In the Evolutionary Microbiology Group of Prof. Tal Dagan at the Institute of General Microbiology at Kiel University, Germany, a PhD position (m/w/d) in computational evolutionary microbiology is available for a period of 36 months at the earliest possible date. If the legal requirements under collective bargaining law are met, the tariff grouping is carried out up to pay scale 65% 13 TV-L. The Evolutionary Microbiology Group research interests are focused on microbial genome evolution with an emphasis on the study of horizontal DNA transfer. In our research we use both computational and experimental approaches (see www.uni-kiel.de/genomik). The working language of the group is English. Well-motivated and highly-qualified students from all countries are welcome to apply. We are looking forward to your application for a PhD fellowship in the beautiful landscape of Northern Germany. The position will be integrated within the graduate school Translational Evolution (https://transevo.de/). The deadline for applications is March 27, 2025. The selection days will be held from June 17-18, 2025. The program starts on October 1, 2025 (a later start date is possible). Your profile: - Master of Science degree in Molecular Evolution / Microbiology / Bioinformatics or related fields. - Experience in programming (e.g., in Python) and analysis of genomic data. - Any of following expertise is an advantage: biostatistical analysis (e.g., with R), phylogenetics, comparative genomics. - Good oral and written communication skills in English. - Motivation to learn and research topics in basic science. Possible doctoral research topics (please explain your preference in the motivation letter): 1. Develop novel methodologies for the integration of plasmid (and host) gene phylogenies. See relevant publication: Hanke et al. (2024) NAR doi:10.1093/nar/gkae430 2. Reconstruct the evolution of plasmid replicons via rooted phylogenies. See relevant publication: Tria et al. (2017) Nat Ecol Evol. doi:10.1038/s41559-017-0193 The University of Kiel sees itself as a modern and cosmopolitan employer. We welcome your application regardless of your age, gender, cultural and social origin, religion, worldview, disability or sexual identity. We support gender equality. Women with equivalent suitability, qualifications and special abilities will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. Kiel University is committed to the employment of people with disabilities: Applications from severely disabled persons and persons of equal status will be given preferential consideration if they are suitable. We explicitly welcome applications from people with a migration background. See details on how to apply in (project 3, PI Dagan): https://www.kec.uni-kiel.de/news_events/GRK-2501-TransEvo_Advertisement_engl_0.pdf We explicitly ask you to refrain from submitting photographs/application photos. For enquiries regarding the position and research topic please contact Prof. Tal Dagan: tdagan@ifam.uni-kiel.de. Prof. Dr. Tal Dagan Evolutionary Microbiology Group Institute of General Microbiology Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel ZMB, Am Botanischen Garten 11 24118 Kiel, Germany Tel: +49 431 880 5712 Fax: +49 431 880 5747 e-mail: tdagan@ifam.uni-kiel.de web: www.uni-kiel.de/genomik Tal Dagan (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)