********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD positions in Sensory Biology Institution: La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia Start: 2026 We are seeking two PhD students to join a research group investigating the evolution and function of sensory systems and coloration, with a particular focus on insects. The projects address how animals perceive their environments, how sensory constraints and ecological conditions shape signal design, and how these interactions influence behaviour and fitness. Students will be based in the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment at La Trobe University and will be part of a collaborative, international research network. Project 1: Evolution of deep-red vision and infrared sensitivity in jewel beetles This project investigates how jewel beetles detect and use long-wavelength light and heat cues, and why these sensory abilities have evolved. Key questions include how deep-red vision and thermal sensing contribute to habitat selection, mate finding, and host detection. The project combines field and laboratory approaches, including behavioural experiments, electrophysiology, and microscopy, and involves collaboration with international experts in visual and thermal sensory biology. Project 2: Evolutionary functions of animal coloration in predator-prey interactions This flexible project focuses on how animal coloration evolves in response to sensory systems, ecological context, and selection imposed by predators and prey. Possible themes include signal detectability, camouflage, warning coloration, and how environmental conditions alter perception and signal efficacy. Work will primarily involve invertebrates (e.g. insects and spiders) and integrate behavioural ecology, sensory physiology, anatomy, and biomechanics. Environment and training La Trobe University is located in Melbourne, Australia, and offers a vibrant research environment with access to modern facilities and a diverse academic community. Students will receive training in evolutionary theory, experimental design, and quantitative approaches, and will be encouraged to develop independent, hypothesis-driven research programs. Applicants should have a strong interest in evolutionary biology, sensory ecology, or behavioural ecology, and hold a First-Class Honours or Master's degree (or equivalent). Prior research experience and publications are advantageous. Application deadline: 15 February 2026 To apply, please send the below to Amanda: A cover letter outlining relevant skills and experience A statement of personal research interests A CV Academic transcripts/grades Contact details for two referees (including a research supervisor) For enquiries, contact Dr Amanda Franklin (a.franklin@latrobe.edu.au) www.amanda-franklin.com Amanda Franklin (she/her) ARC DECRA Fellow, Lecturer Department of Ecological, Plant and Animal Sciences La Trobe University | Bundoora, Victoria 3086 Australia E a.franklin@latrobe.edu.au | W https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/afranklin La Trobe University | TEQSA PRV12132 - Australian University | CRICOS Provider 00115M Amanda Franklin (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD Position - Climate-mediated genomic variation in Canada lynx and snowshoe hares (Trent University) The Integrative Wildlife Conservation Lab at Trent University (Ontario, Canada) is seeking a PhD student to investigate climate-mediated genomic variation in Canada lynx and snowshoe hares, two iconic species of the North American boreal forest. Building on long-term ecological research on both species and an established frameworkfor whole-genome or genome-wide sequencing and analysis, this project willexamine whether genomic structure and signatures of selection exhibit predictable spatial and temporal patterns associated with environmental variation across their ranges. Both lynx andhares undergo pronounced population cycles, and variation in selection andgenetic structure may arise through cyclic dynamics and related environmental stressors affecting productivity and survival. This project will evaluate how genomic variation reflects local environmental conditions and population phase, and how these patterns can be incorporated into a landscape genetics framework to assess future connectivity, fragmentation, and climate-associated adaptation. The student will have flexibility to develop independent research questions within the overarching objectives of the project. The project will address questions such as: How does genomic structure vary across the sympatric distributions of Canada lynx and snowshoe hares? Do patterns of genetic diversity and gene selection covary between species,and to what extent does this variation reflect local environmental conditions? Do patterns of genetic diversity and gene selection vary across population cycles and is this variation associated with changes in natural stressors? Do signatures of selection correspond to environmental gradients associatedwith climate change, and how might future climate scenarios influence genomic variation and local adaptation? How might climate-mediated changes in habitat connectivity affect gene flowamong environmentally differentiated populations? The student will develop and apply contemporary genomic, bioinformatic, andlandscape ecology approaches, including whole-genome and/or transcriptome sequencing and/or genotyping-by-sequencing (3RAD). From these data the student will conduct population genomic analyses (phylogeography, population-assignent, Fst, Ne, inbreeding coefficients), , and landscape genetics (isoloation by distance, resistance and environement, signatures of selection). These will be integrated with Species Distribution Models (SDMs), climate projections, and spatial environmental data to generate predictive maps and quantify related patterns and uncertainty. The project is supported by existing whole-genome resources (including partial genome annotation) for both species (forthcoming) and extensive archived tissue samples collected over more than a decade. Qualifications MSc in Ecology, Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, or a related field At least one senior-authored peer-reviewed publication Strong quantitative and computational skills, including experience with R and bioinformatic workflows Interest in climate adaptation, landscape genetics, and integrative ecological genomics Ability to link ecological and evolutionary questions with genomic data Start date: Flexible (2026). Fully funded for 4+ years. To apply, please send a CV, unofficial transcripts, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for two references to dennismurray@trentu.ca. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. See www.dennismurray.ca for additional details. Dennis Murray CRC in Integrative Wildlife Conservation, Bioinformatics, and Ecological Modeling Director, Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment graduate program Trent University Peterborough, ON CANADA www.dennismurray.ca dennis murray (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Three Postdoctoral positions are offered at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy) in the lab of Hannes Schuler The Schuler lab is member of the Competence Centre for Plant Health , a joint institution which consists of several research groups in the field of Biology, Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Northern Italy. We are a young and dynamic research group studying various aspects of insect-microbe interactions in a collaborative atmosphere http://hschuler.people.unibz.it. We have received funding for two new projects and are looking for three team members with different areas of expertise to join our group. Position 1: Ecology of Eriosoma lanigerum This position investigates the ecological factors influencing the biology and distribution of the woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum, a globally significant pest in apple cultivation. Despite its economic importance and adaptability across diverse regions, there are still many unknowns regarding the environmental and biological drivers of its spread and persistence. The research aims to uncover these factors, providing insights into its lifecycle, adaptation strategies, and symbiotic relationships in different ecological contexts. Position 2: Genomics of Eriosoma lanigerum This position centers on the genomic analysis of Eriosoma lanigerum to better understand its global population structure and the role of bacterial symbionts in its biology. Although the genome of E. lanigerum has recently been published, there is a lack of population genetic studies and comprehensive investigations of its symbiotic communities. The research will focus on exploring genetic diversity, population dynamics, and the influence of both primary and secondary symbionts, contributing to a deeper understanding of this pest at a genomic level. Position 3: Phytoplasma genetic screening Phytoplasmas are bacterial pathogens that cause hundreds of plant diseases affecting many important vegetables and fruit crops, thus being responsible for high yield losses worldwide. We aim to unravel genetic differences of Apple proliferation phytoplasma and its co-occurrence and spatial distribution in apple orchards in Northern Italy. For position 1 we are looking for a candidate with a background in insect ecology with experience in insect sampling and ecological experiments of insect ecology. For position 2 and 3 we are looking for candidates with strong background in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. General requirements for the position: PhD degree in Biological, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology with a multidisciplinary profile. The candidate should have excellent communication skills and should be fluent in English. The projects are expected to start in spring 2026, but the starting dates of the positions are negotiable. Application deadline is 08.01.2026 (noon) For informal inquiries, and for questions about the hiring process, please contact Hannes Schuler hannes.schuler@unibz.it All documents for the application procedure can be found here: Position 1: https://www.unibz.it/en/home/position-calls/positions-for-academic-staff/8068-plant-pathology-and-entomology-prof-schuler-hannes-pos-1?groupt Position 2: https://www.unibz.it/en/home/position-calls/positions-for-academic-staff/8069-plant-pathology-and-entomology-prof-schuler-hannes-pos-2?groupt Position 3: https://www.unibz.it/en/home/position-calls/positions-for-academic-staff/8066-general-and-applied-entomology-prof-schuler-hannes?groupp Prof. Hannes Schuler Competence Centre for Plant Health Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Universit�tsplatz 5 I-39100 Bozen-Bolzano Tel: +39 0471 017648 hannes.schuler@unibz.it http://hschuler.people.unibz.it Schuler Hannes (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** CONFERENCE ON THE EVOLUTIONARY ROLE OF STRUCTURAL VARIATION !!!! Save the date: 8th - 10th of July 2026, Vila do Conde, Portugal !!!!! 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. 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. kick-off conference between the 8th and the 10th of July 2026 in Portugal We are excited to announce our inaugural conference at CIBIO-BIOPOLIS in Vila do Conde (near Porto), Portugal (8th to 10th of July 2026), bringing together researchers to launch this Special Topic Network. This event named "Trends in Biodiversity and Evolution: the evolutionary role of structural genomic variation" (TiBE-STRiVE)" will feature cutting-edge research presentations, foster interdisciplinary discussions, and initiate collaborative projects spanning the breadth of structural variant research. We will soon send more information about the network, on how to join STRiVE and how to register in the conference. For now, just save the date in your calendars! Looking forward to seeing you in Portugal! On behalf of the organization and STRiVE, Rui Faria Rui Faria, PhD 1. Researcher and SEAGEN Group Leader CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning Campus de Vairão Rua Padre Armando Quintas, nº 7 4485-661, Vairão, 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)