********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD position: Evolutionary Physiology of Avian Energetics THE RESEARCH PROJECT We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to investigate the ecological and evolutionary significance of major energy metabolites (glucose and fatty acids) circulating in avian blood. Despite the central role of glucose and fatty acids in energy metabolism, we still lack an understanding of how variation in their circulating levels influences individual fitness and shapes life history evolution. The successful candidate will address these fundamental questions within a project funded by the Czech Science Foundation (GACR). The project provides a unique opportunity to learn and apply diverse methodological approaches: 1. Within-species approach utilising extensive longitudinal physiological data from a long-term study of barn swallows 2. Macroevolutionary comparative analyses across passerine birds, including tropical species 3. Metabolic phenotyping utilising targeted metabolomics and enzyme activity assays 4. Advanced statistical methods, including application of reaction norm analysis, segmented regression, quantitative genetics, Bayesian phylogenetic comparative models, and path analysis RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT The successful candidate will join the Avian Evolutionary Ecology Group at the Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno (IVB CAS), under the supervision of Dr Oldrich Tomasek. The research group, led by Prof Tomas Albrecht, is a dynamic team of full-time researchers, postdocs, PhD students, and undergraduates focusing on evolutionary ecology and physiology of birds. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with other team members and national and international collaborators. As IVB is a dedicated research institute, the candidate will enrol in the four-year PhD program at either Masaryk University (Brno) or Charles University (Prague), two of the leading research universities in Central Europe. FUNDING AND BENEFITS The position is funded through a combination of research grant salary and tax-free student stipend. The total net income for PhD students is guaranteed by recent legislation of the Czech Republic to ensure a comfortable standard of living. Additionally, IVB provides affordable accommodation in modern, well-equipped student apartments, significantly reducing living costs. QUALIFICATIONS Essential: - strong motivation for research at the intersection of evolutionary ecology and physiology - good verbal and written communication in English - MSc degree in Biology or related fields (in early fall 2026 at the latest) The following experience is an advantage: - capturing and handling birds, lab work, statistical analysis in R, manuscript writing and publication HOW TO APPLY Please merge the following documents into a single PDF and start the file name with your surname: - CV with standard details, research interests, previous experience, list of publications (if any) - motivation letter (max. 400 words) - contact information of previous mentors for references (preferable but not required) Submit your application at https://forms.gle/AFkpt4foeV5i8Zda9 Review of the applications begins on March 16, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. Official PhD enrolment is in June or October 2026, with the opportunity to start earlier in May as a research assistant. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONTACT For more information or if you cannot access the submission form, do not hesitate to contact me at tomasek@ivb.cz. Oldrich Tomasek Institute of Vertebrate Biology Czech Academy of Sciences Kvetna 8, 603 00 Brno E-mail: tomasek@ivb.cz https://www.ivb.cz/en/person/oldrich-tomasek/ bit.ly/tomasekscholar Oldrich Tomasek (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD Studentship Subject area: Genome biology and transposable elements University of Sussex Project title: Evolutionary dynamics of transposable elements in the genome ecosystem of eukaryotes Deadline: 7th March 2026 Link: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/evolutionary-dynamics-of-transposable-elements-in-the-genome-ecosystem-of-eukaryotes/?p194471 Transposable elements (TEs) are small pieces of DNA that move (transpose) and replicate their sequences independently of typical cell division during mitosis and meiosis. As a result of their activity over evolutionary time, TEs comprise the majority of eukaryotic DNA, for example ~50% of the human genome and up to 80-90% of the genome of plants. Initially considered as junk DNA, it is now known that TEs fundamentally shape genome function and evolution by affecting gene expression, rewiring regulatory networks, and driving change in chromosome size and structure. In recent years, research on TEs has accelerated with long-read sequencing and the exponential release of high-quality genomes, allowing comparisons at genome-wide level across the Tree of Life. In this project and by focusing on plants, the student will explore for the first time the relationship between different TE classes on the 'genome ecosystem' of their plant hosts at scale. TEs, like any other group of organisms, have a complex phylogenetic classification, and we aim to elucidate cases of conflict or cooperation as these arise when different TEs colonise the various niches of the genome, e.g. gene-rich regions, heterochromatic areas, or centromeres, and how this impacts genome function itself. Centromeres drive chromosome segregation during cell division, and are of particular interest because they form hotspots of TE invasion. How TEs invade centromeres is poorly understood, so we will analyse the sequence and folding of key TE genes across a large number of centrophilic and centrophobic TEs, aiming to pinpoint what drives convergent and recurrent centrophilia across TEs and hosts. The insights of this project are fundamental and central to further our understanding of the function and evolution of eukaryotic genomes. This project will rely heavily on computational analyses, so experience on bioinformatics/informatics is required. Please contact Dr Bousios directly via email (ab35@sussex.ac.uk) providing a CV and a cover letter explaining their interest and motivation in the project. Alexandros Bousios, PhD Royal Society University Research Fellow University of Sussex | UK alexandros.bousios@gmail.com | email http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/bousioslab/ | www http://infspire.org/ | www alexandros bousios | Skype Alexandros Bousios (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** The Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE) is pleased to announce the call for proposals for the 2026 Graduate Research Excellence Grants (GREGs), which consist of the R. C. Lewontin Early Award and the Rosemary Grant Advanced Award. These grants provide funding for evolutionary biology research for Master's and PhD students. Applicants must be members of SSE. Grants of up to $2,500 USD will be awarded to R. C. Lewontin Early Award recipients, and up to $3,500 USD will be awarded to Rosemary Grant Advanced Award recipients. Visit the website for further instructions, eligibility requirements, and guidance for writing your research proposal, including samples of previously funded proposals: https://www.evolutionsociety.org/content/society-awards-and-prizes/graduate-research-excellence-grants.html Deadline: May 18, 2026 SSE Communications (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Researcher Salary:37,500 - 45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Contract:3 years, full-time Location:John Innes Centre,Norwich, UK. Closing date: 25 March 2026 Reference: 1006056 An opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the newly appointed group of Dr Hassan Salem at the John Innes Centre in the Department of Molecular Microbiology. About the John Innes Centre: The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits.Our strategic vision,Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet,sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management.Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre. About the Salem Group: The Salem Group studies the evolution, function, and adaptive consequences of herbivore-microbe symbioses. Our research focuses on how extracellularbacterial symbionts upgrade host digestive physiology, enable dietary specialization, thereby facilitating herbivory. By integrating comparative and population genomics, symbiont transcriptomics, functional genetics, microscopy, and biochemical assays, we investigate how streamlined symbiont genomes maintain host-beneficial functions, how symbiont gene expression dynamically matches host nutritional demands, and how digestive symbioses originate and persist over deep evolutionary time. Our work aims to uncover general principles governing the emergence, maintenance, and evolutionary impact of obligate mutualisms. We seek a postdoctoral researcher to lead mechanistic and multi-omics studies of obligate symbiosis, building directly on our recent work. The Role: Working as part of a team led by Dr Hassan Salem, and in collaboration across the Department of Molecular Microbiology, and the research groups of Dr.Aileen Berasategui (The Sainsbury Laboratory) and Dr. Tatsuya Nobori (The Sainsbury Laboratory) you will investigate the developmental basis of symbiosis in beetles. This role will include: Designing and conducting symbiont- and host-focused transcriptomic and genomic analyses, including tissue- and cell-type-specific approaches targeting symbiotic organs. Applying functional genetic tools to manipulate symbiont or host pathways (e.g., RNAi, heterologous expression). Reconstructing and testing symbiont-encoded metabolic pathways, linking gene content and expression to host physiology and performance. Using confocal microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunostaining to localize symbionts, host tissues, and gene expression patterns. Integrating evolutionary, ecological, and functional data to understand how symbiosis shapes host diet breadth, adaptation, and diversification. Disseminating results through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and mentoring of students. The ideal Candidate: You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in evolutionary genomics, molecular biology, microbiology, entomology, chemical ecology, or a related discipline. The successful candidate will have: Experience with RNA-seq, comparative genomics, or pathway-level analyses, ideally in host-microbe systems. Experience with or strong interest in functional genetic manipulation of insects (e.g., RNAi, CRISPR). Familiarity with confocal microscopy, FISH, and/or interest in spatial gene expression methods. Strong computational skills for biological data analysis (preferably R and/or Python). Demonstrated ability to develop independent, hypothesis-driven research at the interface of evolution and mechanism. You will also have excellent communication skills, experience mentoring students or visitors, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment. Additional information: For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.jic.ac.ukor contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 ornbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.ukquoting reference 1006057. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options. We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme. The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Laura Booth Associate CIPD HR Advisor (Recruitment) Human Resources Personal Pronouns: She/Her NBI Partnership, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UH Tel: 01603 450308 or Ext 2308 The NBI Partnership Ltd provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute and the Quadram Institute Bioscience This e-mail and any attachments are confidential and may also be privileged. If you are not the named recipient, please notify the sender immediately and do not disclose the contents to another person, use it for any purpose, or store or copy the information in any medium. Although this e-mail and any attachments are believed to be free from any virus or other defect which might affect any system into which they are opened or received, it is the responsibility of the recipient to check that they are virus free and that they will in no way affect systems and data. No responsibility is accepted by NBIP for any loss or damage arising in any way from their receipt, opening or use. Any opinion or other information in this e-mail or its attachments that does not relate to the business of NBIP is personal to the sender and is not given or endorsed by NBIP. "Laura Booth (NBI)" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** [Conservation Genetics - ConGen Global - Brazil] [Extended deadline for early application] We are pleased to announce the 2026 edition of the international course 'Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics (ConGen Global)', which will take place at an Atlantic Forest natural reserve in Brazil. The ConGen Global course is an intensive, hands-on training program in conservation genetics and genomics. Sponsored by the American Genetic Association (AGA) and directed by Dr. Stephen J. O'Brien since 1996, ConGen Global has trained conservation scientists from around the world for three decades to apply genetic and genomic tools to real-world conservation and management decisions. In 2026, ConGen will be held in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's great biodiversity hotspots and among its most threatened ecosystems. The course will take place at the Vale Natural Reserve (RNV) in Linhares, Espírito Santo, a ~23,000-hectare reserve. This setting where fragmentation, endemism, and restoration are conservation realities allows lectures, computational labs, and case studies to connect directly to on-the-ground priorities in Brazil and across South America. Course format and curriculum ConGen2026 is a 10-day program built around: - Morning lectures and interactive discussions focused on study design, theoretical concepts and practical applications in the field of conservation genomics. - Afternoon hands-on computer tutorials on conservation genomics (genomic data quality control and filtering; SNP calling; genomic diversity; population structure and admixture; estimating and interpreting ROHs; estimating genetic load; estimating demographic history and conducting population genetic simulations; estimating adaptive Evolution) using reproducible pipelines. - Evening keynote lectures highlighting case studies that connect methods to conservation practice. - Practical workshop on generating and analyzing genomic data from wildlife species. - Poster presentations by students throughout the course, with constant feedback by faculty. - Rotating "faculty tables" at meals, mentoring hours, and project clinics embed networking into the daily routine. All teaching materials (slides, code pipelines, datasets) are shared openly for post- course reuse and capacity building. Faculty and admissions ConGen2026 will be taught by 15-20 faculty, including global leaders of the field, and will admit 25-30 students. Selection will prioritize scientific merit, regional representation, gender balance, and need-based support. Dates and location August 3-13, 2026 Vale Natural Reserve (RNV), Linhares, Espírito Santo, Brazil Fees and support Application is free. Registration fees are due only after acceptance and confirmation. Registration fee: $2,500 USD Includes: tuition, shared lodging, meals, and local transportation Not included: airfare, visa costs, travel insurance, personal expenses Scholarships: reserved primarily for participants from low-income countries. If awarded, scholarships cover expenses in Brazil (registration, room, and board) but do not cover international travel. Scholarships require a separate application and are available only to accepted participants. Apply by March 10 to be considered in full. Applications submitted after March 10 may be subject to a $250 late registration fee. Apply here: http://congenglobal.org/brazil2026/ Thank you for your interest we look forward to receiving your application. Eduardo Eizirik, PhD Professor Titular Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida - PUCRS Av. Ipiranga, 6681, prédio 12 Porto Alegre, RS 90619-900 Brazil Email: eduardo.eizirik@pucrs.br http://www.pucrs.br/researchers/eduardo-eizirik ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9658-0999 Instituto Pró-Carnívoros www.procarnivoros.org.br Curriculum Vitae na Plataforma Lattes/CNPq: http://lattes.cnpq.br/3626004211018550 Eduardo Eizirik (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** CONFERENCE ON THE EVOLUTIONARY ROLE OF STRUCTURAL VARIATION 8th - 10th of July 2026, Vila do Conde, Portugal !!!!REGISTRATION and ABSTRACT SUBMISSION is NOW OPEN FOR STRIVE NETWORK MEMBERS!!! Dear colleagues, The ESEB Special Topic Network on "Structural variants in evolution-STRiVE" was established in 2025 and brings together researchers from across the globe to study how structural variants, ranging from transposable elements to large chromosomal rearrangements such as inversions or fusions and fissions, shape genome evolution, adaptation, and speciation (https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/). Through collaborative research, standardised methods, seminars, meetings, and training initiatives, we aim to bridge communities and unlock the diversity of structural variants and their evolutionary implications across the Tree of Life both from an empirical and theoretical perspective. The Trends in Biodiversity and Evolution (TiBE) conference is an annual meeting organized by BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Portugal, providing a platform for senior researchers, as well as post-graduate and graduate students, to present and discuss the latest developments in evolutionary biology. We are organizing a joint conference "Trends in Biodiversity and Evolution: the evolutionary role of structural genomic variation" (TiBE-STRiVE)" that will feature cutting-edge research presentations, foster interdisciplinary discussions, and initiate collaborative projects spanning the breadth of structural variant research. This will be the kick-off conference of the STRiVE network (https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/). Registration in the conference (and abstract submission) is now open for members of STRiVE (see link to the form here: https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/porto_registration/) and will open in March 16th for everyone else. If interested, see the link below on how to become a network member. IMPORTANT INFORMATION and LINKS: Venue-Location: Quinta do Crasto, Vairao, Vila do Conde, Portugal Dates: 8th to 10th of July, 2026 Registration and abstract submission open on the 25th of February 2026 for STRiVE members, and on the 16th of MARCH for everyone else. Talks are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. How to register and submit your abstract: https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/porto_registration/ More information about the conference:https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/porto_about/ How to become STRiVE member: https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/committee/ STRiVE network Website: https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/ Follow us on Bluesky (@strivestn.bsky.social). INVITED SPEAKERS: Mark Kirkpatrick, Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA Joana Meier, Cambridge University & Welcome Sanger Institute, UK Two additional early career speakers will be invited to present a talk based on the quality their abstracts MAIN ORGANIZERS: Rui Faria, Aurora Ruiz Herrera and Marina Rafajlovic Other members of the organizing and scientific committee: Marius Roesti, Petr Neguyen, Kay Lucek, Maren Wellenreuther, Jenn Coughlan, Zach Gompert, Claire Merot, Benjamin Dauphin Local organizing committee; Pierre Barry (CIBIO, U. Porto), Ralph Merrifield (CIBIO, U. Porto), Susana Almeida (U. Algarve), Jo�o Carvalho (CIBIO, U. Porto), Leonor Bezerra (CIBIO, U. Lisbon) On behalf of the organization and STRiVE, Rui Faria Rui Faria, PhD 1. Researcher and SEAGEN Group Leader CIBIO, Centro de Investiga��o em Biodiversidade e Recursos Gen�ticos, InBIO Laborat�rio Associado BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning Campus de Vair�o Rua Padre Armando Quintas, n� 7 4485-661, Vair�o, Portugal 2. Invited Assistant Professor, Department of Biology Faculty of Sciences at the University of Porto, Rua Campo Alegre s/n 4169-007, Porto, Portugal Webpages: Littorina Research Community https://rmigueldefaria.wixsite.com/farialab-1 https://sites.google.com/biopolis.pt/littorina/winklewatch Rui Faria (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** The Animal Behavior Society (ABS) is offering multiple Charles H. Turner Awards to attend its annual conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, US. from July 14 - 18, 2026. Turner Awardees will receive financial support to travel to the annual conference, including conference registration, airfare, ground transportation, hotel/lodging, and some meals. Position Overview: The Turner Award is a travel grant that supports the goals of increasing the participation of undergraduates at the ABS annual conference and the diversity of our membership within the society. Awardees will work one-on-one with mentors and facilitators, in cohorts of their peers, and in individual reflection to understand how graduate education and membership in the Animal Behavior Society may become part of their professional trajectory. Responsibilities: Turner Fellows will participate in a one-day workshop (July 13) structured to integrate students into both the meeting experience and the broader community of the Animal Behavior Society. Throughout the conference (July 14-18) they will engage in professional development activities, cohort building, and identity tasks that will celebrate the uniqueness of "Being a Turner." Qualifications / Requirements: Students who are members of groups traditionally under-represented in the sciences are particularly encouraged to apply (including but not limited to students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, ability/disability status, gender diversity, etc.). Applicants for the Turner award may be at any stage of their undergraduate career (not secondary school) or recently graduated, but may not have started a graduate program prior to the annual meeting covered by the award. As part of the application process you will be asked to have one individual familiar with your academic or research work submit responses to a recommendation form within one week of the application deadline. The link to submit the recommendation will be sent directly from the ABS to the person you list in your application once the completed application is submitted. Note: students are responsible for acquiring all required documentation (visas, passport) to enter the US. How to Apply: https://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/web/awards-turner.php Application Deadline: March 23, 2026 Flavia Barbosa (she/her) Associate Professor of Biology Lake Forest College 555 N. Sheridan Rd. Lake Forest, IL 60045 Office: LIL 262 https://sites.google.com/view/barbosalab/ barbosa@lakeforest.edu (847) 735-6046 Book office hours: https://calendly.com/flaviabarbosa/flavia-s-office-hours "Barbosa, Flavia (She/Her/Hers)" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)