********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD Position MHC in fish and human reproduction Group of Prof. J. Kurtz, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity at the University of Muenster, Germany Research Assistant (m/f/d) (salary grade E 13 TV-L, 65 %) This joint project together with Dr. Robert Peuß at the Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology will address the evolution and role of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC, or HLA in human) for fertilisation and infertility. We combine the strengths of two fish species, stickleback and cavefish, exploiting their natural MHC variability together with analyses of human genomic datasets to identify HLA variants associated with infertility. Your tasks involve the genetic analysis and manipulation of stickleback MHC, using CRISPR-Cas technology, to conduct experiments on the role of MHC for spermatogenesis, sperm function, and gamete interaction. You will further be involved in the analysis of human whole exome sequencing (WES) data of infertility cases and controls. The position is embedded in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 'Principles of Reproduction'. The CRC 1748 involves scientists of the University, University Hospital, and Max Planck Institute Muenster as well as of the RWTH Aachen. Our central objective is to elucidate the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms governing the formation and function of the testis, production and function of sperm, fertilisation, as well as early embryonic development - in both health and disease. To this end, we combine interdisciplinary research in molecular, structural, and cell biology as well as in physiology, biophysics, epi /genetics, (bio)informatics, and multimodal data analysis. The Kurtz group focuses on evolutionary ecology, including reproductive biology. Our expectations: - Applicants must have the equivalent of a master's degree in biology, preferentially with a focus on evolution, molecular biology, reproductive biology or a related field. - A background, and ideally some experience, in any of the following areas will be useful: molecular laboratory skills, functional genomics and/or practical fish work. - Applicants should have excellent communication skills and be able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. - The working language of the Institute and the lab is English, therefore good proficiency in spoken and written English is a requirement; a willingness to learn Germany is desirable. Advantages for you: - Working in the highly collaborative environment of the CRC 'Principles of Reproduction' with access to state-of-the-art technology and datasets. - Benefiting from collaboration with another PhD student carrying out related work in the cavefish and with our external collaborator, Prof. Tobias Lenz (University of Hamburg), who is an expert on both fish and human MHC. - A unique opportunity to combine basic research in evolutionary ecology with applied research on human reproduction. - Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect - values which are important to us. - Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility - also when working from home. - If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities. - As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs. - From A - Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance. - As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations. The University of Muenster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available. We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate. Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application via our career portal until Feb. 27, 2026 Here is the link: https://stellen.uni-muenster.de/jobposting/cb67e290fde74021cf11e5b7fa1fc1504a15ec080?ref=homepage Please include, in one pdf document: - Cover letter with a statement of research interest and motivation (max 1 page) - CV including details about research experience and publications - Transcript and scanned copies of your degree certificates - Names and contact details of at least two references Prof. Dr. Joachim Kurtz University of Muenster Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group Huefferstr. 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany Phone (secretary): + 49 251 83 21638 Phone (direct): + 49 251 83 24661 Fax: + 49 251 83 24668 Room: 109 joachim.kurtz@uni-muenster.de http://www.uni-muenster.de/Evolution/animalevolecol/kurtz.shtml recent publications: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.106597 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65027-0 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02334-4 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1012839 "Kurtz, Joachim" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a *PhD position in Functional Tree Genetics & Genome Editing* (75%, TV-L 13), starting 1 May 2026. The position is limited to 3.5 years. The application deadline is 2 March 2026. The project aims to establish CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing in poplar to causally dissect the role of epigenetic regulation in stress resilience and stress memory under climate change scenarios. By combining genome editing, epigenome profiling, and quantitative stress phenotyping, we seek to identify predictive molecular markers of tree resilience. The PhD candidate will: * Establish CRISPR/Cas genome editing in poplar * Generate and characterize mutants of epigenetic regulators * Perform stress priming-challenge-recovery assays (drought × heat × biotic cues) * Conduct molecular analyses (DNA methylation, chromatin marks, transcriptomics, hormone responses) * Contribute to publications, conferences, and cluster activities The position offers an interdisciplinary training environment bridging molecular plant physiology, forest genetics, and environmental signalling within the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, an internationally visible research center supported by the German Research Foundation. Applicants should hold an M.Sc. (or equivalent) in plant sciences, molecular biology, biotechnology, forest sciences, or a related field, with strong interest or experience in functional genetics or genome editing. Experience working with poplar is advantageous. Excellent English skills are required. The position includes structured doctoral training, dedicated project and career development funding, conference participation, and a collaborative, inclusive research environment. Applications (cover letter outlining motivation and qualifications, CV, transcripts, and two references) must be submitted via the University of Freiburg application portal by 2 March 2026: https://uni-freiburg.de/en/job/00004838/ For further information, please contact Jürgen Kleine-Vehn (juergen.kleine-vehn@biologie.uni-freiburg.de). katrin.heer@forgen.uni-freiburg.de (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** Field assistant volunteer interns needed Field study of the Eurasian common lizard- Zootoca vivipara Research interns are needed to assist in an ongoing study of reproductive modes of the Eurasian common lizard- Zootoca vivipara. Z. vivipara is a small insectivorous lizard with a broad palearctic distribution- with both oviparous and viviparous lineages extant in its European heartland. We study the ecology- behaviour and evolution of this fascinating species using a unique natural experiment site based in southern Austria. The project is organised by an international team of researchers based at the University of Glasgow (UK) and the University of Ljubljana (SI) led by Professor Kathryn Elmer at the School of Biodiversity- One Health and Veterinary Medicine in Glasgow. Internships will run between May and September 2025. We are looking for interns who can commit for an extended period- usually 2-3 months. In your application- note what dates you will be available. We are seeking interns with an interest in herpetology- ecology and/or evolution and who are very keen for gaining experience in the field. Duties will include assisting in all aspects of fieldwork at the site- including but not limited to collection of wild lizards by hand or lasso- recording and measurement, care and husbandry, assisting with experiments- driving to and from field sites and other locations, and contributing to communal camping and household tasks. Full training will be provided. There may also be opportunity for leading or contributing to your own project within the team. Fieldwork is physically demanding and will take place outdoors in a remote rural location- with fieldworkers based at a commercial campsite for the duration. Interns must be comfortable with living and working collaboratively with others in a small group and long-term camping; maintaining good relations with the team and local community is essential. All main expenses (food- camping/accommodation fees, and other) and travel costs up to intra-European value will be covered. Travel insurance will be provided including urgent medical care. We can welcome team members from anywhere in the world- but interns are responsible for securing their own Schengen visa in advance- if that is needed. Please contact us to discuss specifics. Interns should provide their own tent- bedding, and outdoor clothing and personal equipment suitable for an extended field season in all weathers. Essential skills & experience: - Some background knowledge of topics in herpetology- ecology and/or evolutionary biology - Physically able and willing to work outdoors in challenging conditions (including inclement weather and traversing steep or boggy terrain) - Meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills- including data entry and sample organisation - Good interpersonal and team working skills - Scientific literacy and numeracy and familiarity with experimental design - Fluency in English Additional desirable skills & experience: - Academic qualification in a relevant biological discipline (BSc or equivalent) - Experience of animal care and husbandry- particularly in reptiles - Knowledge of/fluency in German (Italian and Slovenian also an advantage) - Drivers licence with significant driving experience Applicants should send a cover letter (including aspects noted above) and CV along with the names and email addresses of two or more professional or academic references to: John.Smout@glasgow.ac.uk. Please mention on your application- if applicable, any prior experience working with lizards or other fieldwork experience. Informal inquiries in advance of application are welcome. Review of applications will begin 1 March 2026 and continue until a team is assembled; we plan on completing the decision by the end of March. John.Smout@glasgow.ac.uk (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Hello EVOLDIR members Last chance to join our 2-day seminar Multilevel Modeling in R livestreaming February 26??"27 with Scott Colwell (University of Guelph and Enablytics). This seminar provides a rigorous introduction to multilevel modeling in R, focusing on the conceptual foundations and practical estimation for clustered or nested data. Researchers in evolutionary biology and genetics can apply these advanced methods to analyze hierarchical structures, such as genetic variation within populations or phenotypic traits across species, ensuring robust inferences from complex datasets. Participants will master R workflows for model specification, diagnostics, and reproducible reporting, directly enhancing the methodological rigor of their empirical studies. Sign up today (https://instats.org/seminar/multilevel-modeling-in-r) 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) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Computational and experimental microbiomics Bath, UK 6-18 July 2026 We are pleased to announce the EMBO Practical Course: Computational and experimental microbiomics, to be held at the University of Bath, UK from 6-18 July 2026. Course website: https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-microbiomics Recent advances in computational approaches including metagenomics and multi-omits dataset integration are transforming understanding of microbiota composition and dynamics. At the same time, genetically tractable zebrafish have emerged as a powerful alternative to rodent models for sophisticated imaging-based characterisation of dynamic host-microbe relationships. This EMBO Practical Course is designed to give participants a comprehensive exposure to these cutting-edge approaches. You will learn how to sample, sequence, assemble and interpret metagenomes, quantify the host responses they elicit and study the evolution of their constituent taxa and host co-evolution - using a range of genomic, comparative genomic and phylogenetic methods. Concurrently, you will learn how to characterise the impacts of core members of the bacterial microbiome on metabolic signalling in zebrafish and determine the effects of modified bacterial communities on lipid metabolism using state of the art imaging approaches. This mix of computational and experimental skill training will be complemented by speakers who represent leading lights in microbiome studies using both computational and experimental approaches, as well as experts on microbial evolution. Application deadline: 15th April (abstracts), 11 May (registration) Travel grants and registration fee waivers are available for participants. For more information and to apply, visit: https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-microbiomics Tom Williams (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear all, we are pleased to announce the online course "AI for Genomics: From CNNs and LSTMs to Transformers", taking place on 7-9 April . The course is designed for researchers interested in applying modern machine learning and deep learning approaches to genomic and metagenomic sequence data. Course website: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/ai-for-genomics/ ) Through a strongly hands-on approach using interactive notebooks, participants will learn how to encode biological sequences, train and evaluate CNN, LSTM, and Transformer models, and interpret results in a biologically meaningful way. The course covers real-world applications such as genomic functional element prediction, sequence classification, metagenomic source tracking, and biological sequence generation, while also introducing attention mechanisms and NLP-inspired methods adapted to genomics. For the full list of our courses and workshops, please visit: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/ai-for-genomics/ ) Best regards, Carlo Carlo Pecoraro, Ph.D Physalia-courses DIRECTOR info@physalia-courses.org mobile: +49 17645230846 ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/physalia-courses-a64418127/ ) "info@physalia-courses.org" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** *** Evolution x Ecology 2026 Conference in Cornwall, UK *** Registration is now open for ExE 2026, a conference aimed at evolutionary ecologists from around the world, hosted by the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation in beautiful Cornwall.? Register now at evoxeco.uk! In addition to cutting-edge research at the interface of evolution and ecology, we have excursions to some of best places in Cornwall and a fantastic set of pre- and post-conference workshops. Places are filling fast so make sure you don't miss out! Any questions, email the organising team at info@evoxeco.uk We looking forward to welcoming you to Cornwall! Erik Postma Barbara Tschirren Ben Longdon Alastair Wilson Mark Hanson evoxeco.uk https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/exe/ E.Postma@exeter.ac.uk (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)