********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD position in population genetics and conservation genomics of corals (f/d/x/m) Background The Marine Conservation group of Prof. Dr. Iliana Baums at HIFMB is looking for a PhD student to study the population genetics and conservation genomics of reef building corals in the Caribbean. Populations of reef-building corals have declined dramatically and the Baums lab in collaboration with international restoration and academic partners in Belize, Honduras, the USA, Curacao, Mexico and the Dominican Republic are working together to develop population management tools for these species. In the Marine Conservation group at the HIFMB in Oldenburg we use molecular techniques to answer fundamental questions about marine evolution and ecology to guide coral reef conservation efforts. The group currently has two focus areas: coral physiology and symbiosis and coral restoration genomics. Research at the HIFMB focuses on marine biodiversity and its importance for the functioning of marine ecosystems. We aim to develop sensitive strategies to measure and understand environmental and social processes that influence or influenced by the change in biodiversity in marine systems, and implement effective means to define a scientific basis for marine conservation, marine governance, and ecosystem management efforts. HIFMB is a highly interdisciplinary research environment that currently brings together experts from 18 countries who focus on contemporary yet distinct topics of research. Our growing research portfolio to understand marine systems at the HIFMB spans from molecular ecology to human geography, microbial metabolism to mathematical modeling and art. As a cooperation between the University of Oldenburg (UOL) and the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the HIFMB benefits from its access to a diverse set of resources for cutting-edge research. The new building of the HIFMB offers state-of-the-art wet-lab and computational resources. The HIFMB is located in Oldenburg, a city in Northern Germany, which is a region that is home to a large number of institutions dedicated to environmental and marine research. In addition to the AWI and the ICBM, the institutions with which the HIFMB researchers regularly interact include the Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM) at the University Bremen, and Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Bremen. Your Tasks You will.. * collect coral samples from both field and laboratory settings and prepare them for experimental and genetic analyses. * design, organize, and conduct experiments to investigate population genetic structure, genetic load, inbreeding levels, parentage, clonality, and adaptive signatures in corals and their algal symbionts. * generate and analyze physiological data, including growth and reproductive performance, under experimental conditions. * apply molecular and genomic approaches such as RNA sequencing and DNA sequencing to assess adaptive potential and stress responses. * integrate physiological and genomic datasets to develop alternative conservation genetics strategies aimed at maximizing adaptive capacity in threatened coral species. * work closely with international collaborators and contribute to interdisciplinary research projects. * disseminate research outcomes through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and public data repositories. More information is available under https://www.awi.de/en/work-study/out-of-university/as-phd-student.html. Your Profile * Master's degree (or equivalent) in marine biology or molecular ecology or related fields * Strong background in population genetic theory and experience in using molecular and bioinformatic tools * Proficiency in at least one coding language (Phyton), and proficiency in R Preferred Qualifications and Skills * A background in marine biology, experience with DNA/RNA extractions and amplification * Disposition to work in laboratory and field conditions * Very good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1) Further Information * Contact in day-to-day work: collaboration mainly with more than 5 people * Communication: predominantly internal (with colleagues and other departments) in the following ways 1. By telephone: occasionally (several times a month) 2. E-mail: frequently (daily or several times a week) 3. Video conferencing (e. g. Webex): frequently (daily or several times a week) 4. Personal contact in presence: frequently (daily or several times a week) * Movement around the workplace: regularly over longer distances (e.g. other buildings) * Business trips: occasional (several times a year) * Expeditions: occur Please note that the general conditions listed serve as a guide and may vary depending on the specific area of application. For further information on the specific position, please reach out to Prof. Dr. Iliana Baums (iliana.baums@hifmb.de; +49471 4831 2536). If you have any general questions about the application process, our Recruiting team will be glad to support you - please contact Sarah Palme (bewerbungsmanagement@awi.de; +49471 4831 1853) In this overview you will find further contact persons for various matters. This position is limited to 3 years. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des �ffentlichen Dienstes, TV�D Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Oldenburg. All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterized by * Our scientific success - excellent research * Collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary * Opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions * An international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world * Flexible working hours * Health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub * Support services and a culture of reconciling work and family * Occupational pension provision (VBL) AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present. AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways. As a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application online only by February 15th, 2026 and include a letter of interest explaining your qualifications for this position and how it fits with your career goals, as well as your CV, graduate transcripts, and names and email addresses of three references. We kindly ask you to apply in English. No photo is required - we value your qualifications and experience. Reference number: 26/5/G/HIFMB-b "Baums, Iliana B" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoc in coral population genomics and conservation genetics (x/d/f/m) Background The Marine Conservation group of Dr. Iliana Baums (www.baumslab.org), Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB), seeks a postdoc to study population genomics and conservation genetics of reef-building corals in the Caribbean. HIFMB is a cooperation between the University of Oldenburg (UOL) and the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) and has strong ties to regional institutions, including the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (Bremen), MARUM (University of Bremen), and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (Bremen). HIFMB is located in Oldenburg, Northern Germany, a hub for environmental and marine research. The institute brings together experts from 18 countries and provides state-of-the-art wet-lab and computational facilities. Your Tasks * Generate and analyze genomic data for reef-building corals, including eukaryotic genome assembly and annotation, population genomics, quantitative genetics, epigenetics, and gene expression analyses * Use population genomic approaches to estimate population structure, history and introgression * Use quantitative genetic approaches to estimate responses to selection model alternative conservation genetic strategies such as assisted gene flow and selective breeding * Extract and sequence coral DNA and RNA * Plan, execute, interpret, document, and troubleshoot independent research * Collaborate effectively with computational and experimental team members * Mentor junior lab members * Contribute to manuscripts, grant proposals and reports, and communicate results to peers and the public through presentations, writing, and digital media * Engage in professional development and acquire new skills as needed * Conduct work in both laboratory and field settings Your Profile * PhD in marine biology, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular ecology, or a related field * Strong background in population genetic theory * Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python) and in R * Willingness and ability to work in both lab and field environments * Very good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1) Preferred Qualifications and Skills * Experience with system administration * Experience making code and data openly available via repositories/databases (e.g., GitHub, NCBI) Further Information * Contact in day-to-day work: collaboration mainly with more than 5 people * Communication: almost equal share (internal/external) in the following ways 1. By telephone: occasionally (several times a month) 2. E-mail: frequently (daily or several times a week) 3. Video conferencing (e. g. Webex): frequently (daily or several times a week) 4. Personal contact in presence: frequently (daily or several times a week) * Movement around the workplace: regularly over longer distances (e.g. other buildings) * Business trips: occasional (several times a year) * Expeditions: occur Please note that the general conditions listed serve as a guide and may vary depending on the specific area of application. For further information on the specific position, please reach out to Prof Dr Iliana Baums (iliana.baums@hifmb.de; +49 (471)4831-2536). If you have any general questions about the application process, our Recruiting team will be glad to support you - please contact Sarah Palme (bewerbungsmanagement@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1853) In this overview you will find further contact persons for various matters. This is a full-time position, limited to January 31st, 2029. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des �ffentlichen Dienstes, TV�D Bund), up to salary level 13. The place of employment will be Oldenburg. All postdocs will register with AWI's postdoc office PROCEED and thus gain access to a set of tailor-made career development tools. The AWI is characterized by * Our scientific success - excellent research * Collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary * Opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions * An international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world * Flexible working hours * Health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub * Support services and a culture of reconciling work and family * Occupational pension provision (VBL) AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present. AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways. As a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application online only by February 22nd, 2026. We kindly ask you to apply in English. No photo is required - we value your qualifications and experience. Please include the following application materials: * Two-page cover letter addressing: (a) motivation to join the Marine Conservation group, (b) past research, (c) future research plans, and (d) qualifications for the position * CV (include a brief description of your role in each peer-reviewed publication) * Three reference letters * Academic transcripts * Degree certificates Reference number: 26/10/G/HIFMB-b While remote work is possible to the extent permitted, the primary residence of the postdoc will have to be in Germany. International applicants welcome. Iliana Baums, Phd Professor and group leader, Marine Conservation Vice Director, HIFMB Helmholtz-Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg [HIFMB], Im Technologiepark 5, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz-Centre for Polar and Marine Research [AWI], Bremerhaven, 27570, Germany Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universit�t Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany Iliana.baums@hifmb.de Fon: +49 471 4831-2543 Web: Thebaumslab.org X: @iliana.baums "Baums, Iliana B" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** FWO-funded postdoctoral position in evolutionary genomics of sex chromosomes and sex-specific recombination in anurans A postdoctoral position is available in the Ma Lab: Evolutionary Genomics of Sex(https://www.wmalab.com) in Research Group of Ecology, Evolution and Genetics in Biology Department at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Brussels, Belgium. Our lab aims to understand how sex chromosomes and sex-determination systems originate and evolve, why they are highly labile in some lineages but extremely stable in others, and how recombination shapes these dynamics across the Tree of Life. The successful candidate will work on research topic on evolution of sex chromosomes and extreme heterochiasmy across anuran lineages, with emphasis on: - assembling and analysing large, repeat-rich frog genomes - performing comparative genomics across lineages with different sex- determining systems(XY, ZW, homomorphic vs. differentiated sex chromosomes) - investigating the drivers of sex chromosome turnover, transposable elements and repeat landscapes - analysing the evolution of sex-specific recombination rates and landscapes The project will involve field sampling and basic molecular lab work, and will combine long-read genome assembly, comparative and population genomics, and the analysis of recombination patterns and structural variation. Depending on the candidate's interests and expertise, there will also be opportunities to integrate cytogenetics and/or evo-devo approaches. What we expect from you: PhD in evolutionary biology, genomics, bioinformatics or a closely related field. Solid expertise in evolutionary/population genomics and molecular evolution, with a clear interest in sex chromosomes/sex determination, recombination(heterochiasmy), transposable element evolution, or genome evolution in non-model species. Proven experience analysing high-throughput sequencing data, ideally including genome assembly and/or comparative genomics (large or repeat-rich genomes are a plus). Strong programming and data-analysis skills(e.g. Python and/or R, Unix) and familiarity with reproducible workflows. Highly motivated to work on frog genomes to understand sex chromosome turnover and recombination landscapes, and to link genomic patterns to evolutionary mechanisms. Valid EU (or equivalent) driving licence, prior fieldwork experience is preferred Willingness to contribute to ongoing projects, co-supervise MSc/BSc students and (optionally) take on a small amount of teaching. Compliance with the mobility rule: you have not lived or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the start of the fellowship. Please submit the application via VUB link by 10/03/2026: https://jobs.vub.be/job/Elsene-Postdoctoral-researcher-in-evolutionary-genomics/1285868901/ CV(including publication list) Cover letter(key qualifications, why you are interested, your research directions/career goals) Copy of PhD diploma Contact details for three referees(who will be contacted after shortlisting The position is initial for 12 months (renewable up to 3 years upon positive evaluation), with planned starting date 01/06/2026 (with some flexibility). Questions about the position and in general? Contact Prof. Wen-Juan Maat wen-juan.ma@vub.be Wen-Juan Ma (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Course: Introduction to Viral Bioinformatics Where: Glasgow, UK When: Monday 15th June - Friday 19th June 2026 Webpage: https://bioinformatics.cvr.ac.uk/training/introduction-to-viral-bioinformatics-training-course-2026/ Applications are now open for our annual training course in Viral Bioinformatics. The Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) has been organising an annual training course on Viral Bioinformatics since 2015 and applications are currently open for the 2026 course which will run from Monday 15th June (9am start) to Friday 19th June (12.30 finish). The course offers a comprehensive introduction to Viral Bioinformatics and comprises a 4.5 day program including lectures and practical exercises tailored towards viral high throughput sequencing data sets. The course is taught by members of the CVR bioinformatics team who have a wealth of experience on a broad range of virological research questions. Topics covered in the course include: * Linux command line: introduction to working with the command line, navigating the file system and manipulating files * NGS reads and QC: introduction to next generation sequencing, FASTQ reads, read trimming and quality control (trim_galore, FASTQC) * Reference assembly: aligning reads to a known reference, SAM/BAM file manipulation and visualisation (bwa, samtools, tablet) * Consensus calling: consensus sequence generation and variant calling (samtools, ivar, lofreq) * Phylogenetic analysis: introduction to multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic reconstruction and visualisation (mafft, clustal, raxml, figtree) * Metagenomics: de-novo assembly and quality assessment, viral contig taxonomic classification and visualisation, and rapid k-mer based metagenomics (spades, idba, quast, diamond, krona, kraken) * Genomics: a dedicated session with the CVR genomics team who do a huge range of viral (and host) high-throughput sequencing on different platforms * Nanopore: introduction to reference alignment and consensus calling for Oxford Nanopore (MinION) data (minimap, samtools, medaka) * nf-core/viralrecon: introduction to using the nextflow nf-core viral bioinformatics pipeline to run common viral bioinformatics analyses * Bash scripting: writing simple bash scripts to automate common bioinformatic procedures For more details including information on how to apply see the webpage: https://bioinformatics.cvr.ac.uk/training/introduction-to-viral-bioinformatics-training-course-2026/ Richard Orton (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear colleagues, Transmitting Science is offering the course "Introduction to Bayesian Inference in Practice" (10th edition). Instructors: Dr. Daniele Silvestro (ETH Z�rich, Switzerland) and Dr. Tobias Andermann (University of Uppsala, Sweden) Course webpage: https://www.transmittingscience.com/courses/statistics-and-bioinformatics/introduction-bayesian-inference-practice/ Bayesian methods have become standard practice in the fields of phylogenetic inference, evolutionary (paleo)biology and genomics. On this course, we will outline the relevant concepts and basic theory of Bayesian methods and learn how to perform Bayesian inference in practice. We will demonstrate how to implement the most common algorithms to estimate parameters based on posterior probabilities, such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo samplers, and how to build hierarchical models. We will also touch upon hypothesis testing using Bayes factors and Bayesian variable selection. After completion of the course, the participants will have gained a better understanding of how the main Bayesian methods implemented in many programs used in biological research work. Participants will also learn how to model at least basic problems using Bayesian statistics and how to implement the necessary algorithms to solve them. The aim is that, by the end of the course, each participant will have written their own MCMC - from scratch! For any questions, please contact us at courses@transmittingscience.com 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******************** The 2026 Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE) Conference will be held in Copenhagen between 28th June and 2ndJuly If you are considering attending, please note that the deadline for abstract submission and award application is 3 February 2026. Abstracts may be submitted for oral presentations, flash talks, or posters, and presenting authors are also encouraged to apply for relevant awards Full guidelines and submission details are available at: https://smbe2026.org/abstracts/ On behalf of the organising committee Tom Gilbert Tom Gilbert (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)