********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD positions: evolution of thermal traits in insects We are seeking PhD students to join our team working on the project entitled "Evolution of Thermal Traits in Insects: A Comparative-Ecological Approach," funded by the Estonian Research Council and carried out at Estonia�s leading research centre, the University of Tartu (https://www.ut.ee/en). The lab-wide project focuses on a macroevolutionary analysis of the evolution of thermal traits (such as the minimum suitable temperature) in insects. The ultimate aim is to evaluate the potential of insect populations to respond to ongoing climate change. Our research relies on a diverse set of methods, including analyses of geographical distribution patterns, meta-analyses of published data, and empirical work to collect comparable data on various insect species across Europe. Specific PhD projects will be tailored based on the research interests of the students. The work will be supervised by Prof. Toomas Tammaru (http://www.ut.ee/~tammarut) and other members of his team (https://zooloogia.ut.ee/en/content/chair-of-entomology-members-of-the-chair). Our group has a unique combination of interests and expertise, covering evolutionary ecology, advanced statistical methods, phylogenetic comparative analyses, and the taxonomy of insects, Lepidoptera in particular. You will experience a work atmosphere that combines the spirit of an old university town with a highly modern and international research environment. On the other hand, Estonia is rich in nature providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. PhD studies in Estonia last four years, and publishing research papers is a requirement. PhD students receive competitive salaries, allowing them to work on their theses full-time while also taking some relevant classes. A successful candidate will have an excellent academic record, experience with statistical analyses, and an interest in evolutionary biology. Some experience and/or a genuine interest in the ecology, evolution, or taxonomy of insects would be an advantage. The candidate must have obtained their Master�s degree by August 1, 2026. Enrolment as a PhD student will be on September 1, 2026. To apply, please send your CV and a motivation letter (200 to 300 words) outlining your experience and interests related to the subject to Toomas Tammaru (toomas.tammaru@ut.ee) before the end of February 10 (any time zone). Toomas Tammaru (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** *PhD student position at Stockholm University* We are recruiting a fully funded 4-year PhD student position for a project examining how sexual selection acts in females and using a small freshwater fish, the pygmy halfbeak (Dermogenys collettei), as a model. Female halfbeaks express a conspicuous sexual ornament???an orange abdominal gravid spot that males use when making mate choice decisions. This trait allows experimental manipulation of female ornamentation, providing an exceptional opportunity to test key evolutionary hypotheses. The PhD project will combine laboratory experiments, fieldwork in Southeast Asia (Malaysia and Singapore), and AI-assisted behavioural tracking to examine the costs, benefits, and ecological drivers of female sexual ornaments in halfbeaks. The project integrates evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, and sensory ecology, and uses state-of-the-art automated tracking and phenotypic manipulation techniques. Therefore, we are looking for a person with a strong interest and training in evolutionary biology and behavioural research. The PhD student will join the research group of Prof. John Fitzpatrick (www.su.se/english/profiles/j/jfrit) at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, located in the city of Stockholm, Sweden. The Department of Zoology has an international working atmosphere, with researchers and students from across the world. The working language is English and the position offers plenty of opportunities for scientific exchange with evolutionary biologists and behavioural ecologists. Overseas applications are encouraged. The complete ad with information on qualification requirements and instructions on how to apply is at: https://su.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:893229/ Application deadline: February 15, 2026 For inquiries about the position, please contact John Fitzpatrick: john.fitzpatrick@zoologi.su.se John Fitzpatrick Professor Department of Zoology Stockholm University 106 91 Stockholm Sweden Lab website: https://sites.google.com/view/fitzpatrick-lab/home John Fitzpatrick (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** We are hiring two Senior Lecturers (Associate Professors) at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden in plant systematics 1. Vascular plant systematics https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/job?site=7&lang=UK&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7&job_id=39395 2. Non-vascular plant and other cryptogram systematics https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/job?site=7&lang=UK&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7&job_id=39401 Join us! Christine D. Bacon Senior Lecturer in Biodiversity University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre Box 461, SE 405-30 G�teborg, Sweden *I work flexibly and so you may receive an email from me outside of traditional working hours. While flexibility works for me, please do not feel obliged to respond outside of your own working hours.* Christine Bacon (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** Dear EvolDir colleagues, We would like to briefly share the publication of a new Quest for Orthologs special issue in the Journal of Molecular Evolution: https://link.springer.com/collections/hcifbfjbhe The issue comprises 12 articles covering recent methodological, conceptual, and applied developments in orthology, including topics such as functional divergence, hierarchical orthologous groups, protein domains and synteny, AI-based approaches, and community tools and resources. The collection was inspired by discussions in the broader orthology community and may be of interest to researchers working in evolutionary biology, comparative genomics, and functional annotation. We hope you will take a look and that you will enjoy the content. With best wishes, Natasha Glover and David Liberles Natasha Glover (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** Hello, I hope this finds everyone well. I'm happy to share a fun Research Experience for Undergraduates at the Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, MI! Please find more information here: https://www.kbs.msu.edu/education/undergraduate-program/research-experiences-for-undergraduates-reu/ Applications are due February 1st! Any questions please email KBSsummer@msu.edu Cheers, Angelia Angelia Lane (she/her/hers) Interim Academic Programs Coordinator Administrative Support Kellogg Biological Station Michigan State University laneang1@msu.edu "Lane, Angelia" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** The SSE Public Policy Committee invites applications for funds to attend the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) 2026 Congressional Visits Day. The event will take place in Washington, DC and includes a free half-day training session on April 21 and meetings with lawmakers on April 22. There is also the option to also attend the Communications Boot Camp for Scientists on April 20-21. SSE members at all career stages who are interested in communicating the importance of federal investments in scientific research and education to lawmakers are encouraged to apply. Funding can be used to cover the cost of the Communications Boot Camp and contribute toward travel and lodging. SSE members interested in using these funds for other advocacy opportunities are also welcome to apply. Email policy@evolutionsociety.org for more information. Learn more about the AIBS Congressional Visits Day: https://www.aibs.org/news/2025/251215-congressional-visits-day Join or Renew your SSE membership: https://payments.evolutionsociety.org/joinsse/ Apply for the AIBS Congressional Visits Day Grants: https://www.evolutionsociety.org/society-awards-and-prizes/aibs-congressional-visits-day-grants.html Deadline: February 15th, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern *Kati Moore*she/her *Communications Manager* *Society for the Study of Evolution* communications@evolutionsociety.org www.evolutionsociety.org SSE Communications (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** *Postdoctoral position in eco-evolutionary modeling* PHIM, Montpellier, France, Characterizing and modeling epidemics (CAMEPI) group _Project description _ Climate change is likely to affect how species interact, in turn impacting their ecology and evolution. In particular, the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases depends on the ecology, evolution and reciprocal interactions between the pathogen, the host and the vectors. Understanding how climate change would impact the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases is an active field of research. The position is part of the FORSHARK project funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR, young researcher JCJC grant) to investigate how climate change would affect the epidemiology of the sharka disease, induced by an aphid-transmitted virus infecting cultivated trees of the genus Prunus.Specifically, the project aims at modeling the ecology and evolution of an aphid (vector) life history in relation to the climate-change driven phenological change of its overwintering host tree species. Ultimately, this modeling will be integrated to epidemiological models. _Activities_ �Design of eco-evolutionary models of aphid and tree life histories �Mathematical and theoretical analyses of model dynamics and equilibria �Numerical analyses �Writing of scientific articles, participating in international conferences �Collaborative working with other members of the CAMEPI group and of the local community (Luis-Miguel Chevin, Oph�lie Ronce) _Skills_ �Strong motivation and autonomy �Collaborative mindset �Written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic �Taste for theory, literature survey and data-oriented modeling. Experience in eco-evolutionary modeling using quantitative genetics and/or adaptive dynamics models. �Programming (R, Mathematica) �Mathematical analyses _Conditions_ �Qualification: PhD degree or equivalent. �Starting date: June, 2026 �Duration: 24 months, full time �Working place: PHIM research unit, Baillarguet Campus, Montferrier-sur-Lez (Montpellier area) �Supervision: Olivier Cotto �Salary: about 3100 euros (gross); may vary according to the INRAE salary grid (https://jobs.inrae.fr/actualites/remuneration-agents-contractuels ) _To apply_ Please submit your CV and a motivation letter, detailing your previous research experience and professional goals, and contact information for 2 referees, to: olivier.cotto@inrae.fr Olivier COTTO INRAE, UMR PHIM Researcher +33 4 67 61 75 38 Olivier Cotto (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Dear colleagues, Happy new year 2026! We are about to open a postdoc position in Institut Pasteur and would be thankful if you could pass the message to interested candidates. The position will be joint between the Evolutionary Dynamics of Infectious Diseases team (Duchene), the Modelling of Pathogens team (Zhukova) and the National Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses (Lemoine bioinformatics group). The postdoc will work on "pandemic-scale phylogeography and phylodynamics" as part of the SPREAD project in collaboration with the Goldman group at EMBL-EBI, and the McHardy group at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research. The contract is to start in spring 2026 for 18-20 months. We are looking for somebody with statistical and computational skills who recently obtained their PhD and has experience and interest in phylogenetics, phylodynamics and/or phylogeography. A more detailed description is available on request. Thank you very much! Best wishes, Sebastian, Fr�d�ric and Anna (sebastian.duchene-garzon|frederic.lemoine|anna.zhukova @ pasteur.fr) [Posted on their behalf by Nick Goldman, EMBL-EBI] Anna Zhukova Group Leader Modelling of Pathogens: Evolution, Adaptation and Spread (MPath) Institut Pasteur Department of Computational Biology 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris anna.zhukova@pasteur.fr 01.45.68.87.78 & Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS) Ecole Normale Sup�rieure - Universit� PSL - CNRS - INSERM 46 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris office 060 anna.zhukova@ens.psl.eu Nick Goldman (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear colleagues, Transmitting Science is offering the online course "The Genomic Footprint of Natural Selection: Inference from Population Data". Course webpage: https://www.transmittingscience.com/courses/genetics-and-genomics/the-genomic-footprint-of-natural-selection/ This course examines the concepts and analytical methods used to detect genomic signatures of natural selection, with a particular focus on adaptive selection in humans. Through a combination of interactive lectures and hands-on sessions, participants will develop a solid theoretical background in population genetics and measures of genetic diversity relevant to studying selection at the genomic level. Throughout the course, practical and conceptual challenges, such as demographic confounding, limited statistical power, and difficulties in biological interpretation, will be addressed. By the end of the course, participants will be able to critically assess genomic evidence for natural selection and to understand how such inferences inform research on human evolution and biomedicine. For questions, please contact us at courses@transmittingscience.com Best regards, Haris Haris Saslis, PhD Course Coordinator Transmitting Science www.transmittingscience.com [1] Links: [1] http://www.transmittingscience.com haris.saslis@transmittingscience.com (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear all, We are pleased to announce a focused 3-day online course on Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding using Nanopore Sequencing, running from 23rd to 25th March . Course website: [ https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/nanopore-dnametabarcoding/ ] This 3-day program offers a comprehensive overview of the full workflow-from field sampling and molecular lab techniques to real-time sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analysis. Designed for researchers, ecologists, and bioinformaticians, the course combines expert lectures with practical sessions. You will learn to handle Nanopore data, troubleshoot common lab challenges, perform taxonomic assignments, and analyze biodiversity metrics using R. Sessions run daily from 2 to 6 PM Berlin time and are fully online to enable global participation. For the full list of our courses and workshops, please visit: [ https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/ ] Best regards, Carlo Carlo Pecoraro, Ph.D Physalia-courses DIRECTOR info@physalia-courses.org mobile: +49 17645230846 [ Bluesky ]( https://bsky.app/profile/physaliacourses.bsky.social ) [ Linkedin ]( https://www.linkedin.com/in/physalia-courses-a64418127/ ) "info@physalia-courses.org" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear colleagues, Transmitting Science is offering the online course "The Genomic Footprint of Natural Selection: Inference from Population Data". Course webpage: https://www.transmittingscience.com/courses/genetics-and-genomics/the-genomic-footprint-of-natural-selection/ This course examines the concepts and analytical methods used to detect genomic signatures of natural selection, with a particular focus on adaptive selection in humans. Through a combination of interactive lectures and hands-on sessions, participants will develop a solid theoretical background in population genetics and measures of genetic diversity relevant to studying selection at the genomic level. Throughout the course, practical and conceptual challenges, such as demographic confounding, limited statistical power, and difficulties in biological interpretation, will be addressed. By the end of the course, participants will be able to critically assess genomic evidence for natural selection and to understand how such inferences inform research on human evolution and biomedicine. For questions, please contact us at courses@transmittingscience.com Best regards, Haris Haris Saslis, PhD Course Coordinator Transmitting Science www.transmittingscience.com [1] Links: [1] http://www.transmittingscience.com Haris Saslis - Transmitting Science (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Dear friends and colleagues of Kew, We are pleased to announce a fantastic opportunity for delegates from low-income countries to attend the State of the World's Plants and Fungi Symposium at Kew Gardens from 29 June to 1 July 2026. Travel bursaries - applications now open Kew is offering three travel bursaries to support in-person attendance at the symposium for delegates from low-income countries. These bursaries aim to remove financial barriers and encourage wider participation from the global science and policy community. Each bursary covers: * The symposium registration fee * Attendance at the symposium dinner on the evening of 30 June * Up to 3,000 towards travel and accommodation costs. Application deadline: 16 March 2026 Full details regarding eligibility criteria and the application process can be found on the symposium web page. Apply for a bursary Early bird tickets - available until 28 February Don't miss your chance to book a discounted early bird ticket for in-person attendance by 28 February. Tickets for online only participation are free. Visit the symposium web page for full ticket pricing and booking information. Book now Poster abstracts and prizes In-person attendees are invited to submit an abstract for a poster presentation accompanied by a one-minute flash talk. Prizes will be awarded for the best student and early career researcher posters. Deadline for abstracts: 24 April 2026 Submit an abstract For more information, visit the symposium web page. We look forward to welcoming you to the symposium. Best wishes, The State of the World's Plants and Fungi Steering Committee kew.org/sotwpf-symposium Select unsubscribe to stop getting any marketing emails The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew A non-departmental public body with exempt charitable status, established under the National Heritage Act 1983 Principal place of business: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB Kew Science (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** SMBE 2026: AI in Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics Abstract deadline is approaching (February 3) for oral and poster presentations at SMBE 2026 on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in molecular evolution and phylogenetics. The symposium title is "Powers and pitfalls of artificial intelligence for molecular evolution and phylogenetics." Specify symposium #S02 when submitting the abstract. SMBE annual meetings in Copenhagen (Jun 28-Jul 02, 2026) https://smbe2026.org/programme Invited Speakers are: Anne-Florence Bitbol - EFPL (?cole Polytechnique F?d?rale de Lausanne), Switzerland Sudhir Kumar - Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University, USA Symposium description Artificial intelligence (AI) may reshape the landscape of molecular evolution and phylogenetic analysis. A growing number of machine learning and deep learning methods are being developed for tasks ranging from inferring evolutionary trees and detecting selection to modeling sequence evolution and predicting protein structures. Yet many remain skeptical, as fundamental questions persist: What exactly do these models learn from biological data? How do their internal representations relate to established evolutionary principles? And crucially, what are their blind spots? This symposium is a forum for discussing the transformative potential and the critical limitations of AI and ML in evolutionary research. Speakers will explore how AI models capture patterns of evolutionary variation and divergence, and whether their learned representations and models genuinely reflect underlying evolutionary mechanisms. The session will also feature discussions of new methodological advances, emerging interpretability frameworks, and benchmark analyses testing the reliability and reproducibility of AI-driven inferences. Contact: s.kumar@temple.edu s.kumar@temple.edu (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** The American Society of Naturalists Proposals for Virtual Symposia at the ASN, SSB, SSE Joint Meeting Deadline Extended: Now due February 3, 2026 The American Society of Naturalists will be participating in a joint meeting with the Society of the Study of Evolution and the Society of Systematic Biologists in May and June 2026! This includes hosting a special symposium during a virtual conference of the three societies on May 20-22. Have an idea for this special symposium? We want to hear it! The ASN Symposium Committee invites you to submit proposals for a special symposium. Proposed symposium topics should support the Society's goal to advance the conceptual unification of the biological sciences and to further knowledge in evolution, ecology, behavior, and organismal biology. Topics could center around important emerging issues in evolution, ecology, or behavior or focus on a pivotal historical paper, tracing its impact and exploring current cutting-edge research inspired by this work. Proposals should include (1) a title; (2) a description of the symposium topic (up to one page); (3) a list of six speakers, including institutional affiliations, who have agreed to participate in the symposium; (4) a justification for the symposium, explaining why the topic and speakers are appropriate for an ASN symposium (up to one page). Please submit proposals by email (cas383@miami.edu) no later than midnight Eastern Time on February 3, 2026. Send your proposal as a single pdf attachment, under subject heading "ASN 2026 Virtual Symposium Proposal". In line with the ASN's commitment to diversity, we encourage including speakers from groups who have been historically excluded from STEM. Therefore, proposals that include a diverse list of speakers from a range of backgrounds, institutions, career stages, geography, gender, race, etc. are especially encouraged. Further, we especially encourage early career researchers to propose sessions as organizing symposia can advance their careers through building broader scientific networks and a record of scientific leadership. Additionally, the Society's selection committee will evaluate proposals based on their potential to attract a substantial audience and stimulate discussion, the significance and timeliness of the topic, and on the topic differing substantively from recent symposia hosted by the Society. Applicants will be notified of the decision before the end of February 2026. Christopher Searcy ASN Symposium Committee Chair Department of Biology University of Miami cas383@miami.edu