********************GradStudentPositions******************** Master's position in Botany with paid Greenhouse Manager appointment I am recruiting motivated Master's students in Botany at Angelo State University (San Angelo, Texas, US), for a program that combines research independence with professional stability. The position includes a secure, paid part-time Greenhouse Manager role with high scheduling flexibility throughout the two-year program. Students may develop their own research project in botany or join my ongoing research lines, including: - Phylogenomics - Population genetics and incipient speciation - Predictive modeling of plant traits using machine learning - Development of computational tools for biological applications Financial support at Angelo State University may include Distinguished Graduate Scholarships to help cover tuition, as well as Graduate Research Fellowships and departmental funds to support thesis research. Please email me if you are interested (carlos.maya-lastra@angelo.edu). Classes start in Fall 2026. Carlos A. Maya-Lastra, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Biology Curator of the SAT herbarium, ASNHC Director of the Biology Greenhouse Angelo State University Member, Texas Tech University System San Angelo, TX, 76909 Phone: 325-486-6699 Email: carlos.maya-lastra@angelo.edu Web: https://www.angelo.edu/live/profiles/13544-carlos-maya-lastra Github: https://github.com/camayal Carlos Maya-Lastra (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Pl�n/Germany (http://www.evolbio.mpg.de/) has open positions at the level of a Max Planck Director. Accordingly, the Institute invites expressions of interest from outstanding scientists in all areas of evolutionary biology. Supported by generous long-term funding, Max Planck Directors are free to pursue their scientific dreams (see https://www.mpg.de/directors). Directors also play pivotal roles in creating and sustaining vibrant and inclusive research environments. More information can be found at https://www.evolbio.mpg.de/3856225/Directors. Please submit your expression of interest to managingdirector@evolbio.mpg.de. Arne Traulsen (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Are you a recent graduate or about to graduate with your bachelor's degree in Biological Science, Environmental Science, or related fields? Not sure what your next step is? The UTEP ROADS Postbaccalaureate program could be for you! UTEP ROADS is an NSF funded RaMP (Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates) program that aims to provide the next generation of global change scientists with transformative research training and professional development - all while engaging them within a supportive academic network at the University of Texas at El Paso and beyond. The ROADS program is seeking applicants who: Have received a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental Science (or related field) within the last 4 years (May 2022 - May 2026) Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (preferred) Have US Citizenship or Permanent Residency Why should you apply? ROADS students will: Be awarded one-year of full support ($32.5K stipend, funds for research, travel, and subsistence) Develop and conduct a year-long research project at UTEP within a faculty members lab Experience innovative science that focuses on identifying the effects global change has on ecological, evolutionary, and environmental processes in the extreme dryland environments of the Arctic and Desert Participate in expert led workshops, seminars, and networking events that aim to enhance the professional skills needed to thrive in graduate school or STEM careers Have an opportunity to publish their findings in scientific journals Be part of a supportive and collaborative team of mentors and peers! How can you apply? Applicants must submit: Online Application and Registration https://etap.nsf.gov/ Emails of 2 professional references for letters of recommendation A personal essay on interest in the ROADS program and research background Unofficial Academic Transcript Applications for the ROADS Postbaccalaureate program are due March 1st , 2026 Please see the full Application Details on our UTEP ROADS Website! https://www.utep.edu/science/ramp/ Have additional questions? Please contact ramp@utep.edu "Schaeffer, Kathleen E" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** Society for Molecular Biology & Evolution SMBE Call for 2028 Regional Meeting Proposals Deadline for submissions: March 15, 2026 Dear SMBE Members, Starting in 2027, the SMBE Annual Meeting will alternate between the Global Meeting (on odd years) and the SMBE Extended Regional meetings (on even years). The first extended regional meetings are scheduled to take place in 2028. The SMBE will financially support up to five meetings, ideally one per major region of the world (North America, Central/South America, Europe, Africa, Asia/Oceania). This format will reduce the environmental impact of its meetings while simultaneously increasing accessibility by lowering travel costs for its members worldwide. SMBE is now calling for proposals for meetings and actions to be held between January 1, 2028, and December 31, 2028. Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to members of the molecular evolution research community to host meetings that provide opportunities for participation to members with a wide range of interests, as covered by our society. The meetings could also include focused symposia to be determined by the organizers. The number of awards will depend on the quality of the proposals, the total cost, and the available budget. SUBMIT PROPOSAL The deadline for submission of proposals is March 15, 2026. Decisions will be communicated to the applicants in mid-June 2026. Submission opens:November 12, 2025Deadline for submission: March 15, 2026Decisions announced: Mid-June 2026 Questions? Please contact smbe@am.kwglobal.com. Warm regards, Society for Molecular Biology & Evolution Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution +1.785.289.2056 smbe@am.kwglobal.com https://www.smbe.org/smbe/ https://bsky.app/profile/official-smbe.bsky.social This email was sent on behalf of Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution located at 301 Concourse Boulevard, Suite 210,Glen Allen,VA 23059.To unsubscribe click here.If you have questions or comments concerning this email contact Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution at smbe@am.kwglobal.com. Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Associate (Rocha Lab) New York University (NYU), New York, NY Department of Biology and Genomics Deadline: Feb 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time Description: The Rocha lab at NYU Biology is looking for a highly motivated and independent individual to work as a Postdoctoral Associate. This position is for a post-PhD trainee preparing for a research scientist career path. The planned position will provide a transition to career independence through the development of professional skills; supervision by senior scientist incorporating individual development plan in support of training goals and those of faculty mentor; and publication of research findings/scholarship during postdoc appointment period. Projects in the Rocha lab address the evolutionary history of populations and species of mammals inhabiting extreme terrestrial biomes. Planned projects combine state-of-the art sequencing methods to generate chromosome-level haplotype-resolved genomes and re-sequencing methods to address the role of full spectrum genetic variation in speciation and adaptation in natural populations. In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $62,500-$65,664. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a PhD (or equivalent international degree) or be enrolled in a PhD program and about to obtain the degree by the start date, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications. Required qualifications: - PhD in the fields of Biology, Evolutionary Genetics, Evolutionary Ecology, Computational Biology, Veterinary Sciences or related field(s), and no more than two years of postgraduate experience. - Experience in bioinformatics, molecular ecology, computational approaches to study genetic diversity and evolution, or related topics. - Willingness to train and mentor students in the lab, develop and share pipelines and workflows for reproducible data analysis, and apply for external research funding. Candidates with experience in any of these are strongly encouraged to apply: - Experience analyzing complex structural variation from long-read and short-read sequencing. - Experience analyzing and integrating large-scale genomic with environmental, ecological and historical datasets. - Experience in workflow development and working with high-performance computing systems and code sharing. Candidates with experience in any of these are also encouraged to apply: - Wet-lab skills for evolutionary research (DNA/RNA extraction, Library Preparation, Mammalian cell culture). - Field-work skills (monitoring, capture-release, collar tracking, camera trapping). Application Instructions: Please upload your application materials via Interfolio at the link below. Include the following items: 1) CV including a list of publications; 2) a short summary of your present and future research interests (this can be in the form of a cover letter); 3) a list of three references and their contact information. Apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/180051 NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process. Joana Rocha (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Dear EvolDir Community! JOB OFFER Postdoc Position: Subject line “UInnsbruck.EvolutionaryEcology” Start date: 13th April 2026 / Duration: 3 years Position: This position provides an opportunity to conduct independent research in aquatic evolutionary ecology, with a focus on defence strategies against multiple enemies such as parasites and predators. The freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis will serve as the primary study organism. The project should investigate how organisms respond to simultaneous threats, for example, by examining the fitness consequences of, and trade‑offs among, traits involved in defence against different types of enemies. You will develop the initial project idea and refine it in collaboration with Prof. Seppälä. Collaboration with other research groups within the department and faculty is encouraged. The project is expected to connect broadly to evolutionary and ecological dynamics, and to incorporate innovative approaches from across the biological sciences. Qualifications: PhD in Biology Research expertise in evolutionary ecology and/or aquatic ecology Desirable qualifications: Postdoctoral experience; publications in high-ranking international journals; experience supervising students; success in acquiring third-party funding; international research experience Independence, strong teamwork and communication skills, flexibility Good knowledge of English For this position, please submit a CV, a motivation letter, and a brief description of your research idea (maximum two pages), including the study question, proposed approach, and potential collaborators. Location: The Research Department for Limnology is situated on the edge of the Alps in the small town of Mondsee (Upper Austria). The nearby city of Salzburg offers a rich variety of cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities. Our offer: The minimum gross salary for this position (full-time) amounts to € 5.014,00 per month (14 times). Further information and the legally binding text can be found at www.uibk.ac.at/karriere, Code BIO-15524. Application: We are looking forward to receiving your online application by 12.02.2026 stating the code BIO-15524. Please note that travel costs cannot be reimbursed. For further information about the research, please contact Prof. Otto Seppälä: otto.seppaelae@uibk.ac.at. The subject line should read: Postdoc 2026 Prof. Otto Seppälä Universität Innsbruck Forschungsinstitut für Limnologie, Mondsee Sonja Burggraf Institutssekretariat Mondseestraße 9, A-5310 Mondsee Telefon +43 512 507-50201 E-Mail sonja.burggraf@uibk.ac.at, office-ilim@uibk.ac.at "Burggraf, Sonja" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** 1.5-year Postdoc in ecological genomics:Mediation analysis for investigating gene ~ environment interactions and climate-driven maladaptation. ** Project: Climate change is having a major impact on biodiversity, posing a significant threat to the health and persistence of natural populations. High-resolution climate models, combined with high-throughput DNA sequencing, provide powerful tools to assess the capacity of populations to respond to environmental change. In this context, genotype–environment association (GEA) methods are commonly used to identify loci associated with local adaptation. More recently, data on adaptive genetic variation have been incorporated into predictive statistical models aimed at estimating the mismatch between populations and future climates, a concept known as genomic offset. This project proposes to adapt the mediation analysis framework, a method widely used in fields such as epidemiology and social sciences, to ecological genomics. The postdoctoral researcher will develop and implement a statistical framework to 1) identify the genetic basis of local adaptation to climate and 2) estimate population maladaptation to climate change. Both simulated and empirical data will be used to evaluate the potential of this approach in predictive ecological genomics. ** Activities: During this project, the postdoc will be expected to: * Develop a mediation analysis model integrating phenotypes, genotypes, and environmental variables to detect signals of local adaptation. * Conduct simulation studies to assess the strengths and limitations of the model. * Apply the model to real-world datasets. * Evaluate the potential of this approach for predicting population maladaptation under future climates. ** Skills: We are looking for a motivated early-career researcher with a strong interest in statistical modeling and ecological or evolutionary genomics. Ideal candidates may come from one of two backgrounds: * A biologist with enthusiasm for method development and quantitative modeling, or * A statistician/data scientist with a strong interest in evolutionary biology and genomics. ** Work Context: The position is funded by the junior professor chair of Thibaut Capblancq at Université Grenoble Alpes. The postdoc will be hosted at the Laboratoire d’Écologie Alpine (LECA), a dynamic and interdisciplinary research lab located in the heart of the French Alps. The project will be carried out in co-supervision with Olivier François, a leading expert in statistical modeling and genotype–environment association (GEA) methods. This collaboration will offer the postdoc excellent opportunities for mentorship, technical development, and exposure to cutting- edge research in ecological genomics. ** Conditions: * Starting date: March 2026 * Duration: 18 months * Location: Grenoble, France * Qualification: PhD in evolutionary biology or mathematical biology * Salary: ~2900 to 3400 euros/month (gross) depending on experience ** To apply: Please submit your CV and a motivation letter, detailing your previous research experience and professional goals, and contact information for 2 referees, on this platform before February 20th: https://academicpositions.com/ad/universite-grenoble-alpes/2026/postdoctoral-researcher-in-population-biology-and-ecology-m-f/243400#apply For more information contactthibaut.capblancq@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr and/or olivier.francois@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr THIBAUT CAPBLANCQ (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear evoldir community, Spots are still available for Modern Statistical Thinking for Biologists, running online from 24 March till 30 June. The course follows the principle that statistics is not merely applied maths: it is a distinct way of thinking about the world. And it is best learned through honing our logical thinking skills and our intuitions about data, rather than through rote memorisation of tests or through excessive mathematical detail. The course therefore has no prerequisites in terms of maths skills. Importantly, we will approach statistics through the Bayesian framework. Even though Bayesian methods are used throughout biology, they are particularly prevalent in ecology and evolutionary biology. This is because this framework is particularly well adapted to the noisy and complex data sets routinely produced in these fields. It is sometimes also considered to be more intuitive for beginners. The course is therefore open both to those who are beginners to any kind of statistics, as well as those who already have a background in frequentist methods and would like to learn about the Bayesian perspective specifically. The course is composed of weekly Zoom sessions with lots of interaction and lots of group work in breakout rooms. The concepts learned are immediately applied to real data sets from the biological sciences. There are also weekly assignments, to which the participants receive individual written feedback each time. Towards the end of the course, the students will have the opportunity to put what they have learned to the test in two projects: one on data provided by the instructor and another on each participant's own data. The course takes on 15 participants on a first-come-first-served basis. For registration and for more information, see here: https://www.mondegoscience.com/courses/modern-statistical-thinking-for-biologists If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop me a line onrosina@mondegoscience.com. Have a lovely week, Rosina. Rosina Savisaar (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** We are excited to announce the DZG Graduate Meeting in Evolutionary Biology, which will take place at the University of Hamburg, Germany, from March 25 to 27, 2026. Theme: Interactions and Coevolution: from Molecules to Species The meeting is organized by the Evolutionary Immunogenomics Research Group and will include invited talks, student presentations, poster sessions, a workshop, and networking opportunities. PhD students, early postdocs, and advanced Master's students in evolutionary biology are warmly invited to register and submit abstracts. Website and registration information: https://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/en/forschung/evolutionaere-immungenomik/dzg-meeting.html Contact: diyar.hamidi@uni-hamburg.de tobias.lenz@uni-hamburg.de "Hamidi, Diyar" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear all, For the next Annual Meeting of the Society for Molecular Biology & Evolution taking place in Copenhagen from 28 June to 2 July 2026, we are organising a symposium on 'The role and responsibilities of the SMBE community in facing the polycrisis'. Anne Urai as our guest speaker will share her views on the academic system and potential ways to rethink and transform the norms of scientific practices to face the climate, ecological and political crises. We are looking forward to hearing more about other initiatives and actions in the community to foster an academic system just and sustainable for all, so don't hesitate to submit your abstract to our symposium: https://smbe2026.org/programme/ The abstract submission deadline is February 3 2026 and submitting an abstract to our symposium does not prevent you to submit another one to a second symposium. The organisers, Diego A. Hartasánchez, Fernando Racimo & Audrey Bras ---- L05 - The role and responsibilities of the SMBE community in facing the polycrisis Across our community, researchers are producing data and knowledge helping us understand patterns of adaptation and selection. This understanding is essential to allow for species and societal adaptations to the climate breakdown and to reverse the biodiversity crisis. Yet, we are not taking enough time to reflect on our own activities and practices while academia itself is also in crisis across many fronts. From the reproducibility crisis to the publishing crisis, from increasing labor precarity to decreasing funding and increasing pressure to produce ever larger amounts of outputs -all these factors are putting a strain on its members and affecting their ability to practice science. What is the role of us, molecular and evolutionary biologists, in the face of a distressed academic system and collapsing ecosystems? How can the SMBE community participate in transforming academia into an institution that contributes to a just and sustainable future for all? Academia is already an environment that can foster transformation through collective action: much research in academia is itself the result of collective work. Increasingly, collective action initiatives have been gaining traction: from alternatives to the current publishing system, to alternative university structures; from demands to make universities divest from fossil fuels, to direct action groups fighting for ecological justice. In this symposium we invite the SMBE community to share their work and views related to initiatives addressing the climate, biodiversity and academic crises, with a focus on transformation through collective action. Invited speaker: Anne E. Urai, Assistant Professor, Leiden University ----- Dr. Audrey Bras Postdoctoral researcher @AudreyBras@ecoevo.social audreyb061992@gmail.com audrey.bras@helsinki.fi "Bras, Audrey" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear Evo Devo Researchers, Registration is open! We are excited to let you know that abstract submission and registration for the *10th European Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology Meeting 2026 *(Euro Evo Devo 2026) is now live. The meeting will take place at the* University of Glasgow* *from 9**th - 12th June 2026*. The conference will cover the panoply of topics and fields that are encapsulated by modern Evo-Devo, with satellite meetings and focused symposia alongside plenary speakers. This meeting marks a significant milestone in the life of this society, and the history, facilities, community and beauty of Glasgow will help us mark this milestone in a fitting manner. Come together in Glasgow to share ideas, build collaborations, and celebrate the field of Evolutionary Developmental Biology. *Please **click here* * to register.* *Please **click here* * to submit an abstract. *(Note that registration is required for your abstract to be considered) The deadline for submitting an abstract is Thursday 5th March 2026. Please visit the conference website page for updates and further information; https://www.evodevoconference26.com/ Should you have any questions at all about the meeting, please email events@hg3.co.uk Best wishes, Organisers of the 10th European Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology Meeting 2026 EED Society (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear friends and colleagues, We are happy to announce that the registrations for the Third Asian Ornithological Conference (AOC) will open on 1st February 2026 in Singapore. Taking place from 14 to 17 November 2026, the conference brings together ornithological experts across the world to facilitate knowledge sharing and productive regional collaborations on Asian ornithology. The conference will be hosted at the National University of Singapore and will feature exciting plenary talks and presentations across different disciplines of ornithology. We are accepting abstracts from a wide range of topics which may be linked to evolutionary and molecular biology, namely: Anatomy, Physiology & Morphology Behavioural Studies Bioacoustics & Communication Biogeography, Diversity & Distribution Bird Trade Birdwatching & Citizen Science Comparative Genomics & Macro-Evolution Conservation, Restoration & Threatened Species Disease, Microbiota & Health General Ecology (e.g. Breeding, Feeding, Behaviour, etc.) Habitat, Environment & Global Change Invasion, Colonisation & Pestilence Methods, Technology & Tools Migration & Flyways (Ecology, Methods, & Conservation) Phylogenetics, Population-Genetics, Diversification & Introgression Policy, Human Dimensions & Outreach Taxon-Specific Themes (i.e. Cranes, Hornbills, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Straw-headed Bulbul, Vultures) Urban Ecology The registration portal and more details can be found on our website at www.aoc2026.sg. Early bird registration ends on 30 April 2026. Sign up now and be a part of one of Asia's most impactful biodiversity and conservation gatherings in 2026! See you there! For information unavailable on our website, contact Ms Sng Chen Xi Email: sng.chenxi@nus.edu.sg Sng Chen Xi (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)