PHD POSITION IN INVASION GENOMICS We invite applications for a PhD position within the project "Invasion success through genomic lens: insights from whole-genome diversity of invasive Hemiptera pests", funded by the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) OPUS grant. ABOUT THE PROJECT: The number of emerging alien species is growing worldwide, causing damage to natural ecosystems. A major focus in invasion ecology is to identify traits that contribute to invasion success. Genomic studies can be used to track the invasion process, reveal genomic regions involved in adaptation in the novel range and identify genome characteristics potentially facilitating invasions. In this project, we use two Hemipteran invasive insect species, Cinara curvipes and Leptoglossus occidentalis, as invasion models to unravel the genetic mechanisms behind invasion success. We will use whole genome data to get insight into population genomic differentiation of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), structural variants (SV) that can have strong and immediate phenotypic effects and are often related to traits that support range expansion. We will also identify evolutionary events, such as gene family expansions or transposable element (TE) activity, that can modulate invasion success. ABOUT THE POSITION: The position is funded for 48 months. The successful candidate will be involved in de novo sequencing, assembly and annotation of C. curvipes genome. Further, the genomes of both species will be analysed in terms of structural variation, TE content and expansions of gene families potentially related to survival outside the native range. The presence of facultative bacterial endosymbionts of both species in their native and invasive populations will also be studied as a potential driver of invasiveness. The research will involve wet-lab work, but will be more skewed towards population genomic analyses. The PhD student will be supervised by Dr Aleksandra Biedrzycka, an evolutionary, conservation and invasion geneticist, at the Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences in Krak�w. The candidate will work in collaboration with Dr Pierre Nouhaud, evolutionary geneticist of invasive pest arthropod populations, at INRAE - CBGP Marseilles, France. REQUIREMENTS: The successful candidate must hold a M.Sc. degree. We seek applicants with: - a strong interest in evolutionary and population genomics. - experience or interest in bioinformatic analyses - good English language, communication and organizational skills. APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply, please send: a cover letter explaining your background, skills and motivation for this position, a CV, contact details of at least one academic reference willing to provide a recommendation. Applications and informal inquiries should be sent to Aleksandra Biedrzycka (Biedrzycka@iop.krakow.pl). DEADLINE AND SELECTION PROCESS: Review of applications is ongoing. To ensure full consideration, please apply as early as possible (but not later than August 2026). The PhD position may start between March and October 2026. We look forward to receiving your application! Aleksandra Biedrzycka Instytut Ochrony Przyrody Polskiej Akademii Nauk Al. Mickiewicza 33 31-120 Krak�w Tel. +48 12 370 35 53 Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of Sciences Al. Mickiewicza 33 31-120 Krak�w, Poland phone +48 12 370 35 53 Aleksandra Biedrzycka (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)