********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD-student position in Evolutionary and Ecological Genetics at Uppsala University. Do you want to conduct frontier research in an outstanding environment within evolutionary biology at Sweden’s largest faculty of science and technology? The Department of Ecology and Genetics at Uppsala University conducts world-leading research in biology, spanning from molecules to ecosystems and global biodiversity patterns. We are now looking to recruit a PhD student who wishes to develop their research career together with us. The Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG) at the Evolutionary Biology Center (EBC) is an international environment with staff that conducts research to understand ecological and evolutionary processes across all levels of biological organization. IEG provides access to advanced national and local research infrastructures, including free super computing resources (NAISS) and the latest molecular technologies and sequencing platforms (SciLifeLab platforms). IEG hosts a Climate Lab with controlled environmental chambers and greenhouses, a state-of-the-art molecular lab, and animal rearing facilities. PhD-students at IEG take courses free of charge to further their development with general academia and the specific research field. They can also join the PhD school which provides ample opportunities for networking on and off campus with PhD-students from the other two biology departments at Uppsala University (Organismal Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology). The position is offered by the research program in Animal Ecology at IEG. The program’s current research spans population genomics and quantitative genetics, local adaptation, biotic interactions, the evolution of life histories, speciation, sexual selection, conservation genomics, as well as macro-ecology. Duties A central question in evolutionary biology is whether evolution is repeatable, and whether the same genes contribute to repeated phenotypic adaptations. This question has important implications for predicting genetic responses to changing environments. Recent studies show that while phenotypic evolution is often repeatable, the underlying genes involved can be less predictable. This poses a challenge for using genomic data to predict a species’ evolutionary potential. This project will address this challenge by integrating mechanistic insights about phenotypic adaptation with genomic data to understand how species evolve adaptations to changes in their environment. The PhD candidate will work with the main supervisor David Berger and with the co-supervisor, SciLifeLab fellow Dr. Gabriela Montejo-Kovacevich, both at IEG. The project will leverage data from a large-scale Evolve-and-Resequence experiment in a cosmopolitan insect pest, the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus. This system allows us to study the roles of determinism and chance in the evolution of an organism’s environmental tolerance and ecological niche breadth. Extensive phenotypic, RNA-seq, and DNA pool-seq data are available from multiple time points in the experiment, which is still ongoing. The Berger lab maintains several other C. maculatus strains sampled across its global distribution and closely related seed beetle species. This provides opportunities for comparative genomics and additional experiments and data collection if the candidate wishes to further develop the project. The PhD project will involve a combination of experimental and molecular laboratory work and bioinformatic analysis, with emphasis on the latter. The exact balance between tasks may depend on the candidate's interests and the project's development. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate with other researchers in the Berger and Montejo-Kovacevich groups, as well as researchers from two other groups working on seed beetles at IEG. PhD students at the Institute of Ecology and Genetics (IEG) have the option to engage in teaching and to develop their pedagogic CV by taking courses. The type and level of teaching will depend on availability and the student's interests but cannot exceed 20% full-time employment. Teaching responsibilities will primarily involve assisting in undergraduate courses within the biology section. The position and funding is extended by the time the student has engaged in teaching. Further reading: Rêgo, Alexandre, Julian Baur, Camille Girard-Tercieux, Maria de la Paz Celorio-Mancera, Rike Stelkens, och David Berger. ”Repeatability of Evolution and Genomic Predictions of Temperature Adaptation in Seed Beetles”. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 2025, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-025-02716-5. Burc, Estelle, Camille Girard-Tercieux, Moa Metz, et al.. ”Life-History Adaptation under Climate Warming Magnifies the Agricultural Footprint of a Cosmopolitan Insect Pest”. Nature Communications 16, (2025): 827. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56177-2. Qualifications required - hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Bioinformatics, or a related field, or - have completed at least 240 credits in higher education with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or - have acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way (e.g. extensive research experience). - have a grasp of key concepts in ecology and/or evolutionary biology/genetics. - candidates must be able to express themselves at a high level in spoken as well as written English. - be highly motivated and curious and thrive in a collaborative environment. - be able to take responsibility for carrying out and finishing independent tasks and projects. Some of the following skills are highly desirable: - Have experience or proven interest with programming and scripting. - Experience with statistical analyses applied to quantitative genetic or population genomic data. - Experience working with bioinformatic pipelines using computer servers and clusters. - Experience with molecular lab work (for example: DNA extractions and/or library preparations). - Experimental work, such as experience working with experimental evolution or genetic strains. About the employment Scope of employment: full-time (100%), for 4-years. Starting date 2026-09-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala University. How to apply: The application should be written in English and include: 1) a letter describing yourself, your research interests, why you want to pursue a Ph.D., and why you are suitable for the specific position offered 2) your CV 3) a brief description of your education 4) a copy of your master’s degree and your course grades, if applicable, along with a copy of your master’s thesis 5) names and contact details of at least two referees (email addresses and phone numbers), and 6) any publications if applicable Link to the online application system: https://uu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:915464/type:job/where:125/apply:1 You are welcome to submit your application no later than May 22nd, 2026. For further information about the position, please contact David Berger Associate Professor, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University. david.berger@ebc.uu.se När du har kontakt med oss på Uppsala universitet med e-post så innebär det att vi behandlar dina personuppgifter. För att läsa mer om hur vi gör det kan du läsa här: http://www.uu.se/om-uu/dataskydd-personuppgifter/ E-mailing Uppsala University means that we will process your personal data. For more information on how this is performed, please read here: http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/data-protection-policy "david.berger@ebc.uu.se" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** A research assistant / lab technician position is available in my lab at KU to work on various projects geared towards exploring the genetic analysis of complex trait variation in flies. We work on a bunch of traits from aging to toxicant resistance, and this position will involve both fly work and molecular biology/genomics work. Experience with flies would be a plus, but isn't required. The formal announcement, and links to the institutional employment website are provided below. Feel free to email me with any questions. Stuart Macdonald (sjmac@ku.edu) Position Overview: A research assistant position is available in the Macdonald lab in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Kansas. We explore the genetic basis of complex trait variation using the fruit fly Drosophila as a model system, working on a diverse set of traits, including response to heavy metals and other toxicants, and lifespan/aging. The successful candidate will help maintain fly strains and populations of flies, supervise and carry out large-scale phenotyping screens, and perform a range of molecular biology procedures, including making next-generation sequencing libraries for various genomics applications. We are looking for an enthusiastic and organized individual who wants to learn new skills, and has excellent oral and written communication skills. Previous research assistants in the Macdonald group have undertaken independent research projects and have been authors on research publications from the lab. The position is funded through NIH grants and has an anticipated start date of June 1, 2026 (although this is very flexible/negotiable). Job Description: 50% - Generate, maintain and use Drosophila strains/populations for genetic analysis. Examples of the work include stock maintenance, preparing media, carrying out crosses, and assaying strains/populations for phenotypic variation (e.g., stress tolerance). 30% - Carry out a range of molecular biology procedures. Examples of the work include DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, and next generation sequencing library construction (e.g., for RNAseq or whole-genome sequencing). 10% - Perform general lab tasks, including inventory and ordering of supplies, and working with undergraduate students. 10% - Keep accurate and detailed records. Maintain an up-to-date and accurate lab notebook, keep a detailed digital record of all experimental results, and regularly present data/results to Dr. Macdonald. Required Qualifications: (1) High school diploma/GED and 4 years of related experience OR a Bachelor's degree in a related field. (2) Previous experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR), as evidenced by application materials. (3) Effective written communications skills as evidenced by application materials. Preferred Qualifications: (1) Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field. (2) Experience with Drosophila husbandry. (3) Significant laboratory experience, including troubleshooting and optimizing protocols. (4) Experience making next generation sequencing libraries (e.g., RNAseq libraries). (5) Prior experience managing large scientific projects, including managing undergraduate assistants. Application: For a complete announcement and to apply online, go to employment.ku.edu/staff/32410BR A complete application includes the following: (1) A cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the position, (2) a CV/resume highlighting pertinent experience relative to the required and preferred qualifications, and (3) contact information for three professional references. Informal queries about the position are welcome, and can be directed to Dr. Stuart Macdonald (sjmac@ku.edu, 785-864-5362). Review of applications will begin April 14, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Dr. Stuart J Macdonald he, him, his University of Kansas (785) 864-5362 sjmac@ku.edu Professor Department of Molecular Biosciences 4043 Haworth Hall, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045 molecularbiosciences.ku.edu Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3DpTXRo_gAAAAJ&hl= =3Den ORCiD: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9421-002X "Macdonald, Stuart" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the GENREP project – “The impact of repetitive sequences on the molecular evolution and architecture of bivalve genomes” at the Ruðer Boškoviæ Institute in Zagreb, Croatia. Project information: https://www.irb.hr/eng/Divisions/Division-of-Molecular-Biology/Laboratory-for-Molecular-Genetics/Projects/GENREP-The-impact-of-repetitive-sequences-on-the-molecular-evolution-and-architecture-of-bivalve-genomes The project investigates how repetitive DNA sequences, particularly satellite DNAs and transposable elements, shape genome architecture and drive molecular evolution in bivalve mollusks. These sequences play important roles in chromosome structure, gene regulation, and genome plasticity, yet many aspects of their evolution and function remain poorly understood. Using a combination of experimental and bioinformatic approaches, the research focuses on: • organization and evolution of repetitive DNA • interactions between satellite DNAs and transposable elements • comparative repeatomics across native and invasive oyster species Bivalves are ecologically and economically important organisms, and their genomes contain a high proportion of repetitive elements, making them excellent systems to study genome evolution and structural diversity. Location: Zagreb, Croatia Institution: Ruðer Boškoviæ Institute – Division of Molecular Biology Research field: molecular genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, repeatomics Application details: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/417380 DEADLINE: April 10th 23:55 For all questions contact PI at Eva.Satovic@irb.hr. Helena Bilandžija (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear all, We are pleased to announce the upcoming Physalia online course, Big Data Phylogeny and Comparative Methods: From Theory to Practice, taking place from 23-26 June. Course website: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/bigphylogenies/ ) This 4-day course offers a hands-on introduction to phylogenetic methods and comparative evolutionary analyses. Participants will learn to construct and interpret phylogenetic trees, map traits and gene families, apply phylogenetic comparative methods, and explore evolutionary dynamics from micro- to macroevolutionary scales. By the end of the course, participants will be able to perform reproducible phylogenetic analyses, visualize and interpret evolutionary patterns, and integrate genomic and phylogenetic data in applied projects. For the full list of our courses and workshops, please visit: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/ ) Carlo Pecoraro, Ph.D Physalia-courses DIRECTOR info@physalia-courses.org mobile: +49 17645230846 ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/physalia-courses-a64418127/ ) "info@physalia-courses.org" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)