Postdoc in Molecular and Evolutionary Mechanisms of Cave Adaptation Ruder Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Biology, Zagreb, Croatia We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join our group in the Division of Molecular Biology at the Rudjer Boskovic Institute in Zagreb, Croatia. Our lab specializes in comparative evolutionary biology, with a focus on rapid adaptation and evolution in extreme environments, using cave-dwelling animals as model systems. We investigate the evolutionary mechanisms underlying adaptation to subterranean life by combining a diverse range of model organisms and multidisciplinary approaches. Our research integrates fieldwork, organismal biology, and wet lab techniques—including developmental biology, molecular genetics, gene editing, imaging, and bioinformatics—to address two central themes: The mechanisms driving loss of pigmentation across different cave-adapted animal phyla The role of phenotypic plasticity in cave colonization and the evolution of specialized adaptations Our goal is to uncover both the proximate mechanisms (e.g., genetic, developmental, and physiological processes) and the evolutionary drivers (e.g., selection, plasticity, constraint) that shape adaptations of cave animals. Our current grant focuses on the role of maladaptive plasticity in eye degeneration in the Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus). More about this project can be found on our lab website (https://bilandzija.irb.hr/Projects-and-Funding), and previous research on the topic is published here: doi: 10.7554/eLife.51830 and doi: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.528. In addition to working on this project, the postdoc will have opportunities to: Contribute to other ongoing research projects Analyse existing NGS datasets and prepare manuscripts for publication Position Details: Funding is secured until December 2026. A 6-month trial period will be required at the start of employment. Extension is possible based on performance, collaboration quality, and mutual interests. Salary and Benefits: Gross salary: approx. 3000 EUR/month, depending on qualifications. Excellent benefits including health insurance, travel support, and holiday bonuses Required Qualifications PhD in Biology or a related discipline. Proficiency in English. Strong interest in basic research in evolutionary biology. Preferred Qualifications Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis. A solid background in statistics and/or R. Hands-on wet lab experience, especially staining and imaging techniques. Experience working with laboratory animals, particularly fish We Offer A collaborative and supportive research environment (English-speaking) Access to excellent research infrastructure at Rudjer Boskovic Institute, including a dedicated Astyanax mexicanus facility and animal caretaker Opportunities for skill development via workshops (e.g., bioinformatics, data analysis) No teaching obligations, but teaching/supervision opportunities are available Funding for travel to conferences and workshops Application Instructions Please refer to the full application details here: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/338545. Application Deadline: Friday, May 23 at 23:00 CET Your motivation letter should include: Your research interests and career goals Relevant experience and qualifications Why you are interested in joining our lab and how you can contribute to our research Helena Bilandžija (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)