PhD Scholarship in Computational Biology at the Polytechnic University of Madrid We are looking for an outstanding, enthusiastic candidate to apply for the upcoming PhD INPhINIT scholarship call 2025 granted by laCaixa Foundation (https://lacaixafoundation.org/en/doctoral-inphinit-fellowships-incoming-call). This prestigious grant supports early-career researchers with outstanding academic records who wish to pursue a doctorate at certified research centres of excellence in Spain or Portugal. The successful candidate will use advanced experimental and/or computational approaches to study how mutation and recombination biases influence evolution in plant-associated bacteria, addressing both fundamental and applied questions. Based on the candidate's background and interests, the proposal may focus on one of two primary areas: - Experimental Evolution: Employing multiplexed genome engineering and bulk competition assays to analyze the fitness impacts of new genetic variations. - Computational Evolution: Using comparative genomics and computational modeling to explore the role of mutation and recombination biases on the predictability of evolutionary outcomes. We are seeking a candidate who can work independently and contribute actively to shaping the research direction. We will offer significant career development opportunities, including undergrad student supervision, teaching, and presenting at international conferences. The PhD candidate will be based at the Evolutionary Systems Genetics of Microbes lab at the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP), a joint research center of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). The scholarship is a 4-year position that includes a competitive salary and full benefits under the Spanish National Social Security System, offering generous leave policies along with comprehensive health, unemployment, and retirement coverage. Additionally, it provides a budget for professional development (i.e., training, tuition fees, attending conferences). The call closes on January 23, 2025. Shortlisting results and interview invitations will be announced on April 11, 2025, with selection interviews scheduled for May 28 and 29, 2025. Final results will be released on June 6, 2025. The start date is flexible but preferably no later than January 2026. Eligibility and Requirements for a PhD INPhINIT scholarship Support: - Experience: candidates must not have carried out more than four years of research activity before the closing date of the call. At the time of recruitment, candidates must have completed the studies that allow them to enrol in an official PhD programme in Spain/Portugal (MSc level). - Mobility: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain/Portugal for more than twelve months in the three years immediately preceding the closing date of the call. - Level of English: candidates must accredit their proficiency in the English language by submitting any of the certificates mentioned in the guidelines. - Qualifications: An excellent academic record is essential, first class honours or its equivalent. Peer-reviewed publications, international mobility, conference presentations, and outreach experience are desirable. How to Apply: Please send a single PDF containing a motivation letter and CV to Alex Couce (a.couce@upm.es). Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide contact information for two references. Include "INPhINIT.MicrobialEvolution" in the subject line. -- Dr Alejandro Couce Evolutionary Systems Genetics of Microbes Lab Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP, UPM-INIA) Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain phone: +34 910679195 | website: short.upm.es/EvolSysGen A Couce (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)