Graduate Position: PhD in Molecular and Evolutionary Mechanisms of Cave Adaptation Ruðer Boškoviæ Institute, Division of Molecular Biology, Zagreb, Croatia We are inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position at the Division of Molecular Biology, Ruðer Boškoviæ Institute in Zagreb, Croatia. Our lab focuses on comparative evolutionary biology, with an emphasis on rapid adaptation in extreme environments, using cave-dwelling animals as model systems. Our research combines fieldwork, organismal biology, molecular techniques, and omics approaches to explore both the proximate mechanisms (genetic, developmental, and physiological) and the evolutionary drivers (selection, plasticity, constraint) of adaptation. The PhD project will investigate the role of maladaptive plasticity in eye degeneration in the Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus). More information about the project can be found on our lab website (https://bilandzija.irb.hr/Projects-and-Funding) and previous publications: doi: 10.7554/eLife.51830 and doi: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.528. Position details: Duration: 5 years (funding secured), a 6-month trial period will be required at the start of employment. Gross salary: approx. 2000 EUR/month, depending on qualifications. Excellent benefits including health insurance, travel support, and holiday bonuses. Requirements: Master's degree in Biology (or related field) Proficiency in English Strong interest in evolutionary biology Preferred qualifications: Experience with NGS analysis, statistics/R Wet lab skills (e.g. staining, imaging) What We Offer A collaborative, English-speaking research environment Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated Astyanax mexicanus facility and animal caretaker Professional development opportunities, including in-house workshops No teaching obligations (optional teaching/supervision available) Funding opportunities for conferences, workshops, and research visits abroad Full details and application instructions: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/376540 Application deadline: 27 October 2025, 23:55 CET Please include in your motivation letter: your research interests and career goals, previous research experience (if any), why you want to join our lab, and how you can contribute to our project. Helena Bilandžija, PhD Principal Investigator Division of Molecular Biology Ruðer Boškoviæ Institute Bijenicka cesta 54, P.O.Box 180 10000 Zagreb, Croatia https://bilandzija.irb.hr/ Helena Bilandžija (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)