********************GradStudentPositions******************** PROJECT: We are hiring a PhD student in ancient DNA who will be based at the Centre for Palaeogenetics (www.palaeogenetics.com), and enrolled at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University. The project is aimed at investigating to what extent catastrophic black death and myxomatosis outbreaks on an isolated island affected the genomes of humans and rabbits, respectively. The project also aims to study how the microbes themselves evolved in response to the demographic and adaptive changes in the host taxa. The PhD project will be supervised by Anders G�therstr�m and Love Dal�n. APPLY HERE: https://su.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:910861/where:4/ DEADLINE: April 22nd, 2026 Love Dal�n (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** The Fishman (University of Montana, www.fishmanlab.org) and Finseth (Scripps College, www.findleyfinseth.com) Labs seek a postdoctoral researcher to collaborate on projects related to genome evolution in monkeyflowers. We (and the ideal candidate) have a strong interest in how centromere functional variation, satellite DNA evolution, and chromosome structure contribute to meiotic drive and speciation (and vice versa). The successful candidate will have bioinformatics skills, comparative and/or population genomics expertise, and the conceptual/theoretical/empirical background necessary to readily engage with multiple new chromosome-scale genome assemblies (Lovell et al. 2026) and (epi)genomic datasets. Yellow monkeyflowers (Mimulus guttatus species complex) are a rare system with active centromeric meiotic drive in natural populations (see Stark-Dykema, Finseth et al. 2026 for a recent update). This unique system allows for investigation of the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of centromeric drive, while diverse monkeyflower genomes extend the opportunity to explore the patterns and processes of chromosome evolution across deeper time scales. We anticipate that the postdoc will lead papers addressing key evolutionary questions about centromere turnover, as well as chromosome structural evolution, at both scales. We would be most excited for the postdoc to be fully integrated into the Fishman Lab (in Missoula MT, an awesome college town near Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks) or the Finseth Lab (in Claremont CA, an awesome college town near Los Angeles). However, the primary responsibilities of this postdoc will be the analysis and interpretation of existing or in-progress datasets, plus preparation of manuscripts. Therefore, we are willing to consider remote or partially remote situations for exceptionally motivated and prepared candidates. Engagement with other experimental, population genomic, and pedagogical (e.g., a formal summer undergraduate research program) components of the project is welcomed. In addition, the postdoc will be supported to develop independent research directions in areas of shared interest and to participate in professional development opportunities at UM and elsewhere. We are currently soliciting direct inquiries rather than formal applications for this open postdoctoral position. A start-date no later than September 2026 would be ideal, but we have some flexibility. The appointment will initially be for 1.5 year (~$66,000/year + benefits). Up to 1.5 years of additional support are possible assuming satisfactory performance and no change to our funding. Regardless of the postdoc's home location, the hire and benefits package will be managed through the University of Montana, an Equal Opportunity Employer whose processes follow all relevant federal laws. Potential applicants should email Lila Fishman (lila.fishman@umontana.edu) and Findley Finseth (ffinseth@scrippscollege.edu), briefly describing relevant interests/ background, raising any questions about the position/project, and attaching a CV. We'd also be happy to chat with interested folks in person at PEQG this summer, but please contact us in advance. Dr. Lila Fishman, PhD (she/her) Professor and Director, Ecology & Evolution Graduate Program Director, ECOR Plant & Insect Growth Facility Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula MT 59812 web: www.fishmanlab.org email: lila.fishman@umontana.edu University of Montana acknowledges that we are in the aboriginal territories of the Salish and Kalispel people. We honor the path they have always shown us in caring for this place for the generations to come. "Fishman, Lila" (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 EEVRYONE!!!! 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/). IMPORTANT INFORMATION and LINKS: Venue-Location: Quinta do Crasto, Vairao, Vila do Conde, Portugal Dates of the conference: 8th to 10th of July, 2026 Abstract submission deadline: 15 of April 2026 Communication of abstract acceptance: 20 of April 2026 Registration deadline: 30 of April 2026 Websites: https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/porto_about/ and/or https://tibe.biopolis.pt/ How to register and submit your abstract: https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/porto_registration/ or https://tibe.biopolis.pt/registrations/ and https://tibe.biopolis.pt/abstracts/ How to become STRiVE member (not mandatory to participate in the meeting): https://structuralvariantsstn.github.io/committee/ 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. Hurry-up! Talks are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. MAIN ORGANIZERS: Rui Faria, Aurora Ruiz Herrera and Marina Rafajlovic, 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), Joao Carvalho (CIBIO, U. Porto), Leonor Bezerra (CIBIO, U. Lisbon) On behalf of the organization, 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 abstract deadline has been extended to April 10th for this summer's ICCFGG conference at Cornell University from Jun 28 - Jul 1. The biennial International Conference of Canine and Feline Genetics and Genomics features sessions on canine and feline population genomics and evolution and keynote presentations by Andrew Clark (Cornell) and Zhiping Weng (UMass Medical). Please submit your talk or poster abstracts at the conference website, iccfgg.org, by April 10th. The conference website lists transportation and lodging options, and a number of discounted hotel rooms in downtown Ithaca are available for conference attendees. Transportation will be provided daily between downtown and the conference venue at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Letters of support are available if required for international travel. A limited number of travel grants (up to $750 each) are also available for students or researchers from underrepresented countries. This year's conference is graciously sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition and features numerous scientific sessions and activities. Registration includes tickets to the welcome reception on June 28th and to the gala dinner on June 30th at the historic Inn at Taughannock. Come learn about the latest advances in canine and feline genomics, and network with researchers, veterinarians and companies working in companion animal health and genetics. See you in Ithaca! The International Organizing Committee Adam Boyko (boyko at cornell dot edu) Claire Wade Eva Furrow Hannes Lohi Jeff Brockman Jeff Kidd Jeffrey Schoenebeck Jennifer Meadows Leigh Anne Clark Maja Arendt Adam Boyko (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)