********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD - Rapid Evolution in Communities We invite prospective candidates for a four-year PhD Studentship funded by ERC grant of Jan Hrcek to explore exciting questions on the interface of population genetics and community ecology. It is increasingly clear that evolution can be rapid, with important traits changing within a few generations. But we are only beginning to understand the consequences of this eco-evolutionary process for dynamics of host - parasite interactions and stability of entire communities. We ask how rapid evolution impacts maintenance of diversity in communities and maintenance of genetic variation in populations - processes which have been mostly studied separately. To address these questions, our collaborative project uses a novel experimental community model system of wild Drosophila species and their parasitoids from tropical Australia. We are able to perform multigenerational laboratory microcosm experiments and track eco-evolutionary dynamics in fine detail. The candidate will use a combination of approaches: experimental community evolution, population genomics, and eco-evolutionary modelling. The specific PhD projects will result from a discussion between the candidate and the supervisor. The successful applicant will join the Laboratory of Experimental Ecology [ http://lab.hrcek.net ] at the Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, under the supervision of Dr Jan Hrcek. The laboratory is a multinational team of postdocs, PhD students and technicians. The applicant will thus have the opportunity to work extensively with other team members. The laboratory obtained prestigious high-level funding for five years (ERC Consolidator grant) and therefore can provide substantial resources and support for exceptional research. The laboratory is part of a dynamic international centre for research in species interactions. Together with the PhD student we will choose a co-supervisor from current international collaborators or start new collaborations. The position will include a research stay abroad. The deadline for applications is 7th January 2026 with interviews short after. The position can start from March 2026 onwards. Recently, guaranteed income for PhD students has become a law in the Czech Republic and the student will thus receive a salary which comfortably covers living expenses in the Czech Republic. The working language is English and applicants from all countries are eligible. A MSc degree is required to enter PhD in Czech Republic. Following experience is an advantage: · Research experience with laboratory experiments · Experience with population genetics or molecular ecology · Experience in eco-evolutionary dynamics or population genetic modelling To apply please send one document comprising a motivation letter, CV, and contact details for two references to Jan Hrcek [ janhrcek@gmail.com ]. Jan Hrcek (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** We are currently looking for a PhD student to join us on the BuggedBugs project This 3-year PhD studentship is part of the Biodiversity Exploratories (https://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de), a large-scale long-term project to study how land use affects biodiversity and ecosystemcurrently looking for a PhD student to join us on the BuggedBugs functioning. With the project "BuggedBugs", led by Prof. Lena Wilfert and Dr Ruth Archer, we will ask how climate change and land-use interact to affect host community composition, abundance and health, and how this in turn is reflected in the biodiversity and composition of their parasite community. To do this, we will use the unique long-term Biodiversity Exploratories (data alongside samples of true bugs (Heteroptera) and their parasites collected since 2008. Collectively, this will expand our understanding of an important but hidden axis of biodiversity (parasites) and what they tell us about ecosystem health. The PhD student will use powerful molecular approaches to characterize the parasite communities of some preserved true-bug samples, but also go out into the field to collect recent samples. The candidate will help ID and phenotype the true bugs, so that we can relate land-use and climate to both these important insects, as well as the parasites they host. Accordingly, skills in the following would be advantageous: molecular biology, taxonomy, morphometrics and confidence with the statistical program R and willingness to learn ecological modelling approaches. This project is part of a multi-team and long-term program across Germany, using interdisciplinary approaches to study how land-use affects biodiversity and ecosystem processes. It offers excellent opportunities for training, collaboration and networking with leading institutes in ecology. The PhD student will be part of Prof. Wilfert's group at the University of Regensburg, embedded in the new focal research group on biotic interactions in the Anthropocene (https://go.ur.de/biotic-interactions); the student will also be part of the local grad school (https://www.rigel-regensburg.de). The position will start on the 1st of March 2026; it is for three years and the salary is TV-L E13 65%. For more information and to apply please contact lena.wilfert@ur.de To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter by the 14th of December. currently looking for a PhD student to join us on the BuggedBugs (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) wil50772 (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Title: Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi: Assistant Professor of Marine Biology Job Description: The Department of Life Sciences at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi invites applications for 9-month, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Marine Biology. The incumbent will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program, supervise graduate and undergraduate students, teach undergraduate and graduate courses and pursue scholarly research in support of the M.S. and Ph.D. programs. While preference will be given to applicants with expertise in using experimental/statistical/computational/modelling approaches to address important biological questions, we welcome all applicants who complement and expand our multidisciplinary faculty. Applications are encouraged from individuals with active or emerging competitive research programs and external collaborations. The appointment is expected to begin in Fall 2026, but start date is negotiable. A competitive startup package and research lab space will accompany the position. University and Department: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a vibrant, Hispanic and Minority Serving R2 Doctoral Research Institution that proudly provides a solid academic reputation, renowned faculty, and highly rated degree programs since 1947. The University has a heritage of teaching excellence with innovation in research and community engagement as part of the distinguished Texas A&M System. TAMU-CC is the only university in the nation located on its own island, at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast. With a scenic, beach-front campus and easy access to amenities in the city of Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a first-choice institution. Ample opportunities exist for collaboration within the Department of Life Sciences , departments and research centers within the College of Science and across the campus, and with agency such as Texas A&M AgriLife . Our unique location and proximity to beaches, wetlands, coastal bays and lagoons provide a variety of habitats for research and teaching. The Department of Life Sciences has 18 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty, six professional track faculty, two instructors, and over 1,200 science majors (including undergraduate and graduate students) offering B.S. degrees in Biology and Biomedical Science , M.S. degrees in Biology , Marine Biology , and Fisheries and Mariculture , and Ph.D. degree in Marine Biology . These positions may further expand and complement the Coastal and Marine System Science M.S. and Ph.D. programs. During the last three years, the Department's research activities have resulted in an annual average of 20 grants (including NSF, NOAA, EPA, USDA, and NIH) with research expenditures in the range of $3,000,000. Required Qualifications: * Terminal degree in biology or related discipline. While Advanced ABD will be considered, a degree must be conferred at the time of appointment. * A strong publication record in leading and high impact journals. Preferred Qualifications: * Postdoctoral experience * University-level teaching experience * Evidence of ability to build an active, externally funded research program * Demonstrated experience and innovative pedagogical approaches to teaching undergraduate and graduate students from various backgrounds * Engagement in service activities to support institutional, professional society, and community goals TO APPLY: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/TAMUCC_External/job/Corpus-Christi%2C-TX/Assistant-Professor--Marine-Biology_R-088988-1 To be considered for the position, all required documentation must be uploaded. A completed application will include: 1. A cover letter describing experience and qualifications listed, including prior service activities 2. A statement of teaching experience and plans for effective instruction, including any prior pedagogical training and professional development of teaching skills. (2 pages max) 3. A research statement including plans for funding support (2 pages max) plus a general description of expected start-up support including any specialized equipment and infrastructure needs (1/2 page max) 4. A curriculum vitae 5. Copies of unofficial graduate coursework transcript 6. Contact information for three professional references (names, addresses, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses) Application deadline: January 9, 2026 Position expected start date: Fall 2026 For questions, please contact: Dr. Dara Orbach, Search Chair, Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, dara.orbach@tamucc.edu. Dara Orbach, PhD Associate Professor of Marine Biology Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi Tidal Hall 340 Google Scholar https://daraorbach.weebly.com "Orbach, Dara" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** *ESEB Global Evolutionary Biology Initiative- Call for Projects* ESEB aims to foster the development and integration of local evolutionary research communities from regions outside of the traditional strongholds of the discipline, and their links with the evolutionary biology community in Europe. To address this need, the Global Evolutionary Biology Initiative (GEBI) can provide financial, organisational and strategic support. GEBI now welcomes applications to support new projects in line with its aims (examples include meetings to establish or strengthen local researcher networks, conducting hands-on workshops to disseminate new tools or methods, or developing curricula for teaching). *The deadline for this call will close on 01 March 2026.* Applications should include a concise (up to two pages) description of the proposed activity and a detailed budget (in particularly specifying how the requested GEBI contribution will be used). Actions fostering evolutionary biology in the long term are particularly appreciated, and applicants are encouraged to describe how their proposals may reach this long-term objective. Maximal allowance is 10,000 euros per project. Information on previously supported events is available at https://eseb.org/prizes-funding/global-evolutionary-biology-initiative/events-supported-by-gebi/. Actions based in Western and Northern Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are not eligible for support by GEBI. Actions that are already covered by other ESEB initiatives/committees, e.g. outreach activities or travel grants to individual students or researchers for attending workshops or conferences are not eligible for support by�GEBI. Previously funded proposals are welcome to apply for further project development but will compete with new proposals. New proposals will have priority, if ranked equal. Proposed activities should be completed by April 2027. Proposals should be addressed to *office@eseb.org* *(subject: GEBI 2026)*. We will acknowledge receipt of all applications within a week. If you have not received our confirmation by then, please contact the ESEB office again. The GEBI committee Nina Sletvold, Co-chair Efe Sezgin, Co-chair Leonardo Bacigalupe Hannah Dugdale Simone Immler Mehmet Somel Dr. Ute Friedrich | Office Manager |�Email: office@eseb.org European Society for Evolutionary Biology| Homepage: eseb.org ESEB Office (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** The Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany has a vacancy for a Postdoctoral researcher (E13/E14 TVL 100%) to work collaboratively in research and teaching. This is a postdoctoral position that should lead to further qualification. The position is initially limited to three years and can be extended if the applicant wishes to pursue a habilitation. Tasks: development of independent research projects (including the acquisition of third-party funding), the contribution to general institute tasks and participation in university self-administration. Participation in teaching, in particular in the course "Spezielle Zoologie und Zoologische Übungen" for veterinarian students (taught in German) and in modules of the Master's program "Animal Biology and Biomedical Sciences" (taught in English), is expected (4 SWS). Focus areas: Development and implementation of your own research projects on vertebrates in the fields of evolutionary biology, biodiversity research, or behavioral biology, preferably also with molecular/genomic components and/or ecological modeling expertise. Experience in biostatistics is a plus. Co-supervision of theses in veterinary medicine and biology (bachelor's and master's theses, doctoral theses). Acquisition of third-party funding, data analysis and scientific publication work. Collaboration in lectures, courses, and seminars in all areas of zoology. Prerequisites for application: completed studies in natural sciences and a doctoral degree on a zoological or evolutionary biology topic. Experience in research and teaching is desirable. International scientific publications and successful acquisition of third-party funding are expected. Depending on qualifications, payment will be according to E 13 or E 14 TV-L. Disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given priority. Please send your informative application to the Institute of Zoology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, D-30599 Hannover, Bünteweg 17, email: sandra.hamacher@tiho-hannover.de, by December 15, 2025, at the latest. "Pröhl, Heike" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear evoldir members, Transmitting Science is offering the course "Introduction to the Analysis of Morphological Disparity " (3rd edition). Course webpage: https://www.transmittingscience.com/courses/evolution/introduction-to-the-analysis-of-morphological-disparity/ Analyses of morphological disparity provide unique insights into evolutionary history, quantifying the anatomical variety of clades and revealing its fluctuation through time. This course will provide an in-depth overview of the different types of data and methods that underpin these analyses and give participants the necessary skills and understanding to apply them to their own research questions. We will cover the advantages and disadvantages of different types of morphological data, the differences between different types of morphospaces, the range of distance metrics than can be used to measure intertaxon dissimilarity, and how ordination methods can be used to reduce dataset dimensionality and identify patterns. Dates: January 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th, 2026 Schedule: 13:30-17:30 (Central European Time) Instructor: Dr. Thomas Roper-Smith (Oxford University Museum of Natural History, UK) If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at 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) ********************Conferences******************** Dear collegues, It is our pleasure to announce that the 16th DrosEU meeting will be held on April 13-14, followed by a 3-day D. suzukii satellite meeting on April 15-17 2026. The European Drosophila Population Genomics Consortium (DrosEU) is a collaborative consortium of scientists and laboratories interested in evolutionary genetics and genomics of Drosophila species. Its main objective is to cooperate closely in collecting, generating and analysing genomic and environmental data for several Drosophila populations across the globe. For the next meeting, a special focus will be put on the insect pest Drosophila suzukii: after the general DroEU meeting on April 13- 14 2026, we will organize a 3-day satellite meeting dedicated to D. suzukii on April 15-17 2026. A wide range of topics will be covered during this conference, including: - Population genetics - Molecular Genetics - Host-Microbiota Interactions - Physiology - Ecology and Population Dynamics - Integrated Pest Management. Non DrosEU members are welcome to register to the DrosEU meeting, the D. suzukii meeting or both events. Registration is open until December 19th 2025 via the registration page. Abstract submission is not required for registration to either the DrosEU or the D. suzukii meeting. Online attendance People can select the option to attend the meeting online when registering via the registration page. A Zoom link will be sent the week before the meeting. Please note that abstract submission will only be possible for in-person attendees. To make both meetings accessible to the widest audience,registration is free of charge. *Registration website is now open:https://droseusuz.sciencesconf.org* Both meetings will be held at the Genopolys amphitheater in Montpellier, France. Please note that only titles (but not abstracts) are required for contributed talks for the DrosEU meeting. Registration and title (DrosEU meeting) or abstract (D. suzukii meeting) submission occur in two separate steps: upon acceptance of your registration, you will be able to submit a title/abstract via the "Title/abstract submission" page until December 19th 2025. On behalf of the organizing committee, Svitlana Serga and Nicolas Rode, UMR CBGP, INRAE Montpellier, France Svitlana SERGA (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)