********************Other******************** Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to introduce *Molluscan Horizons*, a new journal dedicated to advancing research across all fields of malacology. *Molluscan Horizons* is a joint effort of Latin American malacological societies, led by the *Brazilian Society of Malacology* (SBMa). A central goal of the journal is to *support and amplify malacological research worldwide*, with particular attention to fostering visibility, participation, and scientific exchange involving researchers, collections, and study systems from the *Global South*. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse scholarly community that reflects the full geographic and biological richness of molluscan research. *CALL FOR PAPERS:* We cordially *invite submissions* of original research articles, reviews, and methods papers for upcoming issues of Molluscan Horizons. Researchers at all career stages are encouraged to submit, and we particularly welcome studies presenting new data or regional insights that have been historically underrepresented in the literature. Our editorial vision emphasizes: - rigorous peer review and high academic standards; - transparency and editorial integrity; - a growing international editorial team representing diverse expertise and regions; - a supportive environment for authors from all career levels, backgrounds and contexts. Further information about the journal's scope, aims, and editorial policies is available here: *https://molluscanhorizons.org/ * We would be grateful if you could share this announcement with colleagues, students, and networks who may be interested in contributing to and engaging with Molluscan Horizons. With kind regards, *Rodrigo Salvador & Marcel Miranda*, On behalf of the Molluscan Horizons Editorial Team. Rodrigo Salvador (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** The Strader lab in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University (straderlab.com) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a minimum of 2 years, but up to 4, depending on performance. This postdoctoral researcher will join an exciting lab group consisting of 5 PhD students and a dozen undergraduates studying molecular ecology and evolution of marine invertebrates. The Department of Biology at TAMU is a vibrant and supportive community with access to impressive research infrastructure. The postdoc's primary role will be advancing our work on mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity in the purple sea urchin model, particularly the role of microbes and feeding in shaping larval host traits. This work will include targeted drug screens, larval culturing, epigenomics, molecular techniques, basic microbiology, whole-mount in situ hybridization, HCR-FISH, and advanced imaging. Candidates should have advanced experience with at least some of these techniques, but a willingness to learn others. Specifics: The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for leading studies on a recently funded NIH R35 in the lab, entitled: "The role of the epigenome-microbiome axis in phenotypic plasticity". The project will involve experimental work with the purple sea urchin model system, including husbandry, larval culturing, and integrating multi-genomics datasets. The primary project is lab-based, although opportunities to travel to the US Pacific coast for field work may arise. Opportunities to contribute to other projects are welcome and encouraged if they fit within the scope of the project and utilize model systems already established in the lab. The selected applicant will be expected to contribute to mentoring students in the lab, including collaborating with graduate students and leading undergraduate research projects. Project specifics: While it is well established that phenotypes can be influenced by epigenetics and the microbiome, emerging evidence shows that microbes can directly influence the host epigenome and vice versa, contributing an additional axis of variation affecting phenotypes. While the individual impacts of the microbiome on the host phenotypes are thoroughly studied, there remains a critical gap in knowledge as to how microbes and host epigenetics influence each other, and more broadly, how this additional axis of variation can influence larger scale processes of adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. The purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, has large range spanning Baja, Mexico to Alaska, with limited population structure due to the long dispersal distances of their planktonic larvae, but evidence of local adaptation to pH. Further, they exhibit one of the best studied examples of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, morphological extension of the arms in response to low food availability. In addition to being a well poised model to study adaptive processes in the face of high gene flow and phenotypic plasticity, S. purpuratus has been used for decades as a model organism in developmental biology due to its unique evolutionary position as a deuterostome invertebrate, a highly characterized immune response that is homologous to vertebrates, well described genomic resources, and a transparent larval stage that enables easily trackable cell biology. Our goal for this five-year project is to use S. purpuratus to study the relative roles of microbes and the epigenome on molecular and morphological phenotypes and how they contribute to adaptive processes and phenotypic plasticity. Duration: The postdoc researcher position will be for 2 years, subject to annual performance review and merit-based salary increases. Salary is based on NIH guidelines. The position can be extended for up to 4 years, depending on progress. Start date is flexible between May-December 2026 and to be negotiated with the PI. Our university does not allow remote positions, and they will not be considered. Qualifications: The applicants must have a PhD in a biology-related field (cell, molecular, evolution, or closely related fields). Expertise in genomics analyses, molecular biology, and evolution is essential. Prior experience with marine invertebrate husbandry and larval culturing is preferred but can be learned. Ideal candidates will have experience with at least some of the following: microscopy, bioinformatics, developmental biology techniques, and molecular biology. Applications should be submitted via email in a single PDF containing the following: 1. A cover letter summarizing the applicant's suitability for the project and interests in the lab. 2. A statement of past research achievements and relevant skill sets 3. The applicant's CV 4. A copy of two key publications or submitted manuscripts/preprints 5. Contacts for 3 references, who will be contacted when a candidate makes the short list. Please use this link to apply: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/TAMU_External/job/College-Station-TX/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate_R-091783-1 Applications received by April 30 will receive first consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. Please direct questions or inquiries into more specifics on the project to Dr. Strader. Marie Strader, PhD (she/her) Assistant Professor Department of Biology Texas A&M University https://straderlab.com/ "Strader, Marie" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral position in Evolutionary Conservation Biology Introduction The University of Lausanne is a research and higher education institution composed of seven faculties where approximately 15,000 students and nearly 5,000 professors, researchers, and staff work and study. Ideally situated along the lake of Geneva, near Lausanne's city center, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities. unil.ch/work Presentation The group of Prof. Claus Wedekind is proposing a Postdoctoral (Premier Assistant) position in Evolutionary Conservation Biology at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The postdoc will join a team working on the selective forces that act on freshwater fish, i.e., the effects of human activities in interaction with natural and sexual selection. For more information, see https://www.unil.ch/dee/wedekind-group. Job information Expected start date in position: 1.7.2026 or to be agreed Contract length: 1 year, renewable depending on funding availability Activity rate: 60-100% Workplace: Lausanne-Dorigny Your responsibilities The research project will be defined together with the group leader, based on the postdoc's interests and competencies in Evolutionary Conservation Biology. Most of his/her time will be dedicated to research, but a contribution to teaching is expected, including the possibility of supervising master students. The job description stipulates: 70% Personal research 25% Participation in teaching activities and master student supervision 5% Maintenance of lab equipment or other institutional tasks. Your qualifications We are seeking to recruit someone with a PhD degree in biology, a strong interest in research, and skills in one or several of the following fields: population genetics, population management, life history, bioinformatics, and evolutionary ecology. Experience with fish would be an advantage. Applicants should have good team skills. Collaboration is important in our group. Interpersonal skills * Be open-minded, motivated, and able to motivate others * Interested in acquiring new skills and in teaching techniques and skills to others * Willing to discuss research ideas with others in the team * Collaborate with team members at the various stages of research projects * Have good communication skills * Respect deadlines and priorities What the position offers you We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse, and dynamic academic environment, with opportunities for professional training. Possibilities of continuous training, a lot of activities, and other opportunities to discover. The Department of Ecology and Evolution at Lausanne University hosts research groups working on a broad range of topics, producing a rich intellectual and social life. Although French is the common language in the Lausanne region, the department's research activities and seminars are conducted in English. The campus is located on the shore of Lake Geneva, with a view of the Alps. unil.ch/work Contact for further information For further information, please contact Prof. Wedekind: claus.wedekind@unil.ch Your application Deadline to apply: 15.5.2026 Formal applications should include: - a cover letter detailing your research interests, experience, and motivation for applying; - your CV; - a copy of your PhD certificate; if you have not yet finished your PhD indicate the scheduled or expected date (a contract as Postdoc/1er assistant cannot be issued before the completion of the thesis); - the names and contact details of two or three referees. To receive full consideration, application documents should be uploaded online through the University of Lausanne recruitment platform. https://tinyurl.com/cty7dumz Review of applications will begin immediately. Additional information UNIL is committed to: - equality, diversity, and inclusion within its community; - ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development; - offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance; - supporting early career researchers. unil.ch/equality unil.ch/families unil.ch/graduatecampus Claus Wedekind (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** The BioSyst.EU conference will be held in Uppsala, Sweden, August 17-19 this summer. A three-day conference celebrating European systematics and biodiversity research at its origin. The keynote speakers will be Paul Hebert, Sandra Knapp, and Fredrik Ronquist. Early bird registration ends May 31. For further information see: https://event.trippus.net/Home/Index/AEAKgIPwqKKWT7_SUqR0JHxpngiuR_Ar-WnoIpJEmrOJXRjejtinxGf-l9u33-Qlc_WMNyFX-EVK/AEAKgIPVez3SLTiEhaIHxCFryKd8RUd-yJ44Dr4G8YZOPaJ726e9xecN6DJ5vDWgmuyJqg185wPS/eng Martin Ryberg Systematic Biology Department of Organismal Biology Uppsala University N�r du har kontakt med oss p� Uppsala universitet med e-post s� inneb�r det att vi behandlar dina personuppgifter. F�r att l�sa mer om hur vi g�r det kan du l�sa h�r: http://www.uu.se/om-uu/dataskydd-personuppgifter/ E-mailing Uppsala University means that we will process your personal data. For more information on how this is performed, please read here: http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/data-protection-policy Martin Ryberg (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Announcement of Invertebrate Sound and Vibration/Biotremology 2026 This conference has a strong evolutionary biology emphasis. Here is a description with website link: The international conference of Biotremology and Invertebrate Sound and Vibration will convene at Cornell University in Ithaca NY, June 15-17, 2026, bringing together a vibrant community of researchers from around the globe to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of sound and vibrations.See https://events.ces.scl.cornell.edu/event/bioisv/summary The meeting offers an inspiring platform to showcase cutting-edge research on how animals produce, transmit, detect, and respond to sound traveling through solid substrata, air and water across a wide range of ecological and evolutionary contexts. By encouraging lively discussion and interdisciplinary exchange, the conference aims to energize research, spark fresh ideas and collaborations and highlight the remarkable role of sound and vibrations in shaping how organisms interact with their environments. We can't wait to welcome you to Ithaca! Kerry Shaw, Professor Cornell University "Kerry L. Shaw" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear all, The 2026 edition of the Midwest Population Genetics meeting will be held at the University of Chicago on Friday August 21st and Saturday August 22nd. The meeting will begin at noon on the 21st and conclude at ~5pm on the 22nd. Midwest Popgen is intended as a trainee focused meeting, and as such the presentation of work that is still in progress is strongly encouraged. Both registration and abstract submission are via google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSEXtqYWnNlX1uWR9jqkyqyzShoB47dbi7FgIUE9eRcoU7_g/viewform To be considered for an oral presentation, abstracts should be submitted by May 30th, and we aim to set the final presentation schedule by June 26th. Additional information can be found at the website for the meeting: https://jkreinz.github.io/mwpg2026/ Please forward this announcement to anyone who may be interested. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago! Midwest Popgen 2026 organizing committee - Jeremy J Berg Assistant Professor Department of Human Genetics University of Chicago Jeremy Berg (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)