********************GradStudentPositions******************** I am currently recruiting graduate students to join my new research group in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina. My research program broadly focuses on factors that facilitate or impede adaptation, with an emphasis on adaptation within host-parasite interactions and how ecological change impacts microorganisms. We explore these questions using a combination of experimental evolution with nematodes, bacteria, and bacteriophages, as well as observational field ecology. For more information, please visit: (https://jordanlewisphd.com/). Graduate students will have flexibility within these systems and themes. Interested applicants should apply through the Biology PhD program at the University of South Carolina. The preferred application deadline is December 1, with the final deadline on January 1. The expected start date is Fall 2026. For more information about the graduate program, please visit: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/biological_sciences/study/graduate/index.php. Prior to applying, interested students should email Dr. Lewis (jalewis@mailbox.sc.edu) to describe their academic background, past research experiences, current research interests, and motivation for joining the lab. Please include your C.V. and contact information for 2-3 references. Jordan Lewis, PhD Assistant Research Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of South Carolina Columbia, South Carolina "Lewis, Jordan" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Catchen Lab (https://catchenlab.life.illinois.edu/), in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is recruiting graduate students to join our lab. Our lab is primarily a computational lab that focuses on the evolution of genome architecture. We blend comparative genomics with population genetics, applying a computational toolset to most of our analyses. We sequence a lot of DNA, focusing on long- and short-read sequencing, combining these data with novel algorithm development in Python and C++. We accept students with a range of computational experience and previous students have worked on research projects ranging from purely biological analyses to writing software. Recent projects in the lab have included significant work in fishes, including the genomics of Antarctic fishes, the genome architecture of killifishes, stickleback genomics, ancient and modern salmon DNA, and investigating the genomic basis of honey bee metabolism. Some of our students develop software packages; the lab developed the Stacks software for analyzing RADseq data, tools for conserved synteny analysis and genome assembly curation, visualization tools, such as Klumpy, and with some cool stuff under development. The department of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior is housed within the School of Integrative Biology, home to over 30 faculty working in ecology, behavior, conservation and evolution. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers state-of-the-art research facilities such as the Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), the Beckman Institute (several research themes including bioimaging and Molecular Science and Engineering) and the Grainger College of Engineering. Urbana-Champaign is a pleasant, affordable, university town with good music and restaurants. It has its own airport and is close to three major U.S. cities (Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis). Students for the Ph.D. are typically funded for 5-years with a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. The deadline for consideration is December 15, 2025. Please contact Julian Catchen (jcatchen@illinois.edu) if you have questions or want to discuss opportunities in the lab. "Catchen, Julian" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Research Fellow in Behaviour and Ecology Role type:Full Time; Fixed Term for 2 years Faculty:Faculty of Science Department/ School:School of Biosciences Salary:Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 (PhD Entry Level - $110,319) plus 17% super Collaborate with leading experts on innovative research to develop an independent research program. Apply now for this exciting opportunity to advance our understanding of animal construction behaviours and their thermal implications. Investing in you -benefits package including salary packaging, health and well being programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities. The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research.Discover more via our website. Your next career opportunity As a Research Fellow in the School of Biosciences,you'll join an exciting research project exploring how animals adjust their construction behaviours in response to changing environments. You'll work closely with Dr. Iliana Medina, analysing long-term datasets and investigating the thermal value of nests in birds. This role offers you the chance to develop your own research program, collaborate with researchers across institutions, and contribute to the supervision of students, all while advancing our understanding of animal behaviour and its implications in a changing world. Your responsibilities will include: Conduct High-Quality Research: Perform complex data analysis, potentially involving advanced statistical approaches, to contribute to the research team's efforts. Publish Scholarly Outputs: Contribute to and publish academic papers in high-impact journals, disseminating research findings through seminars and conferences. Supervise and Mentor: Assist in the co-supervision and training of research students at all levels, contributing to their academic development. Contribute to Teaching: Participate in teaching, training, and scientific mentoring of graduate and honours students. Engage in Service Activities: Actively participate in School meetings, planning activities, and committee work to support capacity building and promote diversity and inclusion. Promote Public Awareness: Contribute to or present research to the public, elevating awareness of scientific developments and promoting critical inquiry. You may be a great fit if: You are a dedicated researcher with a passion for animal behaviour and a commitment to advancing scientific understanding through rigorous research and collaboration. You may also: Possess a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, such as animal behaviour, ecology, or biology. Have experience in conducting high-quality research, data analysis, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Possess excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively disseminate research findings. Have experience in supervising or mentoring students, or a willingness to develop these skills. Exhibit a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and ethical conduct in research and academic activities. For further information please refer to the attached PD. What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including: Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program For more information check out our benefits page! Your new team – School of Biosciences Biosciences houses 60 continuing academic staff, and more than 150 academic staff overall (including postdocs, and other research contingent staff) all working on the world’s top biological challenges – from climate change, biosecurity and pollution to reproductive health and food production. Collectively members of our school lead more than 240 research projects in the general areas of ecology, evolution, zoology, marine biology, genetics, plant science, genomics, biosecurity, biological pollution, reproductive biology and data science. The faculty of science is home to seven schools: Agriculture, Food & Ecosystem Sciences; Biosciences; Chemistry; Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences; Mathematics & Statistics; Physics; and Melbourne Veterinary School. Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. Be Yourself The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Forassistance, please contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or athr-careers@unimelb.edu.au(subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiriesare locatedat the bottom of this page. Find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians.Our Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerringoutlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team atoied-hr@unimelb.edu.aufor further information and support. Please note: Visa sponsorship is available. A Working with Children Check (WWCC) isrequiredfor all positions. If successful,we'llguide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost. Join Us and unlock your career potential! If this role is right for you, please apply with thefollowing 4 documents: Resume (max 4 pages) Cover Letter outlining your interestsandexperience (onepage) Copy of the most relevant/recent publicationthatshowcasesyour data visualisationskills(justone,itcan be a preprint) The responses against the following5Selection Criteria (separate document, max4pages): 1) Completion (or near completion) of a PhD in ecology,behaviouralecology, or a related discipline. 2) A demonstrated aptitude for research, with a sound publication record in relevant areas,commensuratewith experience and opportunities. 3) Demonstrated experience in Bayesianorother statistical approaches,and highproficiencyand interestin programming and datavisualisation. 4) A good levelof understanding ofbird(or vertebrate)diversityand ecology. 5) Non-essential:Experience in thermalecologyor climate change related research& experiencein the field with birds orother vertebrates *Please note, if the total size of all your documents exceeds 5 MB, there will be a field at the end of the application form where you can attach additional documents. Learn more about the application process, including tips and FAQs. For recruitment queries, email Anna Gradoboevahr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address. For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the Position Description. Applications close:19 January 2026 at11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. Review Position Description and Apply: https://wd105.myworkday.com/unimelb/d/inst/1$5303/5303$4378.htmld#TABTASKID=2998%2417247 Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need any assistance! Best regards, Anna Gradoboeva | Talent Acquisition Team Lead (for assistive technology users: this is the end of the email – signature block below) Business Services | Chief Operating Portfolio Level 3, 11 Barry Street The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia M: +61 411 886 805 E: anna.gradoboeva@unimelb.edu.au unimelb.edu.au|www.linkedin.com/in/gradoboeva CHRISTMAS CUT-OFF DATES For Staff commencing between Monday, 1 December 2025 and Friday, 2 January 2026 – Offer must be made and accepted by Friday 28 November. For Staff commencing the week of Monday, 5 January 2026, Offers must be approved by Friday, 12 December 2025. Advertising – Approved Job Requisition must be with Talent Acquisition by Wednesday, 10 December 2025 – suggested advertising period is Monday, 15 December to Sunday, 11 January 2026. The University of Melbourne (Australian University) PRV12150 / CRICOS 00116K We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of the unceded lands on which we work, learn and live. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future, and acknowledge the importance of Indigenous knowledge in the Academy. This email and any attachments may contain personal information or information that is otherwise confidential or the subject of copyright. Any use, disclosure or copying of any part of it is prohibited. The University does not warrant that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or defects. Please check any attachments for viruses and defects before opening them. If this email is received in error, please delete it and notify us by return email. Anna Gradoboeva (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoc position in plant telomere genetics and evolution The Choi lab (https://jychoilab.github.io/) at the University of Kansas is seeking for a postdoctoral scholar to join an interdisciplinary project that combines plant genetics, chromosome biology, and evolution. This is a NIH funded position to understand the genetics and function of telomere variation in plants, and the evolutionary forces that shapes plant telomeres. The primary question of our lab asks why the telomeres of plants are so variable between and within species. To answer this question our lab has developed Mimulus (common name monkeyflower) as a model for studying the evolutionary genetics of plant telomeres. The postdoc will use M. guttatus to understand the genetic basis of telomeric variation and the evolutionary forces that shapes the telomere. The project will combine quantitative genetics with CRISPR and functional genomics including single cell approaches and population genomics. Our ultimate goal is to establish the genetic mechanism and evolution underlying telomeric variation. Basic Qualifications: - Applicant should have a Ph.D. in the following or related fields: genetics, molecular biology, or evolution. - Demonstrated experience in plant biology, especially plant genetics or plant molecular biology is required. - A strong interest in evolutionary biology is necessary. Preferred (but not necessary) Qualifications: - Experience with high-throughput sequencing and genomic data analysis is desired but not necessary. This can be taught to the candidate. The lab is looking for someone who is personable and enthusiastic about working in a collaborative environment. Responsibilities will include contributing to ongoing research in the lab, developing independent research projects, and mentoring graduate/undergraduate students. This is a 1 year appointment with possibility of an extension. The preferred start date is late spring 2026 but it is also negotiable. Application instructions: Applicants can email PI Jae Young Choi (jaeyoung.choi@ku.edu) that includes (1) a curriculum vitae (2) a cover letter - letter of application that summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position (3) contact information for three references Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and the position will remain open until filled. But please apply by December 31 2025 for full consideration. Questions regarding the search and position may be sent to Dr. Jae Young Choi (jaeyoung.choi@ku.edu). Jae Young Choi, PhD Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Genomics Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Office: Haworth Hall 7008 University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS https://jychoilab.github.io/ "Choi, Jae Young" ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Hi everyone Instats is thrilled to offer a 5-day seminar, Analysis of Ecological Communities in R, livestreaming December 8-12 and led by Dr Antoine Becker-Scarpitta from CIRAD (Agricultural Research Centre for International Development). As community and trait datasets grow more multidimensional, this workshop empowers PhD students, academics, and professional researchers to harness the VEGAN package in R for rigorous diversity metrics, sophisticated multivariate analyses, and fully reproducible workflows that reveal macroecological patterns driven by environmental gradients, anthropogenic pressures, or spatial structure. Through concise lectures, hands-on coding, and opportunities to analyze your own data, you'll gain fluency in transformation and distance measures, clustering, unconstrained and constrained ordination (PCA, RDA), variation partitioning, and introductory spatial modeling with HMSC skills essential for cutting-edge community ecology, macroevolutionary, and microbial ecology research. https://instats.org/seminar/analysis-of-ecological-communities-in-r Sign up today to secure your spot, and feel free to share this opportunity with colleagues and students who might benefit! Best wishes Michael Zyphur Professor and Director Instats | instats.org Michael Zyphur (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)