********************GradStudentPositions******************** Graduate position: EPFL_Lausanne.BacterialCommunicationEvolution PhD Position: Evolution of Bacterial Communication Systems Systems and Synthetic Evolutionary Biology Lab Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL Lausanne, Switzerland PROJECT DESCRIPTION Bacteria have evolved diverse chemical communication systems to coordinate collective behaviours such as biofilm formation, pathogenicity, and interspecies interactions. Yet the molecular mechanisms by which these systems diversify remain poorly understood. This project will investigate the evolution and functional diversification of bacterial communication systems, with a focus on how quorum sensing proteins evolve new functions. The work will combine experimental and computational approaches, including high-throughput characterization of protein variants, phylogenetic methods, and evolutionary simulations. REQUIREMENTS * Master's degree (by start date) in Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Biology, or a related field * Genuine curiosity about the molecular mechanisms underlying evolutionary change * Motivation to work at the interface of experimental and computational biology * Very good English communication skills Experience in evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, molecular microbiology, protein biochemistry, bioinformatics, or programming (Python, R) is desirable. WE OFFER * A fully funded PhD position with competitive Swiss salary * Access to outstanding research infrastructure at EPFL * A highly interactive and collaborative research environment START DATE: between September 2026 and January 2027. HOW TO APPLY Applications must be submitted through one of the following EPFL doctoral programs (deadline April 15, 2026): * EDMS (Molecular Life Sciences) * EDBB (Biotechnology and Bioengineering) * EDCB (Computational and Quantitative Biology) Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Caua Westmann directly before or while applying at caua.antuneswestmann@epfl.ch. Please include a CV, a brief statement of research interests and motivation (max. one page), and names of two references. Caua Westmann Cau� Antunes Westmann (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** MERTOLA EVOLUTION CONFERENCES- 2026 EDITION: NATURAL SELECTION IN THE WILD 17 - 19th of April 2026, Mertola, Portugal Dear Colleagues, The general programme of the 2026 edition of the Mertola Conferences in Evolution is now online: https://www.cibio.up.pt/en/events/mertola-evolution-conferences-2026-edition-natural-selection-in-the-wild/ There are still some places available. Thus if you join us this Spring in Mertola, use the form below to register until the end of March. The MECs are annual meetings on Evolutionary Biology (each year a specific topic) for researchers and students to present cutting-edge studies on the field, as well as a forum for informal discussion, fostering new ideas and collaborations among researchers all over the world. Mertola Conferences are promoted by EBM - Biological Station of Mertola in collaboration with other national and international institutions. Mertola is located in Southeast Alentejo region of Portugal, near the Spanish border, crossed by the Guadiana River and in the center of the Natural Park of Guadiana Valley. The antiquity of Mertola is attested by the many archaeological remains that prove the continuous human occupation of this territory. Despite being and biodiversity hotspot of Mediterranean ecosystems, the first traces of human presence dating back to the Neolithic period, five thousand years ago, with different civilizations, like Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians. More information at https://www.visitmertola.pt/mertola-vila-museu/ The MEC 2026 edition, entitled "Natural Selection in the Wild". It counts with prominent speakers in the field: Rosemary Gillespie (University of California, Berkeley, USA), Jeremy Searle (Cornell University, USA), Matthew P. Hare (Cornell University, USA), Silvia Matesanz Garcia (Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain) Jose Melo-Ferreira (University of Porto) The conference programme will be announced next week and includes a Bird Watching Tour in the last day of the conference around Mertola, where an enormous variety of species can be observed. For registration and abstract submission, please fill this form: https://forms.gle/gGWuWpgWs4Ak2fDj7 Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students (M BGE & PhD) & CIBIO's TwinLabs (If applicable, payment will be made to Associacao BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727). Fees: 60 euros (other students and Biopolis non-students) | 120 euros (other participants). The organizing committee, Jeremy Searle Miguel Carneiro Rui Faria Paulo Celio Alves Rui Faria, PhD 1. Researcher and SEAGEN Group Leader CIBIO, Centro de Investiga��o em Biodiversidade e Recursos Gen�ticos, InBIO Laborat�rio Associado BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning Campus de Vair�o Rua Padre Armando Quintas, n� 7 4485-661, Vair�o, Portugal 2. Invited Assistant Professor, Department of Biology Faculty of Sciences at the University of Porto, Rua Campo Alegre s/n 4169-007, Porto, Portugal Webpages: Littorina Research Community https://rmigueldefaria.wixsite.com/farialab-1 https://sites.google.com/biopolis.pt/littorina/winklewatch Rui Faria (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)