The Conservatory and Botanical Garden of Geneva (CJBG) and Geneva University (UniGE) seek a PhD student Title of the project: A biosystematic revision of the family Cribrariaceae Function: Doctoral candidate and university assistant, 70% Contract starting date: 1 February 2025 (4 years) Job description: The present project is focused on the systematics and evolution of one of the most neglected groups of *Myxomycetes* (*Amoebozoa*), the family *Cribrariaceae* (ca. 50 accepted species). The generic and species boundaries, as well as the evolution of phenotypic traits, have never been analysed in detail, and especially not in a phylogenetic context and with modern techniques. We will assess the phylogenetic relationships of the species using a fair taxonomic and molecular sampling, including NGS techniques and phylogenomic analyses. Next, we will explore the evolution of some phenotypic traits (notably, the sporophore macromorphology and the spore ornamentation, but also other characters) and the ecology of the species, to assess its relevance for the taxonomy and diversification of the group. Finally, we will address the species-level taxonomy, identify new species and cryptic taxa, and evaluate synonymies. With all this information, we expect to propose a revised classification and an updated monograph of the family. Most of the skills and data analyses learned by the candidate upon completion of the project will also be applicable to the systematics, taxonomy, and evolutionary biology of other groups of organisms. Within the research project, the candidate will profit from aid, guidance, and supervision in the different steps of the project, from specimen handling, data gathering and analyses, to presentation of the results, and scientific writing. In addition, the candidate is expected to build up a network of national and international collaborations, perform short stays abroad, and become used to the dynamic of scientific research to become an independent researcher. The assistant position is under the direction of Dr. Juan Carlos Zamora (CJBG) and Dr. Carlos Lado (RJB-CSIC), and Yamama Naciri (CJBG, UniGE) as responsible professor. Required degrees and skills: - Master's degree in biology or in a Biosystematics-related topic in Environmental/Chemistry/Health Sciences. - Motivation to engage in the research project and in scientific research, including: (i) field work and in vitro cultures, (ii) data gathering and analyses, (iii) writing of a doctoral thesis, (iv) presentation and dissemination of the project results (scientific journal publication, congresses, and others). - Skills in Fungal/Botanical Systematics and Taxonomy, especially microscopy. - Skills in molecular lab and phylogenetic analyses. - Interest for the morphological, evolutionary, and taxonomic study of Myxomycetes. - Good disposition to work in a team and to participate in the scientific life of the host institute. - Proficiency in written and spoken French (mother tongue or a minimum of level B2 in CEFR scale) to ensure an adequate flow of the practical classes of the Systematics and Biodiversity course, given in Biology to 2 year students, which she/he would be responsible for. - The working language of the project being English, the candidate must also be particularly comfortable in this language (written and spoken) Application process: Application deadline: 31 August 2024 The application file (in English), including (1) a motivation letter and (2) a detailed CV, should be sent exclusively by e-mail to *jcsenoret@gmail.com* (Juan Carlos Zamora), cc. *lado@rjb.csic.es*, *yamama.naciri@geneve.ch* Juan Carlos Zamora SeƱoret (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)