********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD position in evolutionary ecology of social interactions in stickleback Socio-Eco-Evo Group, Division of Evolutionary Ecology Institute of Ecology and Evolution (IEE), University of Bern Project Description and Work Environment A fully funded 4-year PhD position, supervised by Dr. Jordan Martin and Prof. Katie Peichel, is available in the newly formed Socio-Eco-Evo group hosted within the IEE Division of Evolutionary Ecology. This position is part of the SNSF Ambizione project "Socio-eco-evolutionary dynamics in stickleback: The parallel co-evolution of social behavior, morphology, and plasticity in response to predation". We are studying how social plasticity has shaped the pace of stickleback's behavioral and morphological adaptation to predation in novel freshwater environments throughout southern Greenland. The project and position will be completed in close collaboration with Blake Matthew's group at Eawag. Seehttps://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2435.70132for a theoretical introduction to the topic of social plasticity and socio-eco-evolutionary dynamics, as well ashttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ele.14382for an overview of the study population. The IEE in collaboration withEAWAGprovide a world-leading scientific environment for the career development and intellectual enrichment of the PhD student, along with ample opportunities for networking and collaboration within a large community of graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and professors. The IEE is full of diverse, international, and interdisciplinary research groups, including our own Division of Evolutionary Ecology. Within our division and the Socio-Eco-Evo research group, we strive to create a lab environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. This includes a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination or harassment. The University of Bern is situated near the heart of one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, which also happens to be a vibrant center for contemporary arts and culture. The quality of life in Bern is very high, and endless outdoor adventures in the alps and elsewhere are in close vicinity. The starting date of the PhD position is ideally September 1, 2026, with some limited flexibility contingent on whether the student has finished their master's program. The starting salary is approximately 50,000 CHF and includes social security contributions. What You Can Achieve The PhD project will involve collaboration in multiple seasons of fieldwork in Greenland, where we're studying 30 ecologically diverse populations of stickleback, as well as a large common garden experiment in Switzerland. Responsibilities will include intensive, methodical collection of behavioral, morphological, and genomic data, as well as routine animal care in and leadership over the experimental study. Statistical and genomic analyses will be led by the project supervisors, with ample opportunity for learning. Students will be provided flexibility and hands-on mentorship to help develop their own research questions within the broader scope of our two primary project goals: 1. Quantifying phenotypic and genomic diversity across lakes. What is the relative importance of plasticity versus genetic differentiation for explaining variation in social behavior and morphology among populations? How do tradeoffs between or integration among behavior and morphology shape the direction and magnitude of population divergence? How does social plasticity shape the evolvability of behavior and morphology via direct and indirect genetic effects? 2. Inferring the predictability of (co)evolutionary responses to predation. Does predation have consistent effects on genetic variation and plasticity in social behavior and morphology? How predictable is parallel evolution of social plasticity, behavior, and morphology across lakes at the phenotypic and genomic levels? Is behavior a leader or follower of morphological adaptation, and does social plasticity influence the pace of this evolutionary change? Your Profile Candidates should be highly motivated, independent, and conscientious, while also exhibiting a keen desire to work collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues. We welcome applications from individuals with a strong background in behavioral ecology and animal behavior, particularly those with training in evolutionary biology. Prior experience successfully carrying out behavioral experiments in the field and/or laboratory is essential, and training with automated coding techniques for such experiments is highly valued. Preference will be given to candidates who have familiarity with R and Bayesian statistics, have worked with fish or in aquatic habitats, and/or have training in evolutionary genetics, morphometrics, or social evolution. A love of animals and the outdoors will also be appreciated. Candidate's letter of motivation should concretely describe how they fit these criteria, as well as their reasons for pursuing this specific project and a PhD in evolutionary biology more generally. Candidates must have good communication skills in English, which is the working language at our institute. A master's degree in biology or a closely related subject is required, and the position is open to applicants worldwide. We are committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in ecology and evolution, and so we especially encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. Submission process Please submit your application or inquiries to Jordan Martin (jordanscott.martin@eawag.ch) by 27 March 2026. Applicants must submit one merged PDF application file that includes a letter of motivation (1-2 pg), a CV, names and contact details of two referees for letters of recommendation, copies of any published research papers, a copy of the master's thesis (if complete) or abstract, as well as recent academic transcripts. Please see https://socioecoevo.weebly.com/opportunities.html for further details Dr. Jordan Scott Martin Postdoctoral Researcher Fish Ecology and Evolution Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology ETH Domain, Switzerland "Martin, Jordan Scott" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD Position (w/m/d, 65 %, EG 13 TV-L, 3 years) Genetic Basis of Drought Adaptation in Brassica rapa Institute for Plant Ecology and Evolution, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf (HHU) The Institute for Plant Ecology and Evolution invites applications for a PhD position investigating the ecological and genetic mechanisms of rapid adaptation to climate change. Our group combines ecological studies and resurrection approaches with quantitative genetics and ecological genomics to study evolutionary responses in natural plant populations and the genetic basis of adaptive traits. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project examines two Californian Brassica rapa populations that show parallel phenotypic shifts under drought but differ genetically. Using common gardens, quantitative genetic approaches, and genomic analyses (SNP data, GWAS, QTL mapping), the PhD student will quantify trait variation and covariation, identify the genetic architecture of drought-adaptive traits, and assess how environmental and genetic factors shape trait correlations. YOUR TASKS: - Set up and analyze resurrection-based common garden experiments at HHU - Process and analyze phenotypic, environmental, and genomic datasets - Conduct GWAS, QTL mapping and quantitative genetic analyses - Present results at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals - Supervise students and contribute to teaching activities within the institute YOUR PROFILE: Required - MSc in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, population/quantitative genetics, or related - Strong background in evolutionary ecology and quantitative/evolutionary genetics - Experience with NGS data processing or population genomic analyses - Strong organizational, solution-focused, and team-working skills - Excellent English communication skills Preferred - Experience with plant experiments (e.g., common gardens/greenhouse) - Proficiency in statistical data analysis and programming (R, Python, bash) - Experience with GWAS and QTL mapping workflows - Demonstrated scientific writing experience - Good German skills - Lawful ability to work in the EU WE OFFER: - A DFG-funded position in a growing research institute with strengths in plant ecology, evolution, and genomics - Potential association with TRR 341 and close links to CEPLAS - Structured doctoral training (iGRAD, JUNO, HeRA) - An international, supportive, and family-friendly working environment TO APPLY: Submit one PDF including: (i) Cover letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing your experience, research interests, as well as motivation and fit for the position; (ii) CV including publication list and contact details of two references; (iii) BSc and MSc certificates and transcripts. Send applications by 02.03.2026 to elena.hamann@hhu.de, subject line: Application PhD Genetics. Expected starting date: as early as possible. For questions contact Prof. Elena Hamann and see https://www.plantecoevo.hhu.de. Jun.-Prof. Dr. Elena Hamann (she/her) Institute of Plant Ecology and Evolution Heinrich Heine University D�sseldorf Universit�tsstrasse 1 - Building 22.07, Room 01.025 D-40225 D�sseldorf Germany Tel: +49-211-8115637 E-mail: Elena.hamann@hhu.de Lab website: https://www.plantecoevo.hhu.de/ ps. I may work and write at unconventional hours, but do not expect others to do so. "Hamann, Elena" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Seasonal Field Tech, Velotta Lab: Position Summary The Velotta Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is seeking to hire one seasonal field technician to assist with research on the ecology of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in Colorado and in collaboration with Nathan Senner’s lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The project is focused on understanding how deer mouse physiology and population dynamics are influenced by parasites and environmental variation. The field technician will assist with all aspects of fieldwork, with opportunities for learning research skills throughout the season. The technician will work closely alongside a PhD student at the University of Denver and another seasonal technician. The position will run from April 15, 2026 - October 15, 2026. Airfare, shared field housing, food, all necessary equipment, and an hourly rate of $19.29/hour will be provided. To apply see: https://jobs.du.edu/en-us/job/498599/seasonal-field-technician-velotta-lab This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year. Essential Functions Maintenance of a small mammal trapping grid. Capture, handling, and tagging of deer mice. Field physiology including respirometry (metabolic rate measurement). Field behavioral trials. Working in the plains and mountains in sometimes rugged terrain. Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, and inclusiveness. Required Qualifications Interest in mammalian ecology, field biology, physiology, species interactions, and/or related fields. Comfortable living and sleeping in close quarters with the team. Comfortable working at high elevations in sometimes rugged terrain. Strong work ethic, eagerness to learn fieldwork and research methods, and ability to work well on a team and independently in challenging physical conditions and sometimes stressful scenarios. Applicant must be adaptable, communicative, cooperative, and detail oriented. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience with fieldwork and following research protocols Previous experience with small mammal trapping and handling Familiarity with respirometry Evidence of strong teamwork abilities Physical Demands/Working Conditions This position requires working in mountain environments in challenging physical conditions - including high elevation, bright sun, rain, snow, fog, and walking long distances. The position requires lifting heavy objects (~50lbs) at high elevations. Work Schedule The position will run from April 15, 2026 – October 15, 2026. Work hours may vary throughout the season, with efforts requiring both working early in the morning and late into the evening. Application Deadline For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) February 24, 2026. Special Instructions Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.eduto be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted. Salary Information Airfare, shared field housing, food, all necessary equipment, and a stipend of $19.29 per hour will be provided. The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status. Benefits: The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver. Please include the following documents with your application: 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement. Sarah Senese(she/her) PhD Student, Velotta Lab Department of Biological Sciences University of Denver Office: SGM 278 Note: Regardless of the time I send this email, I do not expect you to read, take any action, or reply to this email outside of your usual working hours Sarah Senese (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear all, We are pleased to announce our upcoming online course: Statistical Methods for Metatranscriptomics Dates: 27-29 April Course website: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/metatranscriptomics/ ) This three-day workshop provides an in-depth introduction to advanced statistical and computational methods for analysing metatranscriptomic data, which capture gene expression profiles from complex microbial communities. Participants will gain hands-on experience in R/Bioconductor to perform data normalization, differential expression analysis, network construction, functional interpretation, and multi-omics integration. Daily live sessions will run from 14:00 to 18:00 Berlin time. For the full list of our courses and workshops, please visit: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/metatranscriptomics/ ) 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******************** ****Workshop in phylogenetic comparative methods for early career biomechanists**** OVERVIEW OF WORKSHOP Do you study biomechanics, locomotion, or functional performance? Are you a primarily experimental biologist who would like to expand your work to multiple species? Have you heard about phylogenetic comparative methods but are unsure how they might apply to your research field? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," you may be interested in an upcoming summer workshop on phylogenetic comparative biology. The Moen lab in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the University of California, Riverside, will hold a summer workshop on phylogenetic comparative methods in evolutionary biomechanics. This workshop is part of an NSF CAREER grant focusing on the evolution of locomotor mechanics. Phylogenetic methods for analyzing trait evolution will be covered, particularly those methods most directly related to the evolution of biomechanical systems. A key goal of the workshop is to expose early career researchers with more experimental, single-species experience to methods and perspectives helpful in studying the evolution of their study system by analyzing data from multiple species. No previous experience with these methods is required. Most expenses for attending the workshop will be covered. As a consequence, participation is limited to a maximum of 16 participants. We expect applications to be competitive. ELIGIBILITY Participants should be mid-level to advanced Ph.D. students or post-docs at any stage. We will also consider early-career faculty members if the fit of their research goals highly overlaps with the workshop material. Strong applicants will have experience in one or more of the following research areas: biomechanics, locomotion, muscle physiology, and functional morphology and performance. Prior work in R will be especially helpful, though less-experienced participants will be provided materials to learn more prior to the workshop. Because learning will be facilitated by having your own data to analyze, we are particularly looking for applicants who have an interspecific dataset they can analyze or those who plan to soon collect such a dataset. More generally, we seek highly motivated applicants with a desire to expand their research into studies of phylogenetic comparative biology. WORKSHOP AND APPLICATION DETAILS Workshop format: Most days will include lectures on the theory of methods, followed by hands-on exercises with R tutorials. We may also discuss key research papers, which will be provided to participants in advance. The workshop will finish with participants analyzing their own datasets, using the methods they have learned. Participants without their own dataset will be provided with one. Workshop dates: The workshop will take place at the Owens Valley Station of the White Mountains Research Center, near Bishop, CA, from 21-27 June. Most participants will be expected to arrive to the Ontario, CA, airport prior to the workshop, either late Saturday (20 June) or early Sunday (21 June). We will pick up participants from Ontario on Sunday, 21 June, and head to the reserve. Those from southern California may alternatively make arrangements to arrive at UC Riverside and ride with us to the workshop. And those from northern California or Nevada could drive directly to the workshop. Within reason, travel arrangements may be flexible. Field station details: While close to Bishop, the Owens Valley Station is still a field station. The lodging is rustic with shared, dorm-like rooms and bunk beds. Bathroom facilities are likewise shared. There are no single rooms. Please do not register unless you are comfortable with the idea of being at a field station or sharing a room, though we are happy to provide more details if you are uncertain. Stays at the station include meals made by an on-site cook, though participants will occasionally help set up or clean up for meals. Dietary offerings are broad and can accommodate nearly any preferences or restrictions. Please see the station's website for more details: https://www.wmrc.edu/owens-valley-station/ Details of financial support: All participants will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $500 in travel expenses to Ontario. Additional travel support may be available given need. Travel to and from the field station will be provided by us. Lodging and meal expenses while at the station will be fully covered. Application deadline: Review of applications will begin on 15 March 2026, though we will still consider applications until we have filled all available seats in the workshop. Applications must include: (1) A cover letter answering the following questions: (a) Why do you want to participate and what do you hope to learn? (b) In which part of your current or future research do you envision yourself using phylogenetic comparative methods? (c) Do you have or plan to collect an interspecific dataset you could analyze as part of the workshop? (d) What is your previous experience with data analysis in R? With phylogenetic comparative methods in particular? (e) Do you anticipate needing additional travel support beyond the $500 for travel to San Jose? If so, what alternative sources of financial support are you seeking (e.g., other travel grants)? (f) What is the contact information for your recommendation letter writer (email and phone, if possible)? (2) A full CV (3) One recommendation letter from a research advisor or supervisor. The letter should address your motivation for applying and how the methods would fit in the context of your current research and plans. No letters are required for faculty applicants. Please submit the cover letter and CV as a single PDF in a single email to Oscar Cuellar Valencia (ocuel002@ucr.edu) and Daniel Moen (dmoen@ucr.edu). Please use the subject line "PCM workshop application " and name your file the same as the subject line. Recommendation-letter writers should send their letters to the same two email addresses with a similar subject line. These letters are due on the same date as applications. If you have any questions about the workshop or application process, you can email Oscar before applying. Daniel Moen (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)