********************GradStudentPositions******************** I would like to advertise two PhD positions in ancient pathogen genomics funded through my ERC project�EpidemioCene . The overall aim of the project is to better understand the epidemiological history and the determinants of infectious diseases since the end of the Last Ice Age. To this end, we will undertake large-scale paleoepidemiological and phylodynamic analyses of ancient pathogen genomic data generated from large cohorts of ancient human individuals. The project is co-hosted by the Department of Archaeogenetics at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany (MPI-EVA) and the Host-Pathogen Interaction Research Unit, Toulouse, France (UMR IHAP 1225 UT/INRAE/ENVT). In this context: - PhD 1 will develop new methods to boost pathogen detection in ancient metagenomic samples. This will include a machine-learning algorithm to optimize the identification of pathogen DNA fragments in shotgun sequencing data and a hybridization capture system to enrich samples for a wide range of pathogen species. We are looking for someone with a background in bioinformatics. Some experience with machine learning or scientific software design would be advantageous. See the complete description here . - PhD 2 will analyse ancient viral genomes using phylogenetic and phylodynamic approaches to trace geographical spread and transmission dynamics on large timescales. We are looking for someone with a background in evolutionary biology, epidemiology or related topics, and a specific interest in molecular epidemiology and viral evolution. Bioinformatics skills are required, and some experience with computational phylogenetics would be a plus. See the complete description here . Both positions are aimed at students excited to study the (pre)history and evolution of pathogens using ancient DNA data, though specific experience in this regard is not required. Candidates should have proficient English skills and a strong motivation for teamworking in an international context. PhD 1 will be based at MPI-EVA, starting ideally in August 2026. PhD 2 will be based at IHAP, with regular visits to MPI-EVA, starting ideally in October 2026. German or French skills are not required. Interested applicants should send their application via email to arthur_kocher@eva.mpg.de by May 7th. The application should consist of a single PDF document containing a cover letter (2 pages max.), a CV, a proof of your most recent degree and up to two reference letters with the names and contact information of the referees. Don't hesitate to contact me at arthur_kocher@eva.mpg.de for further questions. Best, Arthur Kocher arthur_kocher@eva.mpg.de (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** "Graduate Position: UExeter.MicrobialAMREvolution PhD-student position in microbial evolution and AMR at the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland. The UQ Exeter Institute is seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, international research partnership tackling major challenges facing the global community in sustainability and wellbeing. Our joint PhD program provides a fantastic opportunity for the most talented doctoral students to work closely with world class research groups and benefit from the combined expertise and facilities at The University of Queensland and the University of Exeter. This prestigious program provides full tuition fees, stipend, travel and development funds and Research Training Support Grants to the successful applicants. This select group of high-calibre doctoral candidates will have the chance to study in the UK and Australia, and will graduate with a joint PhD degree from The University of Queensland and the University of Exeter. The studentship provides funding for up to 42 months (3.5 years). THE PROJECT Recent studies have shown that levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) increase at higher environmental temperatures, but we know very little about the mechanisms causing this correlational pattern. This project will use experiments, DNA sequencing, and mathematical modelling to increase our understanding of these mechanisms. The key objective is to understand how temperature impacts the transfer rate and maintenance of plasmids in bacterial communities, which is one of the key ways that AMR spreads. Specifically, plasmid transfer should occur faster when bacteria have high growth rates and low mortality. As these microbial traits are temperature dependent, we should be able to predict plasmid transfer from the temperature response of the donor and recipient bacteria. Temperature will also change the selection for AMR. Being a plasmid-carrier can be costly in the absence of antibiotics, so the project will test how the costs and benefits of resistance traits change with temperature. If the strength of selection changes across temperatures, this may alter the rate at which bacteria evolve to overcome the costs of carrying the plasmids. This project will take advantage of a library of Escherichia coli isolates, isolated from cattle, and a collection of plasmids that the isolates can take up. The plasmids have broad host ranges, high transfer rates, and have been found in different natural environments, making them relevant for spreading AMR in the environment. This set of isolates will be supplemented with several E. coli isolates that cause infections in humans allowing us to understand the conditions through which environmental E. coli may spread antibiotic resistance to pathogenic strains. Below we suggest three different components of this project, but will encourage any PhD student to take ownership of the project to align it to their key interests. OBJECTIVES 1. Understand how plasmid transfer rate changes across temperatures in environmental and clinical bacteria. Plasmid transfer rate is linked to the growth rates of the donor and recipient bacteria. We predict plasmid transfer across bacteria to be highest close to their optimal temperatures.  2. Understand how selection for resistance changes across temperatures.We will quantify the cost of plasmid carriage and the impact of antibiotics on susceptible bacteria at different temperatures to quantify how the selection for resistance changes. 3. Understand how plasmid spread and dynamics of bacteria change across temperatures in natural communities. We will use a range of methods (metagenomic sequencing, phenotypic assays, flow cytometry, qPCR) to measure how temperature affects plasmid carriage in simple and diverse communities.  This interdisciplinary project will combine experiments, sequencing, and mathematical modelling to build and validate a mechanistic model linking temperature-dependent traits to AMR spread. Ultimately, these findings could inform mitigation strategies for AMR by informing risk prediction by identifying temperatures at which control measures targeting plasmids might be most effective and key antibiotics whose selection for resistance changes drastically across strains or temperatures. Key references: [1] https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.1110 [2] https://doi.org/10.64898/2025.12.03.692229 [3] https://doi.org/10.1128/msystems.00228-21 CONTACT Questions about this project should be directed to Dr Daniel Padfield at D.Padfield@exeter.ac.uk You can find more information about the project and how to apply here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5844 Many thanks Dan Dr Daniel Padfield (he/him) NERC Independent Research Fellow Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Tremough Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9EZ Github: https://github.com/padpadpadpad Lab website: https://padpadpadpad.netlify.app/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/padpadpadpad.bsky.social Please note: I work flexibly to manage work and caring responsibilities. Therefore I may send or respond to e-mails outside of normal working hours. Ido not expect a response outside of your own working pattern. "Padfield, Daniel" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The McBride Lab at Princeton University (http://mcbridelab.princeton.edu) is looking for a lab technician to support research on mosquito behavior, genetics, and evolution starting in mid/late summer 2026. The technician will devote ~70% of their time to helping with research and the remaining ~30% time to general maintenance and lab support. The technician will be welcomed as a full lab member, attending journal clubs and lab meetings and contributing to a dynamic and interactive lab atmosphere. This is an opportunity to become deeply involved in exciting research at the interface of evolution, genetics, and neuroscience and is well-suited for a recent college graduate looking for more experience/focus before graduate school. Research project activities may include: - Mosquito breeding and behavioral experiments - Generation of transgenic strains using CRISPR/Cas9 - Molecular biology studies including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning Essential Qualifications: The interested candidate should have a bachelor's degree in biology or related field and previous experience in a research laboratory (beyond lab classes). Previous experience rearing insects, studying behavior, and/or carrying out molecular biology protocols in a research setting is strongly preferred. A demonstrated interest in evolution, neuroscience, genomics and/or behavior is also preferred. It is essential that candidates be highly organized, detail-oriented, and demonstrate enthusiasm for working and communicating with others in a collaborative lab setting. Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Contact Lindy McBride at csm7@princeton.edu with questions/resume or directly apply here . Lindy McBride (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The Department of Mathematics at the University of Sussex is inviting applications for a fixed-term research position on ecological modelling of tick-borne pathogens to better understand their distribution and prevalence along urbanisation and environmental gradients. In this role, you will develop mathematical models to evaluate the roles of multiple mechanisms in structuring ecological metacommunities composed of ticks, their hosts and associated pathogens. Working closely with project partners, you will integrate process-based metapopulation models into network models to identify key environmental and social determinants of the risk of human infection, and suggest critical points for management actions. The role includes research collaboration with the University of Bath (UK) and a US team coordinated by researchers at Columbia University. While this post has the fixed duration of 24 months, there will be an opportunity to apply for a continuation of this position to be based at the University of Bath (UK) for an additional 24 months of the project. Apply here: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DQZ005/research-fellow-in-mathematics *About you* We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in mathematical biology, ecological and/or epidemiological modelling, or applied dynamical systems. Prospective candidates should hold a PhD in Mathematics or be in the final stages of writing up their PhD thesis and have submitted by the start date of the position. Equivalent research experience will also be considered. You should have familiarity with handling large and complex datasets, and be skilled in programming languages such as Python, Matlab or R. The ideal candidate will be capable of independent research as well as effective teamwork, with excellent communication skills for interdisciplinary engagement with colleagues and external collaborators. A strong interest in interdisciplinary research and applying mathematical techniques to ecological data and environmental challenges is highly desirable. *Further Key Information* Please contact Prof Konstantin Blyuss (k.blyuss@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries. Candidates should include in their application the following: - Academic CV - A personal statement (500 words maximum) outlining their research interests and their research experience to date - Official academic transcripts - Contact details for two suitable referees - Application form For full details and how to apply see our vacancies page . *Eligibility* This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time and appointed at Grade 7.4. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship. This role may also be eligible for the Global Talent visa route, depending on the individual circumstances of the successful candidate. Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship. The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK. Sophia Bulzoni (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** Royal Society Publishing has recently published a theme issue of Philosophical Transactions B under the 'Subscribe to Open' 2026 initiative: Evolutionary genetics of mitochondria: on diverse and common evolutionary constraints across eukarya compiled and edited by Venkatesh Nagarajan-Radha, Duur K Aanen, Madeleine Beekman and Dan Mishmar and the articles are FREE to access at www.bit.ly/PTB1947 A print version is also available at the special price of �40.00 per issue fromsales@royalsociety.org Felicity Davie Royal Society Publishing T +44 20 7451 2647 The Royal Society 6-9 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y 5AG http://royalsocietypublishing.org Registered Charity No 207043 Felicity Davie (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoc Position in Evolutionary and Developmental Genetics A postdoc position is available in the Hopkins Lab at the University of Florida. The successful candidate will use computational and experimental approaches to study the evolution of organs and cell types. Our research seeks to understand the genetic mechanisms and evolutionary pathways through which organs originate and diversify through time. We take a comparative approach, using patterns of evolutionary diversification across species to uncover general principles of biological design that shape organ architecture, function, and evolution. Much of our work focuses on Drosophila, moving beyond melanogaster as a model organism to develop the wider Drosophilidae family and its >4000 morphologically, ecologically, and behaviourally diverse species as a model clade. In pursuit of this work, we make use of a wide range of computational and experimental approaches, including gene regulatory network inference, comparative genomics, genome editing, and single-cell 'omics. Over time, postdocs will be provided with support to develop an independent research program that aligns with the lab's broad interests in evolutionary and developmental genetics. The Hopkins Lab is based in the University of Florida's Genetics Institute, a cross-departmental institute that brings together a wide variety of researchers with interests in genetics. Our corridor is home to groups working on evolutionary biology, comparative genomics, developmental biology, and functional genetics in both model and non-model animal systems, opening up rich opportunities for interactions and collaboration with like-minded researchers. Our building also houses UF's biotechnology core, complete with state-of-the art imaging suites and sequencing facilities. Gainesville itself is a vibrant college town with a lively nightlife and live music scene, and offers easy access to Florida's diverse natural landscapes from crystal-clear springs and pine forests to wetlands and the white sandy beaches of the coast. Start date is flexible. If interested, please contact Ben Hopkins (br.hopkins@ufl.edu) with a CV, a statement of research interests and experience, and the names of three references. "Hopkins, Ben" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Apply Machine Learning to Your Ecological Time Series Analysis with Machine Learning for Ecological Time Series (METR01) Take your ecological modelling to the next level by mastering modern machine learning techniques applied to time series data - one of the fastest-growing and most impactful areas in ecological research. This advanced, hands-on course is designed for ecologists, researchers, and practitioners who want to extract deeper insights, improve predictive performance, and handle complex temporal patterns in ecological datasets. What you'll learn Core machine learning approaches for ecological time series Handling temporal autocorrelation and non-stationarity Building and tuning predictive models in REvaluating model performance and avoiding overfitting Applying methods to real-world ecological datasets Expect a highly practical format combining theory, real datasets, and guided coding exercises - consistent with PR Stats' applied training approach. Who should attend? Ecologists and environmental scientists PhD students and academic researchers Data analysts working with temporal or monitoring data Anyone looking to apply machine learning to ecological problems Why take this course? Ecological time series are central to understanding biodiversity change, climate impacts, and ecosystem dynamics. Machine learning offers powerful tools - but only when applied correctly. This course will help you move beyond basic analysis to build robust, interpretable, and high-performing models you can confidently use in research and decision-making. Learn more & enrol Explore the full course details here: PR Statscourse page for Machine Learning for Ecological Time Series (METR01) Questions? Email:oliver@prstats.org Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats Oliver Hooker (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear all, We would like to inform you that only a few seats remain for the upcoming online course DNA Methylation in Ecology and Evolution, taking place from 20-24 April. Course website: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/dnamethylation/ ) This five-day course will provide both theoretical background and hands-on training in the analysis of DNA methylation data, covering short-read (Illumina WGBS/EM-seq) and long-read (Oxford Nanopore and PacBio) approaches. Participants will work through the full workflow, from data processing to the identification and interpretation of differentially methylated regions, with a focus on applications in ecology and evolution, including non-model organisms. Sessions will run daily from 14:00 to 19:00 (Berlin time) and include lectures, guided practicals, and interactive discussions. For the full list of our courses and workshops, please visit: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops ) If you are interested in joining, we encourage you to register soon, as places are limited. Best regards, Carlo Carlo Pecoraro, Ph.D Physalia-courses DIRECTOR info@physalia-courses.org mobile: +49 17645230846 ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/physalia-courses-a64418127/ ) "info@physalia-courses.org" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear colleagues, If you are an evolutionary biologist and a Python novice, you might be interested in the course "Introduction to Python for Biology", offered by Transmitting Science. Course webpage: https://www.transmittingscience.com/courses/statistics-and-bioinformatics/introduction-to-python-for-biology/ The aim of this course is to introduce participants to Python programming for biological data analysis, including focusing on basic syntax, data handling and reproducible workflows. During the course, we will work on datasets and questions from the fields of evolutionary biology and ecology. After completing this course, participants will be able to apply Python programming automation to their own research problems and should be equipped to continue their own Python learning. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: * Understand basic Python syntax and programming concepts. * Manipulate and analyse biological datasets using Python. * Develop reproducible analysis workflows. For any questions, please write to courses@transmittingscience.com Best regards, Haris Haris Saslis, PhD Course Coordinator Transmitting Science www.transmittingscience.com [1] Links: [1] http://www.transmittingscience.com Haris Saslis - Transmitting Science (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** The Computational Biology Core at the University of Connecticut is hosting virtual bioinformatics workshops this year! We still have space available in our Genome Annotation Workshop (virtual but live instruction - May 19-21). This hands-on workshop will cover genome assembly validation, annotation using tools such as Helixer, BRAKER, and EASEL, and evaluation of annotation results. Participants will gain practical experience with real datasets and learn how to generate high-quality genome annotations. Learn more & register here: https://bioinformatics.uconn.edu/cbc-workshops/ WHERE: Virtual (MS Teams) WHEN: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST COST: $500 (UConn affiliates); $600 (External participants) Registration is first come, first served. Questions? E-mail cbcsupport@helpspotmail.com zsc25001@uconn.edu (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear colleagues, We would like to invite you to the next online seminar for the "Internal Conflicts and Organismal Adaptation" Special Topic Network (STN) funded by the European Society for Evolutionary Biology, which will take place on April 15, 10:00 UTC. Our speakers for this seminar are: Alejandro Burga: (Institute of Molecular Biotechnology Austria). Short RNAs, long memories: when genome defence becomes gene regulation. Patrick Kennedy (University of Bristol): Brinkmanship in intragenomic conflict. We expect the meeting to take approximately 1.5 hours. Meeting details: Date: April 15, 2026. Time: 10:00 UTC. Meeting link: https://georgetown.zoom.us/j/97210197821?jst=2 If you would like to get on our mailing list and take part in our upcoming events, please visit our website ( https://internalconflictsstn.wordpress.com/) for more information. Sincerely, The Internal Conflicts and Organismal Adaptation STN Martijn Schenkel, Arvid Ågren, Manus Patten, Nina Wedell, and Thomas Hitchcock ESEB-funded Special Topic Network "Internal Conflicts and Organismal Adaptation" https://internalconflictsstn.wordpress.com/ https://eseb.org/prizes-funding/special-topic-networks/ Internal Conflicts STN (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** We invite abstract submissions for talks and/or posters to the Evolution and Comparative Genomics (EvolCompGen) track at ISMB on July 12-16 in Washington DC. Describe your recent work on 1-2 pages and submit before the deadline on Friday April 9 (midnight anywhere on earth)! Abstract submission site: https://www.iscb.org/ismb2026/call-for-submissions/abstracts More about the meeting: Intelligent Systems in Molecular Biology (ISMB) is the flagship conference of the International Society of Computational Biology. In 2026, the meeting will be held July 12-16 in Washinton DC. Conference web site: https://www.iscb.org/ismb2026/home More about EvolCompGen: The EvolCompGen "community of special interest" (COSI) organizes a track at ISMB each year on topics at the interface between evolution, comparative genomics, and computational biology. Our sessions have high attendance and showcase contributions in genome evolution; genome rearrangements; genomic variation, diversity, and dynamics; the evolution of protein structure and function; cancer evolution and phylogenetics; population genomics; mutational models; phylogenetics and the comparative method; phylogenomics; phylodynamics; pangenomics and microbial evolution; and metagenomics. EvolCompGen: https://evolcompgen.org/ Sincerely, Dannie Durand and Lars Arvestad Track chairs Links: EvolCompGen: evolcompgen.org Abstract submission: https://www.iscb.org/ismb2026/call-for-submissions/abstracts ISMB conference web site: https://www.iscb.org/ismb2026/home Lars Arvestad (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** SORTEE Conference 2026: Save the Date! Dear Colleague,The sixth annual SORTEE conference (The Society/for Open, Reliable, and Transparent Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) will be held virtually in October 2026. The conference will run continuously from October 13th to October 14th. Dear Colleague, The sixth annual SORTEE conference (The Society/for Open, Reliable, and Transparent Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) will be held virtually in October 2026. The conference will run continuously from October 13th to October 14th, to cover all time zones. The conference is a forum to discuss and develop ideas, while also exploring current practices for advancing research in fields related to ecology and evolutionary biology. The conference will be a mix of 5 session types: Unconferences: Facilitated discussions of ideas for how to make ecology, evolutionary biology, and related disciplines more open, reliable, and transparent. Hackathons: Group projects with well-defined goals (papers, techniques, software, protocols, organizations, etc.). Workshops: Facilitators will teach tools to implement open, reliable, and transparent practices. Plenaries: Two plenaries about recent initiatives in open science.Introductions to open science: Two sessions dedicated to people new to open science. To have an idea of what a SORTEE conference looks like, check the 2025 SORTEE conference program here and the summary of previous conferences at https://www.sortee.org/past. Content submissions will soon open on this page To have a great conference, we need motivating events and keen facilitators! We invite anyone interested in facilitating an unconference, a hackathon or a workshop to submit their content. You don't have to be a SORTEE member. The conference will be FREE for SORTEE members, and range from 0$ to 60$ for non-SORTEE members. Become a member! We are trying our best to make this conference as inclusive as possible. We encourage individuals with questions regarding accessibility when facilitating a session or attending the conference to reach out to us at conference@sortee.org. We hope to see you in October. Sincerely, The SORTEE Conference Committee 2355 State St Ste 101 Salem, OR 97301-4541, USA Disclaimer: We use flodesk to manage our emails. This email service collects analytical data on how people handle the emails we send. If you are uncomfortable sharing that information with us, please feel free to unsubscribe from this list. We value transparency on everything we do, and unfortunately there is no way to opt-out of this system. Unsubscribe or Manage Preferences SORTEE Conference Committee (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)