********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Multiomic Anthropology and Primatology Laboratory for Evolution (MAPLE) at the Universit� de Montr�al, led by Dr. Joseph Orkin (bioanth.ca), invites applications for a funded PhD position in molecular primatology. The lab integrates genomics, proteomics, and microbiome research to study the evolution, adaptation, and conservation of wild primates. Application deadline March 25, 2026, for a start date in Fall 2026. Apply here:https://forms.gle/fYcQwgGVGn6Gm3gNA Project Description The PhD student will investigate ecological and anthropogenic influences on the molecular ecology and evolution of white-faced capuchin monkeys across Central America. The project integrates genomic, proteomic, microbiome, and ecological datasets to understand how environmental pressures shape primate diversity and adaptation in wild populations. It builds on an expanding multiomic dataset from multiple capuchin populations and offers opportunities for laboratory, computational, and field-based research. The student will receive training in population genomics, proteomics, and computational analysis of multiomic data and will develop independent research questions within the broader project. Opportunities will also be available to participate in field research at an established primate field site in Costa Rica. Applicant Profile The successful applicant will have a degree in biological anthropology, biology, bioinformatics, or a related field and experience working with genetic and/or proteomic data. Candidates with either a master�s degree or a strong undergraduate degree with research experience are encouraged to apply. Excellent written and spoken English is required (minimum C1 level). French language ability is preferred but not required at the time of application. Both Canadian and international candidates are encouraged to apply. Environment and Language The Universit� de Montr�al is one of Canada�s leading research universities and is located in Montr�al, a vibrant and affordable city with a strong international research community. Although the Universit� de Montr�al is a French-language university, knowledge of French is not required at the time of application but is advantageous. Language training is available, and many international students develop proficiency during their PhD. Multi-year funding is available through research assistantships and fellowships. Students will also be encouraged and supported in applying for external scholarships (e.g., NSERC, SSHRC, FRQ, Vanier, etc.). Joseph Orkin joseph.orkin@umontreal.ca (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Graduate position: UFribourg.TheoreticalEvolutionaryBiology PhD position in Theoretical Evolutionary Biology: "The evolution of monoecy in flowering plants" A 4-year PhD position is available to start September 1st, 2026 in the Department of Biology at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) as part of an SNSF-funded Ambizione research project led by Dr. Thomas Lesaffre (https://thomas-lesaffre.github.io/). Short scientific description: The way flowering plants distribute their reproductive resources between their male and female function is diverse. Most species are cosexual, meaning that individuals produce both pollen and ovules, but vary widely in how much they allocate to each function. Others have evolved polymorphic sexual systems where individuals specialise to varying degrees into their male or female function, so that essentially any combination of cosexual and unisexual male and female individuals may coexist in a single population. This great diversity of ways in which male and female function are distributed amongst individuals has attracted much attention from evolutionary biologists. As a result, the mechanisms driving its evolution are now thought to be fairly well-understood. However, plant sexual strategies do not only vary between individuals, but also within individuals, as sexual reproduction in flowering plants occurs through the production of many flowers that may each contain different amounts of pollen and ovules. This is most striking in the case of monoecy, where male and female function are carried by different flowers on the same individual. Monoecy is the second most frequent sexual system in Angiosperms after hermaphroditism (where flowers are bisexual), but the mechanisms driving evolutionary transitions to and from this system remain poorly understood. This is in part because theoretical models on sexual system evolution have focused on explaining variation at the individual level, leaving within-individual patterns of allocation largely unaccounted for. In this project, the PhD student will work together with Dr. Lesaffre to develop new theory exploring the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the diversity of within-plant patterns of allocation. Consider applying if you: * Hold (or will soon obtain) a Master's degree in biology, mathematics or physics. * Are interested in evolutionary ecology, especially that of plants and flowers. * Have a keen interest for mathematical modelling and conceptual thinking. * Enjoy problem solving and coding. The position is open to applicants worldwide. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Applications should be addressed to Dr. Lesaffre (thomas.lesaffre@unil.ch) before the end of the day on April 24th, 2026. Your application should include the following elements: * A personal motivation letter (one or two pages). * Your CV with the contact details of two references. * Your Master's thesis if available, or a short description of it in the form of an abstract. * Your academic transcripts. More practical information: The PhD position is funded for four years from September 1st, 2026. During that time period, the student will be registered at the doctoral school and will benefit from two fixed-term work contracts: an initial one-year contract followed by a three-year one. The gross annual salary is around 53'000 CHF per year (exact amount may be vary according to SNSF and institutional guidelines). Funding is available for conference, course and workshop attendance. Because Dr. Lesaffre does not currently hold a tenured position, the PhD student will be co-supervised by Prof. Thomas Flatt, who will be their official supervisor for the duration of their studies. Fribourg is vibrant medieval university town with a large student population situated close to the beautiful Alps and well-connected by train. It is a bilingual French/Swiss German part of Switzerland, with a French-speaking majority. Though research will be conducted in English and knowledge of local languages is not expected, learning a few words of French might prove useful in everyday life. Contact for further information: For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Lesaffre directly at thomas.lesaffre@unil.ch Thomas LESAFFRE (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Multiomic Anthropology and Primatology Laboratory for Evolution (MAPLE) at the Universit� de Montr�al (bioanth.ca), led by Dr. Joseph Orkin, invites applications for a funded PhD position in the multiomic anthropology of food. The lab integrates genomics, proteomics, and microbiome research to study the evolution, adaptation, and diet of humans and other primates. Ongoing research in the lab focusses on traditionally fermented foods and smoked salmon. Application deadline March 25, 2026, for a start date in Fall 2026. Apply here: https://forms.gle/HHv4zcigNiQ4mSi87 Project Description This PhD project is situated at the intersection of anthropology, food science, and multiomic research on traditional food preservation. It investigates how traditional food preservation practices such as fermentation, salting, and smoking shape the molecular, microbial, and biochemical properties of foods in culturally specific ways. The student will combine molecular approaches-including microbiome analysis, proteomics, and lipidomics-with anthropological perspectives on food traditions to examine how cultural knowledge and practice influence processes of food transformation, preservation, and meaning. The student will receive training in molecular laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, statistics, and ethnographic research. Applicant Profile The successful applicant will have a degree in biological anthropology, biology, food science, or a related field, and some experience working with microbiome, proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, or related molecular data. Candidates with either a master�s degree or a strong undergraduate degree with research experience are encouraged to apply. Excellent written and spoken English is required (minimum C1 level). French language ability is preferred but not required at the time of application. Both Canadian and international candidates are encouraged to apply. Environment and Language The Universit� de Montr�al is one of Canada�s leading research universities and is located in Montr�al, a vibrant and affordable city with a strong international research community. Although the Universit� de Montr�al is a French-language university, knowledge of French is not required at the time of application but is advantageous. Language training is available, and many international students develop proficiency during their PhD. Multi-year funding is available through research assistantships and fellowships. Students will also be encouraged and supported in applying for external scholarships (e.g., NSERC, SSHRC, FRQ, Vanier, etc.). Joseph Orkin joseph.orkin@umontreal.ca (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoc in Thermosensory Evolution Queen Mary University of London, UK --- About the Project: How do sensory systems adapt to novel thermal environments? The postdoc will lead a research project to investigate the evolution of temperature perception and thermotaxis across Drosophila species. Like many animal taxa, Drosophilids inhabit diverse habitats and can adapt to diverse temperature environments. This project aims to understand how evolutionary changes in sensory neurons and thermoreceptors contribute to these adaptations. This project will use closely related species pairs (D. santomea/D. yakuba and D. takahshii/D. lutescens) in which parallel preferences for cool temperatures have evolved in parallel. The postdoc will develop neurogenic tools in these species and use them to study evolutionary changes in thermoperception and to relate the differences to beahvioural changes. The position is for 4 years, supported by a Leverhulme Project Grant. --- About You: Candidates will hold a PhD in neurobiology, genetics, evolution, biology, or a related field. Candidates will need to have experience in at least one of the following: fly genetics, transgenics/CRISPR approaches, neurophysiology, comparative/evolutionary biology. --- About the Lab: The Arguello Lab (https://arguellolab.org) focuses on understanding the genetic and cellular bases of sensory evolution. What are the rapid changes that underlie differences in the way species perceive the world? Our approach is interdisciplinary and we combine wet and dry lab techniques to bridge evolutionary genomics, neurogenetics, and behavioural biology. The model organisms that we study are Drosophila species that come from diverse ecologies from around the globe. --- About QMUL: Queen Mary University of London is a research-intensive university and a Russell Group member. The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is one of the UK's elite research centres, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. It offers a dynamic multi-disciplinary research environment and hosts approximately 180 PhD students working on projects in the biological sciences. Our students and postdocs have access to a variety of research facilities/platforms supported by experienced staff, as well as a range of support services. Genomics is a particular focus within the School, with specific strengths in evolutionary genomics, population genomics, epigenomics, evo-devo, and functional genomics. The Biology Department hosts its own genomic facility and has recently developed a Research Centre on the theme: The Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics (https://www.seresearch.qmul.ac.uk/cefg/). --- Contact & Application: Informal inquires can be addressed to Roman Arguello: r.arguello@qmul.ac.uk To see the full advert details and to apply formally, please go to: https://qmul-jobs.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/appcentre-ext/brand-4/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/3/opp/8717-Postdoctoral-Research-Associate/en-GB Roman Arguello Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences Queen Mary University of London Mile End Road, Fogg Building 6.14a arguellolab.org Roman Arguello (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** University of Tennessee Knoxville: Post-Doctoral Research Associate Position in Evolutionary Biomechanics Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning April 17 and will continue until the position is filled. An employment application must be submitted through the UTK HR system for full consideration https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/7273. Job Description: The Evolutionary Mechanics Lab (https://eeb.utk.edu/people/michael-granatosky/) in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, led by Dr. Michael Granatosky, is seeking a motivated postdoctoral research associate to conduct comparative biomechanical and evolutionary research. The successful candidate will contribute to broad research themes in the lab, including the evolution of locomotor strategies, the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal mechanisms that underlie movement, and the ways animals meet novel biomechanical challenges in both natural and experimental contexts. Current efforts in the lab explore locomotor trade-offs across species, behavioral and mechanical strategies of injury compensation, and the anatomical and functional bases of performance. Additional information about ongoing work can be found on Dr. Granatosky's EEB profile (link above) and ResearchGate page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Granatosky The preferred start date for this position is August 1, 2026. Funding is available for an initial one year, and the position may be renewed for up to one additional year (maximum of two years total), contingent upon performance and the availability of funding. Extensions beyond two years would require the acquisition of additional external funding. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Responsibilities: The position will involve experimental design, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and participation in the development of external funding proposals. The postdoc will provide mentorship to undergraduate and graduate researchers in the lab and contribute to maintaining a collaborative, productive research environment. Research in the Evolutionary Mechanics Lab combines controlled laboratory experiments with opportunities for data collection at zoos and international field sites, and emphasizes broad training in biomechanics, anatomy, neuromuscular physiology, and comparative approaches. This position requires full-time, in-person work, with occasional evening or weekend effort during experiments or outreach events. Responsibilities may also require travel to zoos, field sites, or partner institutions for data collection and outreach. Qualifications: A PhD in organismal biology, biomechanics, comparative anatomy, evolutionary biology, or a closely related field. Applicants who are ABD will be considered, provided that all PhD requirements are completed by the start date (e.g., degree in hand by August). Knowledge of comparative biomechanics, evolutionary biology, and statistical/computational approaches relevant to biomechanical datasets. Skill in data collection and processing, including the use of high-speed videography, force plates, electromyography, metabolic systems, or morphometric methods. Ability to design reproducible experiments and analyze complex data using coding environments such as R, Python, or MATLAB. A strong record of publication demonstrating the ability to bring projects to completion. Ability to mentor student researchers and contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment. Ability to contribute to the development of external funding proposals. Preferred knowledge of advanced biomechanical modeling methods (e.g., musculoskeletalmodeling, multibody dynamics, finite element analysis). Preferred knowledge of imaging techniques such as CT/ìCT, ultrasound, or XROMM. Preferred skill in working with live animals, especially bats or small vertebrates, and supporting data collection at zoos or field sites. To Apply: Please attach the following materials to the online application https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/7273, and subsequently send them to Dr. Michael Granatosky (mgranato@utk.edu): Curriculum vitae A statement of research (up to 3 pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins) that includes: the candidate's educational background and prior research experience, current research focus and future research goals, perceived competencies in scientific writing, coding, statistical analysis, and experimental methods, a clear explanation of why the advertised postdoctoral position in the Evolutionary Mechanics Lab aligns with their interests and professional trajectory, an honest assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses, and what they hope to gain from this position and how it will support their long-term development as a scientist A PDF of a first-author publication (published or in press) Contact information for three references who can provide letters of recommendation upon request An employment application must be submitted through the UTK HR system for full consideration https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/7273.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning April 17 and will continue until the position is filled.Any questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Granatosky. Michael C. Granatosky, PhD Assistant Professor University of Tennessee, Knoxville Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Hesler Building, Room 342 "Granatosky, Michael C" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear all, If you want to strengthen your Python skills, we have three upcoming online courses designed for researchers in bioinformatics and life sciences: 1. Advanced Python for Data Science and Bioinformatics - Online, 23-26 March( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/advanced-python/ ) Build intermediate to advanced Python skills with hands-on coding exercises, focusing on typical workflows in biology and data science. 2. Genomic Data Visualisation with Python - Online, 22-24 June( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/genomic-data-viz-python/ ) Learn to create publication-quality visualizations for genomics data, including volcano plots, Manhattan plots, phylogenetic trees, and pangenome graphs. 3. AI-Powered Python for Bioinformatics - Online, 1-2 July( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/ai-powered-python/ ) Discover practical strategies to integrate AI coding tools (ChatGPT, Copilot) into Python workflows, including writing, debugging, and optimizing scripts for genomics and data analysis. For the full list of our courses and workshops, please visit: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/ai-powered-python/ ) Best regards, Carlo 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) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Hello EVOLDIR members Discover how new AI-driven coding methods can significantly streamline your scientific computational workflows. Agentic AI Coding for Computational Scientists is a 2-day seminar livestreaming March 30-31, led by Leonid Chindelevitch (School of Public Health, Imperial College London). This seminar introduces agentic AI coding techniques, focusing on practical, reproducible workflows that integrate AI assistants into research codebases. Researchers in evolutionary biology and genetics can apply these methods to accelerate complex simulations, refine statistical models for population genetics, or efficiently refactor legacy code for genomic data analysis. Participants will gain a methodological toolkit to embed agentic components into their data processing and modeling pipelines, enhancing the reproducibility and credibility of their empirical results. Sign up today (https://instats.org/seminar/agentic-ai-coding-for-computational-scie) to register, and we would appreciate you sharing this with colleagues and students who might benefit! Best wishes Michael Zyphur Professor and Director Instats | instats.org mzyphur@instats.org (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** The Computational Biology Core at the University of Connecticut is hosting a virtual Single Cell RNA-seq workshop this spring! We still have space available in our Single Cell RNA-seq Workshop (3 days, virtual - Mar. 24-26). This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the core principles of single-cell RNA-seq analysis. You'll learn about experimental design considerations for single-cell RNA-seq experiments, converting raw sequencing data into count or expression matrices, dataset quality control, clustering cells (UMAP, t-SNE), identifying cluster-specific markers and annotating cell types, integrating datasets across conditions, and performing trajectory analysis to study cell differentiation. Participants will gain practical experience working through commonly used tools and approaches in single-cell transcriptomics. Learn more & register here: https://bioinformatics.uconn.edu/cbc-workshops/ WHERE: Virtual (MS Teams - live sessions, recordings distributed) WHEN: March 24-26, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST COST: See website for registration details Registration is first come, first served. No prior bioinformatics experience needed! Questions? E-mail: cbcsupport@helpspotmail.com evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** The Computational Biology Core at the University of Connecticut is hosting in-person data science workshops this summer! We still have space available in our Introduction to R Workshop (10 weeks, in person - May 15-July 31). This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the core principles of R for data analysis and visualization. You'll learn how to import and organize data, work with common data structures, wrangle and tidy datasets using the tidyverse, build functions and pipelines, create effective visualizations, and run basic statistical analyses using real datasets and widely used R packages. No prior programming experience is required. We will start with the basics and build skills week by week. Learn more & register here: https://bioinformatics.uconn.edu/cbc-workshops/ WHERE: UConn Storrs Campus (room TBD) WHEN: Fridays, 1:00-2:00 PM EST COST: $500 (UConn affiliates) / $600 (External participants) Registration is first come, first served. Questions? E-mail: cbcsupport@helpspotmail.com "Lambert, Karelyn" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** European Conservation Genetics Meeting on August 26-28, 2026, in Antwerp, Belgium. Please visit our Website with information on the themes, keynote speakers, preliminary schedule,abstract submission (before April 30), registration/payment link, hotel accommodation and venue. This is an in-person meeting with 5 non-parallel sessions and poster sessions every day. We pay special attention to open (panel) discussions and early career researchers, and offer possibilities for an artistic experience and guided excursions to a nature reserve. Please, spread the news!" Peter Galbusera Research Coordinator - Antwerp Zoo Centre for Research and Conservation Peter Galbusera (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)