********************Jobs******************** JOB DESCRIPTION: The Bordenstein Laboratory at Penn State University's Departments of Biology and Entomology and the One Health Microbiome Center seeks a full-time Research Technologist in the Life Sciences (Advanced Professional) field. This role involves advancing research on the molecular biology and evolutionary ecology of a widespread symbiosis between a lysogenic phage, Wolbachia bacteria (found in the reproductive tissues), and Drosophila melanogaster. The ideal candidate will design, implement, support, analyze, and report using gene-to-organismal approaches to dissect a male lethality trait. This position will focus on various techniques such as fly rearing, transgenic expression, genetic editing, fitness assays, reproductive tissue dissections, molecular biology, fluorescent and electron microscopy, and collaborative discovery. The position is funded for 12 months from the date of hire. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing the following: 1. A cover letter summarizing relevant experience and reasons for interest in the job. 2. A CV that includes contact information for at least three references (name, position, telephone number, and email address). 3. Full-length (all pages) and first-authored works of research spanning papers, reports, posters, and presentations. Application website: https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Research-Technologist---Life-Sciences-Advance-Professional---Bordenstein-Lab_REQ_0000074535-1 Lab website: https://bordensteinlab.com/ POSITION INFO: The successful candidate will have priority responsibilities in the following areas: - Experimental design, implementation, analysis, time management, and reporting - Preparation and adherence to new scientific protocols, specimen evaluation, and biostatistics - Coauthorship on scientific papers, grants, presentations, and summary reports - Contribution to research methods, solutions, and technical approaches for problem-solving - Data collection, data analysis, statistics, and visualizations - Management of trainees for molecular biology skills, biosafety measures, lab policies, equipment, proper record-keeping, organismal maintenance, and performance reviews -Conduct various experimental tasks, including insect handling, tissue dissections, biological marker staining, fluorescent microscopy, microinjections, and genotyping and quantifying insect and symbiont cells using PCR and qPCR -Daily manage and maintain laboratory insect colonies, handling hundreds to thousands of insects daily -Troubleshoot emergencies, answer day-to-day questions from lab members, and manage laboratory schedules -Assist lab management and participate in ongoing entomology, microbiology, and molecular biology experiments as assigned -Maintain a welcoming, safe, and professional environment that aligns with lab expectations. EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY: -Requires a Bachelor's degree or higher, plus three or more years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience -Essential skills include problem-solving, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and documentation -Successful candidates should be able to work effectively in a team, demonstrating genuine appreciation for working, leading, and managing diverse audiences. Pennsylvania State University, a premier Land-Grant university, is situated in the picturesque Appalachian mountains of central Pennsylvania. State College and its surrounding communities are home to approximately 100,000 people, including over 45,000 students. The area is renowned for its high quality of life, access to stunning natural landscapes, including majestic mountains, serene streams, and beautiful parks, and a wide range of recreational activities and sports. State College boasts an excellent school system and offers numerous cultural events. s.bordenstein@psu.edu (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The University of Calgary has launched an internal competition for the new Canadian Impact+ program of hiring for international scholars. These prestigious professorships will come with 500k or 1M CAD annual research budget. Please see this link for more details. https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/17170542-canada-impact-plus-research-chairs-university-of-calgary. The program is oriented towards several areas of focus, but these are fairly broadly written and could readily include an evolutionary biology research program. Calgary is a wonderful place to live, the winters are relatively warm (for Canada), and the natural beauty of the area is incredible (Banff is a little over 1h drive). Samuel Yeaman (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Researcher in Statistical Ecology and Evolution Project: Statistical modelling the Evolution of Sex-Specific Differences in Life History and Immunity Supervisors: Dr. Elina Numminen, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, and Dr. Piret Avila Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop statistical models and analyses to combine theoretical ecology predictions and empirical data on the evolution of sex-specific differences in immunity and life history traits. As we intend to conduct interviews also during the application period, we appreciate receiving your application as soon as possible. However, it is possible to apply until February 28, 2026 (at 23:59 UTC +2). The ideal starting date is from March 2026 onwards, and preferably by September 2026. The position involves developing and fitting models on natural selection shaping sex-specific immune strategies to the related empirical datasets of various kinds and from various sources. For this, novel statistical approaches for assessing hypotheses, comparing models and combining different types of data are developed. This position is part of the interdisciplinary consortium at the University of Helsinki, Sex Differences in Immunity, led by Dr. Avila, which brings together researchers across evolutionary biology, immunology, genomics, demography, and statistics to bridge evolutionary and mechanistic explanations of sex differences in immunity. WHAT WE OFFER - A fully-funded 3-year position at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Helsinki (Kumpula campus) - An opportunity to conduct research as part of a vibrant interdisciplinary consortium, using statistical models to bridge evolutionary theory with immunology, genomics, and demography - Collaboration across disciplines, with research visits to leading groups in the field - Funding for attending international conferences to build your scientific network - A starting salary of 3800-4000 euros/month depending on the appointees' qualifications and experience - Access to excellent resources and professional development opportunities - Occupational health care, flexible working hours, and an opportunity for 6 weeks of paid annual leave - Support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and live in Finland - Academic community that promotes diversity, international engagement and equality. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. YOUR PROFILE - PhD in statistics, mathematics, biology, evolutionary anthropology or a related field - Strong background in statistical and mathematical modelling and in the analysis of real-world datasets - Experience in interdisciplinarity and good collaboration skills - Ability to develop and pursue independent research questions - Fluent English skills APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Applications shall be submitted through the University of Helsinki´s recruitment system and include the following documents: - A CV, including a list of publications - An application letter describing your suitability for the position and motivation to apply for it (max. 2 pages) - Contact information of two person who are willing to provide a reference letter upon request The application deadline is February 28, 2026 (at 23:59 UTC +2). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - About the position: Dr. Elina Numminen, elina.numminen@helsinki.fi - Recruitment system: recruitment@helsinki.fi - Department of Mathematics and Statistics: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-science/faculty/mathematics-and-statistics - Kumpula Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/visit-us/campuses/kumpula-campus - Why University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki - 10 reasons to work in Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/why-helsinki - Why Finland: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki "Numminen, S Elina" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear all, This is a final reminder to register for the EMBO workshop "Molecular Mechanisms of Selfish Elements and Strategies," which will take place from Sunday 8 to Wednesday 11 February 2026 in Bern, Switzerland. Registration remains open until the end of the month. The workshop covers topics of broad interest to the evolutionary genetics community. More information and registration details are available on the workshop website: https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-selfish-elements Best wishes, Luca Soldini PhD Student - Schwander Group Selfish genetic elements and atypical reproductive modes Department of Ecology and Evolution University of Lausanne Luca Soldini (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)