20 Nov 2025 Fully funded PhD position: Evolutionary & population genomics of the hexaploid adaptive radiation of Labeobarbus fishes in Lake Tana Supervisor: Dr. Pooja Singh Starting date: 01-03-2026 We would like to fill a PhD position funded for 3.5 years (with possibility of 6-month extension) by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) at the University of Bern (Switzerland). We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher to work towards understanding the evolutionary dynamics of speciation and adaptive radiation in Labeobarbus fishes from Lake Tana in Ethiopia. This project will involve fieldwork in Ethiopia, integration of genomics data with morphology and ecology. This project is conducted in a team consisting of scientists at the University of Addis Ababa (Prof. Abebe Getahun, Prof. Helen Nigussie) and Uni Bern and The Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Prof. Ole Seehausen). Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, is a unique biodiversity hotspot that is home to the last remaining species-flock of cyprinid fishes in the world. The genus Labeobarbus is hexaploid and underwent rapid adaptive radiation in Lake Tana as it filled up 15,000 years ago, giving rise to ~17 endemic species. We have recently assembled the first draft hexaploid reference genome for Lake Tana Labeobarbus. In this project we will reconstruct the evolutionary history and speciation dynamics of this radiation and investigate the role of polyploidy and hybridisation in adaptation and speciation. You will be working closely in a team with two other PhD students. A strong commitment to fostering international collaborations is essential, and we welcome an inquisitive approach to shaping projects around your research interests. More information about my research can we found at: https://poojasinghevogen.weebly.com You will be based in the Division of Aquatic Ecology & Evolution (https://www.aqua.iee.unibe.ch) at Uni. Bern and the Department of Fish Ecology & Evolution at The Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (https://www.eawag.ch/en/department/fishec). Requirements: -     Background in evolutionary biology and genetics (essential) -     Experience with linux and capabilities in coding in R and/or Python (essential) -     Experience handling genomics data and bioinformatics tools (essential) -     Ability to work independently but also synergistically and respectfully with individuals from different backgrounds (essential) -     Good written/spoken English language skills (essential) -     Strong organisations, communication, and collaborative skills (essential) -     Experience studying fishes (desirable but not essential) -     Experience with fieldwork (desirable but not essential) Applications: Single pdf file named as “FirstNameSurname_UBern_PhD2025.pdf”, with the supporting documents in the following order: 1.    1-to-2-page letter of motivation highlighting past research experience, interest in this position, and how it fits into your career goals/vision. 2.    CV with publication/reports/other scientific products list, describing your role in each publication. 3.    Contact details of three referees. 4.    BSc and MSc transcripts. Applications should be sent by email to pooja.singh@unibe.ch. The email subject should be: ‘phd application labeobarbus’ by midnight on the 21st of December 2025 (GMT+1). Salary: Determined according to University of Bern salary scheme for PhD students. Diversity and equity are key values of our team, and we especially encourage women, people of colour, individuals from the Global South, and other underrepresented groups in Ecology and Evolution to apply for this position—particularly those who sit at the intersection of multiple axes of discrimination. Please direct inquiries to Dr. Pooja Singh (pooja.singh@unibe.ch) Switzerland offers a good quality of life and is a great springboard for a successful career globally. pooja.singh@unibe.ch (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)