********************GradStudentPositions******************** We invite applications for a PhD position within the project "Genetic load and adaptive potential of European bison", funded by the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) OPUS grant. ABOUT THE PROJECT: Demographic history can impose long-lasting genetic threats on populations, persisting even after apparent demographic recovery. Assessing these legacy effects requires detailed genomic analyses. In this project, we will investigate the dynamics of genomic erosion in the European bison, a species that survived both the late Pleistocene megafaunal extinction and extinction in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century. To quantify the impact of these events on genomic health, we will develop analytical pipelines to estimate genetic load and compare it between historical and contemporary samples. We will further annotate and analyze genes involved in pathogen response, exploring patterns of genetic variation and genetic load within these functionally important regions. Finally, we will move beyond classical genetic markers to characterize structural variation in contemporary populations. To achieve these objectives, we are assembling an interdisciplinary team that will apply state-of-the-art genomic and bioinformatic approaches. ABOUT THE POSITION: The position is funded for 48 months. The successful candidate will work in the ancient DNA (aDNA) laboratory, extracting DNA and sequencing genomes from available specimens. The resulting data will be used to quantify the dynamics of genomic erosion over time, using bioinformatic tools developed by other members of the team. The research will involve both wet-lab work and statistical and population genomic analyses of ancient and contemporary samples, and may also include museum-based work to collect additional material. The PhD student will be supervised by Mateusz Konczal (evolutionary genomics) and co-supervised by Maciej Chyleñski and Anna Juras (archaeogeneticists) from ancient DNA laboratory. The student will gain extensive experience in handling and interpreting historical and ancient samples, as well as in large-scale genomic analyses. HOST INSTITUTION, LOCATION AND PARTNERS: The PhD student will be based at the Evolutionary Biology Group, Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU) in Poznañ, Poland one of the leading research groups in Ecology and Evolution in Europe ( https://evobio.web.amu.edu.pl/) and will work in close collaboration with ancient DNA Laboratory AMU and Mammal Research Institute in Bia³owie¿a. Poznañ is a vibrant, safe and green city offering good balance between nature and culture. Several lakes located within the city along with green areas offer excellent access to outdoor activities such as swimming, sailing or cycling. The city offers modern museums, theaters, cinemas and restaurants, as well as fast connections to Warsaw and Berlin. REQUIREMENTS: The successful candidate must hold (or expect to obtain by June 2026) a M.Sc. degree in relevant field. We seek applicants with: - A strong interest in Evolutionary and Conservation Genomics. - Experience in molecular laboratory, preferentially with interest in aDNA techniques - Strong English language, communication and organizational skills. Previous experience in conservation genomics, museomics and/or aDNA analyses is an advantage, but not required. APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply please send: - a cover letter explaining your background, skills and motivation for this position, - a CV, - contact details of at least one academic reference willing to provide a recommendation. Applications and informal inquiries should be sent to Mateusz Konczal ( mateusz.konczal@amu.edu.pl). DEADLINE AND SELECTION PROCESS: Review of applications is ongoing. To ensure full consideration, please apply as early as possibly (but not later than 30th April 2026). The selected candidate will receive assistance with the formal application to the PhD school at AMU, with entrance exams scheduled for early July 2026. The PhD position starts on the 1st October 2026. We look forward to receiving your application! Mateusz Konczal Institute of Environmental Biology Adam Mickiewicz University Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6 61-614 Poznañ tel. +48 61 829 5845 http://evobio.home.amu.edu.pl/?team=dr-mateusz-konczal Mateusz Konczal (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Post-doctoral Researcher Position 2026 The impact of global change on parental care systems and population resilience Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest (UVMB), Budapest, Hungary Rapid global change, including human disturbance and climate warming, poses mounting risks to wild animal populations. Successful parental care strategies may buffer against the negative consequences of global change. However, both human disturbance and climate warming may disrupt parental behaviour, accentuate the costs of care and sexual conflict, interfere in parental cooperation and ultimately cause lethal and non-lethal damage to offspring. Yet we currently lack information on how global change may influence sex roles in care and parental cooperation, the physiological impacts on parents and offspring, and its consequences for the viability of populations. Our project will examine how climate change and human disturbance shape parental strategies and its consequences for population productivity by utilising (1) large scale studies across multiple species exhibiting diverse patterns of parental care in varied climatic regions, (2) field experiments of climate and disturbance in natural populations, and (3) detailed studies within populations to determine how climate change and human disturbance may interact to shape parental care strategies and the consequences for population resilience and productivity. We will achieve this by combining fieldwork, behavioural research, experimentation, population monitoring, movement tracking and molecular lab research across multiple populations of a diverse avian group (shorebirds). Shorebirds are an ideal group to investigate the impact of global change on parental care as they provide a wide variety of parental care systems, are globally distributed, reproduce in varying climatic environments and are facing threats globally due to climate variability and human encroachment. We seek to recruit a post-doctoral researcher to contribute to this project. >Who are we Our international team led by Dr Grant C. McDonald (UVMB, Hungary) in collaboration with Dr Mike Weston (Deakin University, Australia), Prof. Andrew McKechnie (University of Pretoria, South Africa), Prof. Tamás Székely (University of Bath, UK) and Dr András Kosztolányi (UVMB, Hungary) comprises diverse experience in reproductive strategies research, investigating the detailed evolutionary and social underpinnings of parental care strategies, the impacts of climate on behaviour and physiology, and the impact of human disturbance on avian populations both on local population and global scale. >Main responsibilities of the post-doctoral researcher - Organising and conducting avian fieldwork at selected study locations (e.g. Africa, Asia and Europe) in association with collaborators for several months per year - Conduct experiments and behavioural observations in the field - Blood sample collection and close cooperation with molecular laboratory collaborators - Coordinate data collection by collaborating international research teams - Conduct statistical analyses of datasets to address within- and between-population questions - Writing manuscripts targeted towards top-ranked journals in the field - Support the supervision of students and research assistants - Work in partnership with locally based conservation NGOs and participating institutions - Communicate results at international conferences, to stakeholders and to the broader public - Support additional scientific activities that are important for the success of the project >What we are seeking - PhD in life sciences (evolutionary biology, zoology or comparable field) - Foundational knowledge in behavioural ecology, animal behaviour or evolutionary ecology - Hands-on experience conducting international fieldwork with wild populations, preferably in birds - Firm skills in data management and statistical analysis using R - Track record of converting scientific research into peer review publications - Excellent written and oral communication skills in English - Ability to work independently and collaborate as part of international team - Openness to live in different cultures during extensive fieldwork periods - Strong project management and leadership skills - Valid driving licence >What we offer - A 2.5 year position (with the possibility of extension) based at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest - Fieldwork in multiple locations across the globe (incl. Cabo Verde, and sites in Europe and Asia) - Extensive opportunities for networking and mentoring with international research teams - Competitive local salary (including paid holiday, fieldwork per diem) - English speaking research team - Opportunity to contribute to conservation and collaborations with NGOs at the different field sites - Opportunities to present research at national and international meetings - Support to develop follow-up projects and independent research fellowship applications >How to apply Interested candidates should contact Grant C. McDonald ( grant.mcdonald@univet.hu). The application should include a max two pages cover letter, a CV with list of publications, and the name and contact details of at least two referees from research, academia or conservation. >Deadline: Application deadline is 28 February 2026. Interviews will be held in March 2026. >Start Date: Start dates are negotiable but could be as early as April 2026. >Selected publications Engel, N., G. C. McDonald, B. K. Sandercock, R. Rice, R. Moreno, S. Ratao, and T. Székely. 2023. Long-term decline in nest survival of a ground-nesting shorebird on a tropical island. Glob. Ecol. Conserv. 45:e02522. Halimubieke, N., K. Kupán, J. O. Valdebenito, V. Kubelka, M. C. Carmona-Isunza, D. Burgas, D. Catlin, J. J. H. St Clair, J. Cohen, J. Figuerola, M. Yasué, M. Johnson, M. Mencarelli, M. Cruz-Lopez, M. Stantial, M. A. Weston, P. Lloyd, P. Que, T. Montalvo, U. Bansal, G. C. McDonald, Y. Liu, A. Kosztolányi, and T. Székely. 2020. Successful breeding predicts divorce in plovers. Sci. Rep. 10:15576. McDonald, G. C., Z. Barta, B. A. Caspers, T. Székely, and A. Kosztolányi. 2024. Sex roles in parental care in a species with precocial offspring and frequent brood desertion. Anim. Behav. 215:211-225. McDonald, G. C., I. C. Cuthill, T. Székely, and A. Kosztolányi. 2023. Remating opportunities and low costs underlie maternal desertion. Evolution 77:97-109. McDonald, G. C., N. Engel, S. S. Ratao, T. Székely, and A. Kosztolányi. 2020. The impact of social structure on breeding strategies in an island bird. Sci. Rep. 10:13872. McDonald, G. C., K. Tasman, N. Engel, T. Székely, and A. Kosztolányi. 2025. Inconsistent fear: repeatability in flight initiation distance and neophobic behaviour differs in a ground-nesting bird. Anim. Behav. 225:123224. Roast, M. J., G. C. McDonald, T. Székely, A. Kosztolányi, and I. Maggini. 2025. No detectable deployment impacts of solar-powered GPS devices for long-term use on a small shorebird. J. Avian Biol. 2025:e03508. Székely, T., M. C. Carmona-Isunza, N. Engel, N. Halimubieke, W. Jones, V. Kubelka, R. Rice, C. E. Tanner, Z. Toth, J. O. Valdebenito, K. Wanders, and G. C. McDonald. 2024. The causes and implications of sex role diversity in shorebird breeding systems. Ibis 166:357-385. Dr Grant C. McDonald Associate Professor Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Rottenbiller u. 50., H-1077 Budapest, Hungary Email: grant.mcdonald@univet.hu ORCID iD - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2864-9608 Website: https://grantcmcdonald.weebly.com Profile: https://univet.hu/en/about/staff/mcdonald-grant Grant McDonald (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** **ESEB Outreach Initiative Fund** The European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB) welcomes applications to the ESEB Outreach Initiative Fund for projects that promote evolution-related activities. The goal of this initiative is to improve public knowledge about evolution globally. Applications for funding will be accepted for educational initiatives that promote evolution, public outreach seminars, public exhibitions,workshops,etc. There will be a single call per year with a total budget of 12,000 Euro. A single project can be funded with up to 4,000 Euro, but smaller projects are welcome. We are requesting a report after one year, at which time the project should be completed. Descriptions of previously funded projects are available at https://eseb.org/prizes-funding/outreach-fund/ Please use the ESEB application form to submit your proposal and note the word limits given herein. The form can be downloaded at the ESEB website:https://eseb.org/prizes-funding/outreach-fund/ We request that at least one of the applicants be an ESEB member, and submissions are limited to one per member per call. You can become a member by registering here: https://eseb.org/society/eseb-membership/ Proposals will be accepted until *15th March 2026***and should be submitted by email to the ESEB office (Email: office@eseb.org; Subject: Outreach 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! Please note that scientific meetings are not supported by ESEB Outreach Initiative funds. These fund also do not work as a mechanism for continual funding. Once the potential of a project has been demonstrated, this should be used as a basis to convince other funding sources on continuation funds. Hence, submissions by a group that has been successful in past calls may be penalised if the proposals are mere follow-ups of previous projects. The applications will be evaluated by the Outreach Initiative Committee: Florence Debarre, Chair (FR) Trine Bilde (DK) Hannah Dugdale (NL) Andy Gardner (UK) Efe Sezgin (TR) European Society for Evolutionary Biology Email: office@eseb.org Website: eseb.org ESEB Office (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Position: Cnidarian genomics and immunity, UNC Charlotte We are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to conduct research for a NSF-funded project that aims to link genomic structural diversity to function of the immune system in cnidarians. The postdoc will focus on high-throughput genomic and transcriptomic sequencing across multiple populations of a coastal sea anemone (Nematostella vectensis) and lab assays to measure immune responses at the molecular and organismal levels. This research is part of a larger focus of the Reitzel lab to characterize local adaptation in marine invertebrates and the roles for the microbiome in mediating ecologically-relevant responses. Qualifications - PhD in the fields of Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field(s). - Demonstrated expertise in large sequence data analysis - Strong computational and statistical skills for handling high-throughput datasets. - Excellent communication skills evidenced by peer reviewed publications and conference presentations - Strong collaborations skills The person will be based in the laboratory of Dr. Adam Reitzel (see https://pages.charlotte.edu/adam-reitzel/) and the CIPHER Center (see https://cipher.charlotte.edu) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Funding is available for at least two years, beginning as soon as possible. Please send inquiries to Adam Reitzel at areitze2@charlotte.edu. Submit applications to: https://jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/66089. Applications should include a cover letter describing your research interests, a CV, and names of three references. Adam Reitzel Adam Reitzel (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Population Biology Postdoctoral Research Fellowship School of Biological Sciences University of Nebraska-Lincoln The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) School of Biological Sciences is seeking applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in the Population Biology Program of Excellence. The goal of the Population Biology-POE Postdoctoral Fellowship is to stimulate synergistic interactions between faculty and postdoctoral scholars broadly interested in the area of Population Biology. POE postdoctoral fellows pursue a research program under the sponsorship of an Ecology, Evolution & Behavior (EEB) section in the School of Biological Sciences (https://biosci.unl.edu/research-areas) faculty member and are expected to enhance graduate education, serve as a model for graduate students in career development, and promote interactions among faculty at UNL. While in residence, the postdoctoral fellow is expected to lead a seminar, symposium or outreach project that will appeal to Population Biologists across campus. EEB faculty at UNL are highly integrative and collaborative, using a wide array of approaches and study systems to study a diverse set of biological questions, from the molecular determinants of adaptation and speciation to multimodal animal communication to the community ecology of extinct mammals to the ecology and evolution of infectious disease. The expected salary will be $49,000 per year, with an anticipated starting date of September 1, 2026 or later. Lincoln, Nebraska, is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in America, with a low cost of living, over 130 miles of bike trails throughout the city, and a vibrant restaurant and music scene. Minimum Required Qualifications We are seeking applicants who have recently completed, or will complete before the start date, their Ph.D. and who conduct cutting edge research related to faculty research areas in the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) section of the School of Biological Sciences (https://biosci.unl.edu/research-areas). Application Process Review of applications will begin March 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit application materials to https://employment.unl.edu/, requisition F_260006. Required documents include a curriculum vitae, a 1-page description of previous or current research, and a 2-3 page description of proposed research. Combine these statements into a single document for upload. In addition, arrange for two (2) recommendation letters from non-UNL faculty and one (1) recommendation letter from the UNL faculty sponsor - a total of three (3) letters - to be emailed to Dr. Colin Meiklejohn at cmeiklejohn2@unl.edu by the review date. The subject line should read "Population Biology Post-doc application reference." The research proposal should be developed in collaboration with the proposed faculty sponsor. Priority will be given to applicants who are new to UNL. Research descriptions for past and current POE postdoctoral fellows can be viewed at https://biosci.unl.edu/research/population-biology-poe-postdoctoral-fellowships/. As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.cms.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination. Colin Meiklejohn <56362071@nebraska.edu> (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Position in Evolutionary Genomics, The University of Kansas The Mack lab (ww.katyamack.com) seeks a postdoctoral researcher to work on an NIH-funded project on gene expression evolution in mice. The Mack lab, within the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas, is an evolutionary genomics lab focused on questions related to population genetics, adaptation, and speciation. We work in diverse systems, but focus on mice as a model for understanding mammalian evolution. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to work in the lab aimed at understanding the genomic basis of complex traits using a combination of wet-lab and bioinformatic approaches (e.g., transcriptomics, population genomics, phenotyping, and genome-editing). The aims of the position will be tailored to the expertise of the successful applicant to complement the lab's broad interest in the genomics of adaptation, gene expression evolution, and the role of gene-by-environment interactions in phenotypic evolution. This position offers a unique opportunity to utilize diverse phenotypic and genomic datasets to understand the role of gene expression evolution in shaping phenotypic evolution within and between species in a premier mammalian model system. Required qualifications are a PhD in evolutionary biology, genetics, molecular biology, or closely related fields. Candidates must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as an established record of productivity (e.g., at least one previous peer-reviewed publication). Candidates with a past record of publications in population genetics, molecular ecology, or genome biology are strongly preferred. Ideal candidates will have experience in generating and/or analyzing genomic data, performing comparative or population genomic analyses, and molecular wet lab experience. Contact: Interested individuals should first contact Katya Mack at katya.mack@ku.edu. Please include the following: (1) a cover letter addressing your interest in the position and how your expertise meets the position requirements, (2) a CV, (3) contact information for 3 references, (4) 1 representative publication. Candidate materials will be reviewed until the position is filled. Katya Mack (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Research Fellow in computational phylogenomics in University College London Ref: B02-10021 Hours: Full Time Salary: Grade 7 per annum including London Allowance Closing Date: 9 February 2026 Dear Colleagues, Application deadline: 9 February 2026 A postdoctoral Research Fellow position in available in the team of Professor Ziheng Yang FRS and Dr Asif Tamuri in UCL to work in the areas of computational phylogenomics and molecular evolution. The successful candidate will become a member of a multidisciplinary research team at the interface of evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, computer science, and computational statistics. We are particularly interested in two types of candidates: method developers and/or data analysts. Method developers will implement high-performance computing algorithms to accelerate phylogenetic likelihood calculations in the PAML package and develop new models and methods for genome-scale phylogenetic analysis. Candidates should be proficient in C/C++ and scientific computing, with an interest in applying computational and statistical approaches to evolutionary genetics and genomics; experience in statistical inference or phylogenetics is an advantage. Data analysts candidates will be bioinformaticians or evolutionary biologists with strong computational skills, experience with modern phylogenetic software, and an interest in analyzing genomic-scale phylogenetic data. The post is funded by the BBSRC with a funding end date of 14 June 2027. Starting date will be on 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible afterwards. Salary will be commensurate with experience on UCL grade 7 (�45,103 to �52,586 pa including London allowance). If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator (fls.hr@ucl.ac.uk) stating the advert reference number in the subject line. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Professor Ziheng Yang FRS (z.yang@ucl.ac.uk) or Dr Asif Tamuri (a.tamuri@ucl.ac.uk). Further particulars including a job description and person specification can be accessed at the link below. Please ensure you read these carefully before applying for the post. To apply, please follow the link https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs/details?jobId=41139&jobTitle=Research+Fellow+in+computational+phylogenomics Ziheng Yang "Yang, Ziheng" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Hello EVOLDIR members Instats is offering a new 1-day seminar Exploratory Analysis of Complex Datasets with ChatGPT 2.0 livestreaming February 12, led by Nikolay Oskolkov (Group Leader (PI) at LIOS). This seminar explores advanced techniques for exploratory data analysis, including dimensionality reduction, clustering, and the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT. Researchers in evolutionary biology and genetics can apply these methods to uncover hidden patterns in high-dimensional genomic datasets, such as identifying population structures or classifying genetic variants. Leveraging ChatGPT can further aid in interpreting complex evolutionary models and generating novel hypotheses from large-scale genetic data. Sign up today (https://instats.org/seminar/exploratory-analysis-of-complex-datasets-2) to secure your spot, and please share this opportunity with colleagues and students who might benefit! Best wishes Michael Zyphur Professor and Director Instats | instats.org mzyphur@instats.org (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear all, We are continuing our online series on the evolution and mechanisms of atypical reproductive modes and other types of non-mendelian inheritance systems. This series features talk between once and twice per month, on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. (CET time, UTC+1), via Zoom. More information (description, calendar, how to sign-up) here :https://tinyurl.com/EvoRepro You can sign-up to our mailing list here : https://sympa.unil.ch/sympa/sigrequest/evo_repro_mailing_list Best wishes, Caroline S. Blanc, Morgane Massy, Luca Soldini Schwander Group Department of Ecology and Evolution University of Lausanne Luca Soldini (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) luca.soldini@unil.ch (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Richard Michod (University of Arizona, USA) (Virtual)Reorganization of fitness during evolutionary transitions in individuality *PhilInBioMed Seminar, organized by Thomas Pradeu* *January 28th, 2026, 5pm French time (UTC+1)* Richard Michod is Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, at the University of Arizona, USA. He is a world-leading expert on evolutionary biology, evolutionary transitions, and multicellularity. His favorite experimental model is the volvocine green algae. Rick is an excellent biologist with deep conceptual and philosophical thinking, as illustrated by his book Darwinian Dynamics: evolutionary transitions in fitness and individuality and by his many papers published in major journals in biology and philosophy of biology. *Zoom link:* https://u-bordeaux-fr.zoom.us/j/81626413626?pwd=rakvxrTrTmCjPZVuQYl4xgbVp4YSeg.1 *Detailed information:* https://philinbiomed.cnrs.fr/event/richard-michod-reorganization-fitness/ *Abstract* The central question of this talk is: *How do groups of individuals become new kinds of individuals?* I approach evolutionary transitions in individuality (ETIs) as dynamic multilevel selection (MLS) processes in which cooperation, conflict, and conflict mediation reorganize fitness from lower to higher levels. Using mathematical models and the volvocine green algae as a model system, I show how cooperation arises from ancestral survival–reproduction trade‑offs, and that cooperation inevitably generates conflict through mutations that increase cell-level replication at the expense of the group. The key evolutionary and developmental innovations are *conflict modifiers*—germ‑line sequestration, policing, programmed cell death, mutation‑rate reduction, and determinate size control. These modifiers do more than stabilize cooperation: they *alter the structure of selection*, suppressing within‑group selection while amplifying between‑group covariance in fitness, thereby permitting complex adaptations to emerge at the new level. Two‑locus modifier models and Price‑equation partitions reveal how conflict mediators reduce within‑group change and increase group‑level heritable variance in fitness. When between‑group covariance dominates, selection favors alleles that enhance group-level heritability, enabling *fitness transfer* and *fitness decoupling* between cells and the collective. At this point, the stabilized group becomes a *new focus level of complex adaptation*, capable of coordinated development, group level reproduction, and life cycles integrated at the group level. ETIs thus build new evolutionary individuals, opening new adaptive possibilities not accessible at the lower level. Multicellular individuality emerges as the cumulative outcome of MLS dynamics, not as a predefined endpoint. *Positions and Education* - Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, 1987 – present. - Associate Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, 1982 – 1987. - Assistant Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, 1978-1982. - Ph.D., Genetics, Zoology, University of Georgia, 1978 - M.A., Mathematics, University of Georgia, 1978. - B.S., Zoology, Duke University, 1973 *Research Interests* The Michod Lab is studying the evolution of multicellularity and sex in the volvocine green algae as examples of evolutionary transitions in individuality. How groups of individuals become new kinds of individuals is the basic question that motivates us. Understanding evolutionary transitions in individuality is key to understanding one of the most familiar features of the living world, its hierarchical organization. We use methods from theoretical population biology, molecular biology, genomics, ecology, and philosophy. *Selected Publications* 1. Solari, C.A., J. O. Kessler, and R. E. Michod. 2006. A hydrodynamics approach to the evolution of multicellularity: Flagellar motility and cell differentiation in volvocalean green algae. *American Naturalist*. 167:537-554. (PDF ). Receipient of the President’s Award Paper of the Year in American Naturalist for 2006. 2. Solari, C. A., S. Ganguly, J. O. Kessler, R. E. Michod, and R. E. Goldstein. 2006. Multicellularity and the functional interdependence of motility and molecular transport. *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, USA. 103:1353-1358. (PDF ) 3. Michod, R.E. 2006. The group covariance effect and fitness trade-offs during evolutionary transitions. *PNAS*, USA. 103:9113-9117.(PDF ) 4. Nedelcu A.M., Michod R.E. 2006. The evolutionary origin of an altruistic gene in *Volvox carteri*. *Molecular Biology and Evolution*. 8:1460-1464. (PDF ) 5. Michod R.E., Herron M.D. 2006. Cooperation and conflict during evolutionary transitions in individuality. *Journal of Evolutionary Biology*.19:1406-1409. (PDF ) 6. Michod, R.E. 2007. Evolution of individuality during the transition from unicellular to multicellular life. *PNAS*, USA. 104: 8613-8618. (PDF ) 7. Michod, R.E. 2007. Evolution of individuality during the transition from unicellular to multicellular life. In: I*n the light of evolution: Volume 1. Adaptation and complex design*, edited by J. C. Avise and F. J. Ayala, Washington, D.C.:The National Academies Press, p. 129-144. 8. Michod, R.E. H. Bernstein, and A. M. Nedelcu. 2008. Adaptive value of sex in microbial pathogens. *Infection, Genetics and Evolution* 8:267–285. (PDF ) 9. Herron, M.D. and R. E. Michod. 2008. Evolution of complexity in the volvocine algae: transitions in individuality through Darwin’s eye. *Evolution*. 62-2: 436–451. (PDF ) 10. Soari, C. A., Michod, R. E. and R. E. Goldstein. 2008. *Volvox barberi*, the fastest swimmer of the volvocales (chlorophyceae). *J. Phycol*. 44, 1395–1398. (PDF ) 11. Michod R.E. 2009. Social evolution and sex: Cooperation and conflict from molecules to societies. In *Aux origines du sexe*. Edited by A. Civard-Racinais and P. H. Gouyon. Paris:Fayard. In press. 12. Michod, R.E. 2009. Sex and multicellularity as evolutionary transitions in individuality. In: *Major Transitions in Evolution Revisited*, edited by K. Sterelny and B. Calcott, Altenberg, Austria:Konrad Lorenz Institute. 13. Shelton,D.E. and R.E. Michod. 2009. Philosophical foundations for the hierarchy of life (Book review of Evolution and the Levels of Selection by Samir Okasha). *Biology and Philosophy, *In press*.* 14. Herron, M.D., J.D. Hackett, F.O. Aylward and R.E. Michod. 2009. Triassic origin and early radiation of multicellular volvocine algae. *PNAS*, USA. Early Edition. (PDF ) 15. Michod, R.E. 2009. Sex and multicellularity as evolutionary transitions in individuality. In: Major Transitions in Evolution Revisited, edited by K. Sterelny and B. Calcott, Altenberg, Austria:Konrad Lorenz Institute. 16. Michod R.E. 2009. Socialite et sexe : Coopération et conflit : des molécules aux sociétés. In Aux origines du sexe. Edited by A. Civard-Racinais and P. H. Gouyon. Paris:Fayard. In press. 17. Shelton, D. E. and R. E. Michod. (In press). Philosophical foundations for the hierarchy of life (Book review of *Evolution and the Levels of Selection *by Samir Okasha). *Biology and Philosophy*. 18. Solari C.A., Ganguly S., Kessler J.O., Michod R.E., and Goldstein R.E. Phenotypic plasticity of flagellar motility in *Volvox* due to changes in nutrient concentration. (submitted). 19. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, submitted. Herron, M. D., A. G. Desnitskiy, and R. E. Michod. (submitted). Evolution of developmental programs in* Volvox* (Chlorophyta).*J. Phycol*. 20. Michod, R.E. 2010. Sociality and sex: Cooperation and conflict from molecules to societies. In. Michod, R.E. and M.D. Herron (eds). CoS Evolution lectures. 21. Michod, R.E. and M.D. Herron. 2010. (eds) CoS Evolution lectures. Sincerely, Thomas. -- Thomas Pradeu CNRS Research Director in Philosophy of Science Immunology Unit ImmunoConcEpT, UMR5164, CNRS & University of Bordeaux Presidential Fellow, Chapman University, CA, USA Team Leader Conceptual Biology and Medicine Team Coordinator of the Philosophy in Biology and Medicine Network (PhilInBioMed) & Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology Pantheon-Sorbonne University 13 rue du Four, 75006 Paris, France *Recent publications: * - Immunological surveillance against cancer across mammals (*Nat Commun*, 2025) - Advancing cancer research via comparative oncology (*Nature Reviews Cancer*, 2025) - Is “pre-sepsis” the new sepsis? A narrative review (*PLoS Pathog*, 2025) - Philosophy in Science: Can philosophers of science permeate through science and produce scientific knowledge? ( *BJPS*, 2024). - The conceptual foundations of innate immunity: Taking stock 30 years later (*Immunity*, 2024) Thomas Pradeu (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)