, infection intensity and severity of PKD symptoms. Investigate how man-made & beaver dams alter downstream parasite communities. Requirements: Motivation: Highly motivated, intellectually curious and sociable. Technical Skills: At least basic experience in a molecular laboratory, alongside basic bioinformatics and statistical skills. Fieldwork: Willingness to participate in fieldwork. Collaboration: Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Language: Fluency in English (both written and spoken). The following are considered an advantage: Programming experience in R, UNIX, or other relevant languages. A university degree with a specific focus on genetics, molecular biology, ecology or fish biology. How to apply: Applications should be sent to supervisors, Prof. Anti Vasemägi (anti.vasemagi@slu.se) and Dr. Magnus Lauringson (magnus.lauringson@emu.ee) and include a motivation letter (with academic background, research experience, interests and goals), academic CV and contact details of two references and a copy of your master´s degree certificate (or expected date of obtaining the master's degree). Please use the code PhD2026 in the subject line. Submission deadline of applications to supervisors: May 10, 2026 We screen for potential doctoral candidates to whom we give a recommendation to submit their application documents in accordance with the procedures established by the university: Admission to PhD studies in Estonian University of Life Sciences: https://www.emu.ee/en/admission-to-phd-studies Description of Doctoral studies (PhD) in Estonian University of Life Sciences: https://www.emu.ee/en/doctoral-studies-phd Submission deadline of admission documents for non-Estonian residents: June 1, 2026. Starting date of PhD position: September 1, 2026. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Magnus Lauringson (magnus.lauringson@emu.ee). Magnus Lauringson (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)