Postdoctoral Position in Computational Biology at the Polytechnic University of Madrid We are looking for an outstanding, enthusiastic candidate to apply for the upcoming Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral fellowship through Spain's National Research Agency (AEI). This prestigious grant supports early-career researchers (up to two years post-PhD) who demonstrate strong potential and an upward trajectory in fundamental sciences. 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 expertise, 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 student supervision, grant writing, teaching, and presenting at international conferences. The Fellow 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 fellowship is a 2-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., attending conferences). The call is expected to open in December 2024 and close in February 2025, with provisional results announced in July 2025. The start date is flexible, ideally no later than January 2026. Eligibility and Requirements for Juan de la Cierva Fellowship Support: - Doctoral Degree: In biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, comparative genomics, computer modeling, or a closely related field, awarded before the anticipated application deadline in February 2025. - Career Stage: PhD completed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. Extensions may apply for maternity/paternity leave, serious illness, disability, or caregiving responsibilities. - Publication Record: An excellent record is essential, with at least two major first-author publications in microbial evolution. Additional experience in international research mobility, conference oral presentations, student supervision, and outreach is desirable. How to Apply: Please send a single PDF containing a cover letter and CV to Alex Couce (a.couce@upm.es). Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide contact information for two references. Include "JdC.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)