********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Raptor-research group at the Department of Animal Behaviour is searching for a new team-member with a focus on behavioural experiments in the field for the beginning of 2024. Our research group studies the ecology of local raptor species regarding the behavioural ecology and interactions of Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo), Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) and Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo). The Eagle Owl has experienced an impressive comeback in the last decades. At the same time this species does not only exert pressure on birds of prey such as Buzzard and Goshawk through competition for prey and breeding sites, but also as a predator ("intraguild predation"). The consequences of the Eagle Owls expansion on the behaviour and habitat choice of the Common Buzzard are not yet understood. The current project includes experiments on the territorial behaviour of Common Buzzards towards Eagle Owl and Goshawk and the acquisition of data on their breeding habitat (nest environment, forest patch size, distance to roads etc.) in our approximately 300 km² large study area near Bielefeld. The behavioural tests will be conducted using Eagle Owl and Goshawk dummies. The field work requires the usage of a private vehicle. The costs for fuel are of course reimbursed. The field season is constituted of a mapping phase (mid-March to May) followed by an experimental phase (May to max. August). Analyses will be performed subsequently. The estimated duration of the project is at least six months. We therefore offer a six-month stipend as support (750 euro /month). Requirements We apply established ornithological methods during our yearly field season (e.g. nest searching and checks, bird-ringing), which involve a high workload in the field but are equally rewarding. A background in ornithology is beneficial, but not required. Most importantly, we are searching for enthusiastic and autonomous students. Of course, there will be introductory training at the beginning of the field season. You will also be a part of our bird-ringing teams sampling raptor nestlings. We view the successful conclusion of your project and field season as a superb basis for a future PhD position. Supervision The supervisors of the project are Dr. Nayden Chakarov (nayden.chakarov@uni-bielefeld.de) and Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger. Applications should be submitted by 15.01.2024 ----- The Raptor-research group at the Department of Animal Behaviour is searching for a new team-member with a focus on parasitology for the beginning of 2024. Our research group studies the ecology and evolution of local raptor populations and their blood parasites (Haemosporida), which represent Malaria-like protists transmitted by mosquitoes, blackflies and biting midges. Blood parasite diversity is high and accompanies the evolution of their hosts. Simultaneously, blood parasites are also drivers of evolution and should be considered at least equally representative of biodiversity as metazoan species. In the current project we aim to study the spatiotemporal occurrence of blood parasites in a raptor population that has been studied for the past decades. The focus lies on understanding the influence of environmental factors and habitat properties on the diversity and occurrence of these parasites. The project includes sample acquisition and parasitological analysis (microscopy, molecular methods) of blood samples of Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo) and other raptor species. Furthermore, you will acquire data on breeding habitat properties (nest environment, distance to water bodies etc.) in our approximately 300 km² large study area near Bielefeld. The field work requires the usage of a private vehicle. The costs for fuel are of course reimbursed. The field season is constituted of a mapping phase (mid-March to May) followed by a sampling phase (May to max. August). Analyses will be performed subsequently (the application/implementation of advanced methods is favourable). The estimated duration of the project is at least six months. We therefore offer a six-month stipend as support (750 euro /month). Requirements We apply established ornithological methods during our yearly field season (e.g. nest searching and checks, bird-ringing), which involve a high workload in the field but are equally rewarding. A background in ornithology or parasitology is beneficial, but not required. Most importantly, we are searching for enthusiastic and autonomous students. Of course, there will be introductory training at the beginning of the field season. We view the successful conclusion of your project and field season as a superb basis for a future PhD position. Supervision The supervisors of the project are Dr. Nayden Chakarov (nayden.chakarov@uni-bielefeld.de) and Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger. Applications should be submitted by 15.01.2024 "Chakarov, Nayden" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** BYU.Evol.Genomics.Insects Graduate positions: rapid genome evolution, biodiversity genomics, insect phylogeography Application deadline: Jan 15, 2024 The Sproul Lab at Brigham Young University is recruiting prospective PhD/MS students to begin Fall 2024. Positions for two fully funded graduate students are available. Research in the Sproul Lab centers on themes of insect biodiversity, repetitive DNA, rapid genome evolution, and the interface of the three. Training opportunities in the lab span organismal biology, collections-based research, high-elevation field biology, molecular benchwork, computational biology, and bioinformatics.Additional information on the Sproul Lab is available here: https://biology.byu.edu/sproul-lab Three available graduate projects include (see lab website link above for additional details): Mechanisms of rapid genome evolution in high-elevation ground beetles. This project will investigate molecular mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of rapid genome evolution in beetles for which repeats account for wholesale turnover of 40% of genomic sequences between closely related species. Potential training opportunities include long-read (i.e., PacBio HiFi) genome sequencing and assembly, RNA sequencing, fluorescencein-situhybridization, computational biology, and bioinformatics. Repetitive DNA dynamics across insects. This project will investigate how repetitive DNA dynamics shape genome evolution across broad evolutionary scales and better extend repetitive DNA genomics to the biodiversity community. Potential training opportunities include repetitive DNA genomics, genome sequencing and assembly, computational biology, and bioinformatic tool development. Species delimitation and phylogeography in montane insects. We have ongoing interest in new species discovery and phylogeography projects in high elevation ground beetles (Carabidae) as well as stoneflies (Plecoptera). This research takes us to beautiful alpine and sub-alpine habitats across western North America. Potential training opportunities in organismal biology, taxonomy, phylogenomics/population genomics, species delimitation methods, field biology. Interested applicants should please email a current CV, a brief statement that describes your interest in the Sproul Lab, and any questions to: john_sproul@byu.edu. Prospective applicants with interests and experience that overlaps and/or complements Sproul Lab research will be invited to meet via Zoom to further discuss their interest and potential fit in the lab. Many (but not all) projects in the lab include major computational components. Both students with prior computational/coding experience, and students strongly motivated to learn new computational skills are encouraged to reach out. BYU's beautiful campus sits on the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains in Provo, Utah (USA). The Biology Department has broad expertise in evolution, ecology, bioinformatics, and biology education as well as excellent facilities to support graduate research. The biology graduate program comprises a vibrant community of students from all over the world working on diverse topics. PhD students in the department are guaranteed stipends via teaching or research assistant positions for each semester enrolled, and a full tuition scholarship for all semesters enrolled for up to 5 years. Master's students receive guaranteed funding support fall and winter semester for two years. For more information about the BYU Biology graduate program: https://gradstudies.byu.edu/departments/biology For general information about applying to the graduate school at BYU: https://gradstudies.byu.edu John S. Sproul, PhD Assistant Professor of Biology Brigham Young University 701 E University Parkway Drive Department of Biology 4102 LSB Provo, UT 84602 Phone: (801) 422-0363 Email: john_sproul@byu.edu John Sproul (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** JOB: Senior Bioinformatician in Insect Sensory Evolution - London (UCL/NHM) Location: London (UCL/NHM) Duration: 2.5 years Salary: 37,099 + London Weighting(5k p.a.) We're hiring! Join us as Senior Bioinformaticianon a 3 yr NERC: Natural Environment Research Councilfunded project on sensory evolution of wasps, involving data from genomes, morphology, comparativeanalyses. You'll work with a vibrant, inclusive team - Seirian Sumner and Cintia Oifrom UCL, Gavin Broadfrom NHM London and Eyal Privman from Univ. Haifa. We're looking for a highly experienced bioinformatician, who's skilled in handling large-scale genomic data, statistics and analyses including gene evolution, gene synteny, gene regulation and exon structure across large datasets of chromosome-level genome sequences. The candidate will also have experience in conducting phylogenetic analyses of trait evolution, an aptitude for the use of machine learning approaches and have an interest in interpreting genomic data within an evolutionary framework. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people and women. No need to like wasps.. but a curiosity about them might help! #WaspLove More information and instructions for application here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs/details?nPostingId=7806&nPostingTargetId=18093&id=Q1KFK026203F3VBQBLO8M8M07&LG=UK&languageSelect=UK&mask=ext Deadline 18th Dec. Queries: s.sumner@ucl.ac.uk Seirian Sumner | Professor of Behavioural Ecology Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research Dept. Genetics, Evolution and Environment | University College London Gower Street | London WC1E 6BT (+44) 020 3108 7851 | @WaspWoman http://www.sumnerlab.co.uk/| www.ucl.ac.uk/cber http://www.soapboxscience.org/| http://www.bigwaspsurvey.org/ Book - Endless Forms: The Secret World of Wasps English: http://tinyurl.com/UKwasps; http://tinyurl.com/USwasps Dutch: http://tinyurl.com/NLedition German: https://tinyurl.com/WaspsGerman "Sumner, Seirian" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Director of the Queen's University Biology Station (QUBS) and the Baillie Chair in Conservation Biology The Department of Biology at Queen's University invites applications for the linked positions of the Director of the Queen's University Biology Station (QUBS) and the Baillie Family Chair in Conservation Biology, with a focus on avian conservation, evolution, and ecology. This tenure-track appointment will be at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in the Department of Biology with a preferred start date of July 1, 2024. Queen's University Biology Station (QUBS) Queen's is committed to advancing the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to guide global action and for this has been recognized in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings as a leading institution in the world. To contribute to this goal, the Department of Biology and QUBS undertake impactful research and training in biodiversity science & conservation. QUBS is one of the top scientific field stations in Canada, and for almost 80 years has facilitated research and teaching on a growing land base of over 3,400 ha, located just north of Kingston Ontario. QUBS' mandate focuses on teaching and research in ecology, evolution, conservation, and related sciences, and active stewardship to conserve its lands, waters, and biodiversity. The environment at QUBS has high conservation value and includes small lakes, wetlands, shorelines, and habitats ranging from abandoned farmland through rocky barrens to mature second-growth forests. QUBS lies within the Frontenac Forests Important Bird and Biodiversity Area and the Frontenac Arch World Biosphere Reserve with over 30 species at risk making their home on QUBS lands, including the Cerulean Warbler, Wood Thrush, Golden-winged Warbler, Wood Pewee, and Whip-poor-will. The Department of Biology is a dynamic research and training environment with 25 faculty that fosters highly collaborative research in cell and molecular biology, aquatic sciences and fisheries, ecology, evolution and behavior, and conservation biology. The Baillie Family Chair in Conservation Biology The Baillie Family Chair in Conservation Biology was established with a generous gift from the Baillie family to strengthen research in conservation and biodiversity and to enrich teaching at Queen's. The preferred candidate will have access to research funding associated with the Baillie Chair and will be expected to undertake research in avian conservation biology. We welcome applicants who engage in transformative research, teaching, and land-based learning. Applicants should have a versatile approach to collaboration with colleagues from diverse fields of science, and interest in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. For both teaching and research, the candidate will have a lab in Biology and office on the main Queen's campus in Kingston and access to facilities at QUBS including a new research and teaching building equipped with molecular, GIS, and aquatics labs; a large aviary; and a long-term swallow nest box grid. The candidate should have a vision for the importance and role of field stations and contribute to fundraising efforts that support QUBS operations including research support, scholarships for students, funding for stewardship and land acquisition, and outreach. Qualifications Candidates must have a PhD and multiple years of experience in academic, government, or NGO settings with strong leadership, administrative, and interpersonal skills. The main criteria for selection are academic and teaching excellence in conservation and avian biology, and the desire and passion to help reverse biodiversity decline and inspire others to contribute to conservation. Candidates should provide evidence of scholarly achievements that demonstrate innovative original research, ability to secure external research funding, outstanding teaching contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the ability to work collaboratively in a transdisciplinary and student-centered environment. As the incoming Director of QUBS, experience in administration, including program development, human resources, fundraising, networking and community outreach, and collaborative grant writing are important. The successful candidate will embrace and work in partnership with ongoing Indigenous initiatives at QUBS and Queen's. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Institution Queen's University has a long history of scholarship, discovery, and innovation that shapes our collective knowledge and helps address some of the world's most pressing concerns. Home to more than 25,000 students, Queen's offers a comprehensive research-intensive environment. Diverse perspectives and a wealth of experience enrich our students and facultywhilea core part of our mission is to engage in international learning and research. In 2023, for the third year in a row, Queen's University has ranked in top 10 globally Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, securing the position of third worldwide and first in North America. The rankings measured over 1,700 post-secondary institutions on their work to advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). >From Nobel Prize-winning research exploring the building blocks of the universe to cancer care and treatment to sustainable technologies, our university is tackling humanity's most pressing challenges. A member of the U15 group of Canadian research universities, Queen's is home to a vibrant research community that includes 33 Canada Research Chairs and over 20 research institutes who work in partnership with communities, governments, and industry to advance research and innovation, making a measured impact on Canada and the world. Faculty and their dependents are eligible for an extensive benefits package including prescription drug coverage, vision care, dental care, long term disability insurance, life insurance and access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program. Employees also participate in a pension plan. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying employees, their spouses and dependent children. Queen's values families and is pleased to provide a 'top up' to government parental leave benefits for eligible employees on maternity/parental leave. In addition, Queen's provides partial reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for employees with dependent children in daycare. Details are set out in the Queen's-QUFA Collective Agreement. For more information on employee benefits, see Queen's Human Resources. Vaccination Requirements Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point. The City The University is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe, in historic Kingston on the shores of Lake Ontario. Queen's is an integral part of the Kingston community, with the campus nestled in the core of the city, only a 10-minute walk to downtown. Kingston's residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life with a wide range of cultural and creative opportunities, with access to many natural areas and proximity to vibrant First Nations Communities including Tyendinaga and Akwesasne. Kingston is a unique Canadian city of 125,000 with a distinct blend of history, recreation, industry, and learning. Kingston offers waterfront living with many recreational opportunities. It is within a two-and-a-half hour drive (two-hour train ride) to the commercial, industrial and political hubs of Toronto, Montreal, and the nation's capital, Ottawa, and a thirty minute drive from the international bridge linking Ontario and upstate New York. The city is also the origin of the historic Rideau Canal system - a UNESCO International Heritage site, and is close to Frontenac Provincial Park, the Thousand Islands National Park, and the Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Visit Inclusive Queen's for information on equity, diversity and inclusion resources and initiatives. How to Apply The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minority and Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Applications from all qualified candidates will be considered in the applicant pool. In order to support your employment at Queen's, we require you to indicate whether or not you will need a work permit. In addition, the impact of certain circumstances that may legitimately affect a nominee's record of research achievement will be given careful consideration when assessing the nominee's research productivity. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions. A complete application consists of: - Cover letter, indicating whether or not you will require a work permit and/or support with an extension of your work permit in the future. - Your Curriculum Vitae. - Statement of your vision for the role and administration of field stations like QUBS for scholarship and education (maximum 2 pages). - Statement of your most significant contributions, and an outline of your future research directions with emphasis on QUBS and environs (maximum 2 pages). - Statement of teaching interests and experience, especially with respect to conservation and teaching in Biology and at QUBS (maximum 2 pages). - Diversity statement describing your past and planned commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in your research and teaching (maximum 2 pages). - If applicable, we encourage a statement explaining any career interruptions that have impacted your record. - Contact information for three people who could provide references upon request. The deadline for applications is February 1st, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to send all documents in their application packages electronically as PDFs to Anne Dumont at ad142@queensu.ca, although hard copy applications may be submitted to: Dr. Brian Cumming Department of Biology, BioSciences Complex, 116 Barrie St., Kingston, ON K7L 3J9 The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant's accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Dr. Brian Cumming at: cummingb@queensu.ca Academic staff at Queen's University are governed by a Collective Agreement between the University and the Queen's University Faculty Association (QUFA), which is posted at http://www.qufa.ca. Anne Dumont (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Assistant Professor of Disease Ecology Job #JPF01846 Candidates should address key topics in the ecology and evolution of directly transmitted or vector-borne infectious disease in human or wildlife populations. Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology / College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences / UC Riverside Position overview Position title: Assistant Professor Salary range: $74,600 - $97,200 base Anticipated start: July 1st 2024 Application Window Open date: November 27, 2023 Next review date: Monday, Jan 22, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled. Position description The Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Disease Ecology, starting July 1, 2024. Candidates should address key topics in the ecology and evolution of directly transmitted or vector-borne infectious disease in human or wildlife populations, including but not limited to: factors and interactions influencing the transmission of emerging infectious diseases; host movement or behavior as they relate to pathogen transmission; spatial processes influencing disease invasion or persistence; disease dynamics in multi-host or multi-vector systems; population dynamics, genetics and immunology of hosts or reservoir species; links between global change and disease dynamics; feedback between ecological and evolutionary dynamics; or the cultural, social, behavioral, and economic dimensions of pathogen transmission and disease. Approaches to studying the ecological patterns and/or processes of disease can include experimental, theoretical, comparative, behavioral, immunological??"microbiological, biogeographic??"macroecological, and vector- and disturbance-focused perspectives. Candidates proficient in the application of advanced statistical and epidemiological modeling approaches are encouraged. The successful candidate will join a vibrant community of researchers in the EEOB Department and its graduate program, as well as across several life sciences programs and a medical school. These include the GGB (Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics), Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Entomology graduate programs, all of which involve outstanding interdepartmental groups of faculty. Other collaborative research groups on campus include the Center for Conservation Biology, the Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, and the Environmental Dynamics and GeoEcology (EDGE) Institute. The successful candidate will have access to genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microscopy cores, a stem cell core facility, a high-performance computing cluster, and the UC Natural Reserve System, an outstanding network of field stations in diverse California ecosystems. Consult https://eeob.ucr.edu for further details. Applicants will be expected to develop a creative, extramurally funded research program. Teaching responsibilities may include participation in existing courses in introductory biology, ecology and evolution, development of new curricula related to disease ecology, and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. The UC salary consists of a base pay of $74,600 - $97,200 for Assistant Professors and additional off-scale to be commensurate with market value, qualifications and experiences. The off-scale portion of the salary will be maintained as long as satisfactory academic progress is made. Additionally, the off-scale will be maintained subject to market adjustments to the UC salary scale. Basic qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include: demonstrated research experience and excellence in disease ecology or a related area. Additional qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of hire include: A Ph.D. in biology, ecology, evolution or a related field. Preferred qualifications for this position include: postdoc experience. The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HRSU). Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification. To apply: submit the following to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF01846. - Cover Letter ??" Short cover letter describing background and interests. - Curriculum Vitae - Statement of Teaching - This statement should be a concise description of the applicant's teaching and mentoring philosophy and include past experience and future teaching and mentoring plans. (2-page maximum) - Statement of Research/Scholarly Activities (2-page maximum) - Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence (2-page maximum) ??" The University of California is committed to excellence and equity in every facet of its mission. Applicants should summarize their past and planned contributions in relevant areas of faculty achievement that promote equal opportunity and diversity. These contributions to diversity and equal opportunity can take a variety of forms including specific actions and efforts to advance equitable access to education, public service that addresses the needs of diverse populations, research in a scholar's area of expertise that highlights inequalities, or mentoring and advising of students and faculty members, particularly from underrepresented and underserved populations. - Up to 3 reprints - Letters of Reference ??" At time of submission, applicants should provide contact information and request letters of recommendation from 3 referees to be submitted through AP Recruit, Letters will need to be submitted to AP recruit from the letter writers by January 22, 2024. Evaluation of applications will begin on January 22, 2024 and proceed until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date. For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Helen Regan, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, helen.regan@ucr.edu. For inquiries regarding the application process, please contact Melissa Resendez, Academic Personnel, melissa.resendez@ucr.edu. Advancement through the Professorial ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input. University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy: As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application) Demonstrated research experience and excellence in disease ecology or a related area. Additional Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Disease Ecology or a related area and demonstrated excellence in research are required. Ph.D. candidates must have their degree by the date of hire. Preferred qualifications Postdoctoral experience The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification. Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Statement of Research Statement of Teaching Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence - In a "Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence", we ask applicants to describe their past and/or potential future contributions to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which is a key requirement of the role of every faculty member and administrator at UCR. There are numerous ways to contribute, and a commitment to this part of our mission can be reflected through research, teaching, supervision, mentoring, community engagement, service, and any of the other varied activities that are a part of an academic career. Up to 3 reprints Reference requirements 3 letters of reference required Please provide the contact information for three references. You will need to request the confidential reference letters via AP Recruit as part of your application. Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF01846 Help contact: melissa.resendez@ucr.edu About UC Riverside The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. Job location Riverside, CA *Joel L. Sachs* *Professor & Chair, * Evolution Ecology & Organismal Biology University of California, Riverside Chair's Office 2745 Life Sciences Building Office (951) 827-6357 / Fax (951) 827-4286 / http://www.sachslab.com Zoom: http://ucr.zoom.us/my/Sachsevolution *Post address*: Sachs Lab - UC Riverside 3401 Watkins Dr., 1229 Spieth Hall, Riverside, CA 92521 joels@ucr.edu (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama seeks applications for a full-time (12-month), non-tenure-track Instructor position, beginning August 15, 2024. An earned M.S. or Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field is required. Duties include lecturing, laboratory coordination, and laboratory instruction for General Biology for Majors or Non-Majors. There are also opportunities to teach/develop upper-division courses. The successful candidate will be committed to employing evidence-based practices in teaching and demonstrate an understanding of the needs of a student population in great diversity in age, cultural background, ethnicity, primary language, and academic preparation through inclusive course materials and teaching strategies. Prior college teaching experience as instructor of record is preferred. For more information about the Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama, please visit the following link: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/artsandsci/biology/. To apply: Send by email in a single PDF document the following: (1) letter of interest, (2) current curriculum vita, (3) teaching philosophy, (4) unofficial transcripts, and (5) names of three references to Jackie Howell at jackiehowell@southalabama.edu. We will only reach out to references if you pass the initial review stage. The successful applicant will ultimately need to arrange to have all official graduate and undergraduate transcripts sent directly by the Registrars of all colleges attended to the University of South Alabama. Review of applications will begin January 22, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. The University of South Alabama is an EO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. Jason Strickland, Ph.D. (He/Him/His) Interim Assistant Chair and Assistant Professor, Department of Biology Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology University of South Alabama Earth and Life Sciences Building Room 222 (ELSB 222) 5871 USA Dr. N Mobile, AL 36688 Office: 251-460-7310 @sssting_lab on Instagram @SSSTING_Lab on Twitter Jason Strickland (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Curator of Entomology and Assistant Professor in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology or another appropriate department The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History seeks applications for a dynamic Curator of Entomology with an outstanding track record of specimen-based and interdisciplinary research for a joint, tenure-track appointment as Curator of Entomology and Assistant Professor. Although Assistant Professor is the anticipated hiring rank, the Associate Professor rank may be considered based on experience and qualifications. The position is rostered in the Museum, with tenure home in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology or another academic department at CU relevant to the ecology and evolution of insects. Teaching responsibilities will be split between the tenure home department and the Museum & Field Studies Graduate Program in the Museum. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will have research expertise in one or more areas including (but not limited to) insect comparative genomics, cutting-edge systematics, macroevolution, responses to environmental change, and/or ecophysiology. Strong preference will be given to candidates that demonstrate effective, large team cross-disciplinary projects, as evidenced by publications, grants and productive collaborations/partnerships. This research program will build on the Museum's collections and unique strengths in the study of organismal responses to environmental change through time. The successful candidate will take a leadership role in advancing the Museum's entomology collection, will engage with undergraduate and graduate students, and will demonstrate genuine interest in contributing to the Museum & Field Studies Masters and Professional Certificate Program. The Entomology Section houses over 1.4 million specimens, with strengths in Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and Coleoptera. More information about the Museum and the Entomology Section can be found at: https://colorado.edu/cumuseum. Applicants must have a doctoral degree and strong research, curatorial, teaching and mentoring credentials as well as a thoughtful approach to DEI goals. For more details see the full job ad and application portal: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=53360. Application materials must be submitted electronically, beginning Dec. 5, 2023. The application package should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, representative publications, statements of research, teaching, curatorial experience and vision, and diversity and inclusion goals along with names and contact information for three references. Review of applications begins Jan. 8, 2024. Contact: christy.mccain@colorado.edu. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Sincerely, Christy Christy McCain McCain Mountain Lab Professor, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Curator of Vertebrates, CU Museum of Natural History University of Colorado Boulder christy.mccain@colorado.edu http://spot.colorado.edu/~mccainc Pronouns: she, her, hers Christy McCain (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** I am looking for someone interested in building statistical models of large-scale disease dynamics, particularly in Oklahoma (though there is the possibility of working on pretty much any disease system that interests you). This is part of an NSF funded project that will be starting up in January 2024 and going for at least three years. There are several positions available as part of the project, the one in my lab will be funded for two years. We will also be hiring two more post docs next year. It's a large collaborative project with a unique team including faculty in Integrative Biology (my lab), Geography, Mathematics, History and Communications. The project is unusual in that it will be a true collaboration between researchers in biology, mathematics and the social sciences. The primary mission is to model COVID-19 outcomes across counties and urban areas of Oklahoma. However, there is also room in the project to develop additional projects on other disease topics you find to be of interest. For example, we already have projects spun up look at variation in tuberculosis case numbers across Oklahoma, the driver profile of documented Oklahoma disease outbreaks from 1980 to the present, and an investigation of factors that drove variation in outcomes among urban populations during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. Salary will depend on experience level, but it will be a minimum $55,000 even for someone out of their PhD and will be enough to live quite well in Stillwater. To apply and see the formal job ad please use Interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/136743 Your application should include a (1) a cover letter telling me why you are interested in the position and think you are a good fit, (2) a CV, (3) at least one representative publication and (4) the names of three referees. Any application received before December 17th will certainly still be fully considered. However, I expect to be taking applications until at least January 1st based on past experience. If you have any questions e-mail me at patrick.stephens@okstate.edu. Patrick R Stephens Assistant Professor Department of Integrative Biology 420 Life Sciences West Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078 patrick.stephens@okstate.edu (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Two researcher positions in evolutionary and conservation biology: the evolution of ecological success in small populations Why do some populations fail to survive changing environmental conditions (e.g., extinction) while others thrive and even spread outside their historical range (e.g., biological invasions)? Can we predict whether a population facing a new environment will contract, displace, or expand? Join us as a researcher at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (Naples, Italy) and the University of Ferrara (Ferrara, Italy) to explore the evolutionary processes underlying range shifts in a marine snail. The FIASCO project is fully funded and involves a broad network of local and international collaborators (see https://raffinifrancescalab.weebly.com/the-fiasco-project.html). The project Illuminating range shifts through evolutionary FIASCO: contrasting FaIling And Successful ColOnizations in replicated wild populations Anthropogenic disturbances and climate changes can lead to rapid population declines, shifted geographic distributions, or rapid adaptation to new conditions. The drivers and implications of this disparity in species' responses remain puzzling. We explore the evolutionary mechanisms underlying range shifts by contrasting naturally replicated dispersal events in a marine snail. We leverage multidimensional information from whole genomes including chromosomal structural variants, phenotypic traits, and local habitat to clarify why some range shifts succeeded while others ended in a fiasco (i.e., a failure), advancing our understanding of the drivers of ecological success. Such knowledge is crucial to planning efficient actions to prevent the dramatic loss of unique biological heritages and the spread of alien invasive species, two major facets of the ongoing biodiversity crisis. See the project's webpage for details: https://raffinifrancescalab.weebly.com/the-fiasco-project.html Responsibilities The two researchers are expected to contribute actively to both labs and the extended network and join forces to complete the project's objectives. They will generate, analyze, and manage multidimensional data, assist with training, produce and contribute to computational pipelines and peer-reviewed papers, and disseminate findings at professional and outreach activities. Specific tasks include collecting samples from natural populations and available data from collaborators, performing standardized phenotypic and behavioral measurements, extracting DNA for short and long reads, processing raw phenotypic and genetic data, identifying structural variants, conducting association studies and comparative analyses, reconstructing demographic changes, and contributing to dissemination initiatives. These assignments will also be distributed between the two postdocs according to their expertise and interests. There are ample opportunities to develop new research directions building on these themes and/or new approaches and directions for existing datasets. Applications for postdoctoral fellowships and grants, that would represent a strong asset for the next career steps, are highly encouraged and supported. Qualifications If you are highly motivated, creative, passionate, and interested in biodiversity, evolution, genomics, and conservation, hold an MSc in biological, natural, or environmental sciences, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, population genomics, or a related field, and are familiar (or willing to become acquainted) with bioinformatic analyses of large datasets, you're the ideal candidate we're seeking. A PhD or submitted thesis in a relevant area, wet-lab molecular laboratory skills, demonstrable experience with population genetics/genomics and NGS, knowledge in programming of scripts and high-performance computing, proficiency in written and oral communication, ability to work independently while effectively contributing to research teams, and an interest in outreach activities are an advantage. What we offer: One position is based at the Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms at Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples (Italy, https://raffinifrancescalab.weebly.com). The other researcher will be based at the Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology at the University of Ferrara (Ferrara, Italy, https://sites.google.com/unife.it/popgg/home/people). The appointment is called "Assegno di Ricerca" in the Italian system, and it is a hybrid between a fellowship and an employment contract. They both are full-time, 12-month positions with continuation for an additional year pending satisfactory progress, and include a competitive salary well-exceeding the average for these cities based on relevant experience, tax benefits, and social security contributions. They are expected to start in early 2024; the exact starting date is negotiable. Partial remote work is possible. We are a young and dynamic community of scholars that is enthusiastic about evolution and conservation and provides a collaborative scientific environment, flexible working hours, the possibility to develop bioinformatic and communication skills, and involvement with many collaborators in evolutionary biology, conservation, ecology, and beyond. The recruits will benefit from the training and networking opportunities available at both Institutes, which have a long and rich historical and scientific heritage and provide high-tech services, access to numerous research infrastructure and platforms, and assist knowledge transfer. If desired, teaching opportunities are available. Both Departments are located in beautiful historical centers and integrated into an extended network of local and international scientific collaborations. Naples and Ferrara are conveniently located in a remarkable biodiversity and cultural hotspot. They are lively yet affordable towns that offer numerous recreational activities and amenities that can be enjoyed readily with the proposed salary. They are well connected to each other as well as to top travel destinations in Italy and Europe. How to apply - Please send us (francesca.raffini3@gmail.com, andrea.benazzo@unife.it) a single PDF attachment in English including: - a full CV - a brief cover letter describing your previous research experience and qualifications for the position, along with your current and future research interests (max 1 page) - contact information for at least two references - Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Our laboratories and institutes strive to support and foster all aspects of diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives, and personalities of our staff and are committed to cultivating an inclusive community where all people are respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds. Contact For more information, please get in touch with Francesca Raffini (francesca.raffini3@gmail.com, https://raffinifrancescalab.weebly.com) or Andrea Benazzo (andrea.benazzo@unife.it). Francesca Raffini (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Research Associate Position available at the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, UK. Link below for the full advert, including a complete job description and the application process: https://elxw.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/9095 Three year position, application deadline is the 24th January 2024. Please contact me if you have any questions. Further details below. *** Grade UE07 (37,099 - 44,263) College of Science and Engineering School of Biological Sciences Institute of Ecology and Evolution Full time contract (35 hours per week) Fixed Term (36 months) A postdoctoral research position is available in the lab group of Dr Matthew Hartfield, funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant/UKRI Frontier Research Grant (SelectSelf - Rethinking Evolution in Self-Fertilising Species). I am looking for an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral researcher who is interested in evolutionary genetics and mating-system evolution. The focus of the project will be to: 1) Develop stochastic population-genetic models to determine the signatures of genetic adaptation in self-fertilising species, especially when proceeding via a multi-gene (polygenic) process. 2) Translate these models into inference methods to determine the nature of adaptive evolution from genome sequence data, with applications to a large dataset of several self-fertilising Caenorhabditis species. There will also be scope for the postdoc to (i) consider how these processes are pertinent in response to anthropogenic changes; (ii) develop their own research plans with a view to becoming an independent investigator. The project will involve collaboration with partners within the UK and overseas. There are substantial funds within the grant for computing and conference attendance. The project will be funded for three years in the first instance, with a possibility for extension based on performance and financial availability. Your skills and attributes for success: - Skills with theoretical and computational population genetics. - Experience with analysing genome sequence data. - PhD in a quantitative biological discipline (or another quantitative subject, e.g., computer science). - Knowledge of computational biology tools, including R and command-line interfaces. - Evidence of creativity and problem-solving to tackle scientific problems. - Ability to work independently. Matthew Hartfield m.hartfield@ed.ac.uk https://hartfieldlab.com Matthew Hartfield Room 1.19 Institute of Ecology and Evolution The University of Edinburgh Ashworth Laboratories Charlotte Auerbach Road Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 650 8632 Email: m.hartfield@ed.ac.uk Web: hartfieldlab.com The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. Is e buidheann carthannais a th' ann an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann, clàraichte an Alba, àireamh clàraidh SC005336. Matthew Hartfield (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Metabarcoding Pipelines for Eukariotic Communities: Understanding the Theoretical Framework of Metabarcoding Pipelines with MJOLNIR3 (MPEC01) https://www.prstats.org/course/metabarcoding-pipelines-for-eukariotic-communities-understanding-the-theoretical-framework-of-metabarcoding-pipelines-with-mjolnir3-mpec01/ Instructor-Dr. Adrià Antich 17th - 21st June 2024 Please feel free to share! COURSE OVERVIEW - Metabarcoding has emerged as a pivotal technique, rapidly expanding and revolutionizing the way we study biodiversity. >From soil samples to aquatic environments, metabarcoding provides insights into the diverse array of organisms present, offering crucial information for conservation efforts and ecological research. However, metabarcoding encounters intrinsic biases inherent in its methodology. Metabarcoding pipelines are designed to mitigate these biases, and this course will offer insights into optimizing these pipelines for accurate and reliable results. With new techniques continuously evolving, we'll explore methodologies geared towards unraveling both inter and intra-species diversity while addressing the common challenges encountered in a methodology. Additionally, we'll navigate the landscape of methods enabling comprehensive biodiversity assessments, alongside showcasing new machine learning approaches for inferring ecological quality status. This course will focus on the MJOLNIR3 pipeline and its theoretical framework. This R package is based on eight simple functions divided into four different blocks. For each function, a comprehensive description of the process will be provided, including alternatives from other pipelines and their basic command line usage. By the end of the course, participants will: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations underpinning metabarcoding pipelines. Develop the ability to identify potential biases and effectively apply specialized software to mitigate them. Acquire proficiency in working across three distinct levels of coding requirements, encompassing command-line operations and graphical user interface packages. Demonstrate a thorough comprehension of basic biodiversity analysis techniques, spanning inter and intra-species levels. Please emil oliverhooker@prstatistics.com with any questions. Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics Oliver Hooker (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear colleagues, Registration is open for the course Geometric Morphometrics for Beginners. This course will be held live online (synchronous). Max 18 participants. Dates: January 22nd-26th, 2024, from 15:00 to 17:00 and 17:30 to 20:00 (Madrid time zone). Instructor: Dr. Jes�s Marug�n-Lob�n [1] (Universidad Aut�noma de Madrid, Espa�a), evolutionary biologist. COURSE OVERVIEW The world around us is a space-time mosaic where forms evolve, constantly change, and interact with each other. Geometric morphometry is a digital morphological analysis tool that allows addressing biological key questions, such as shape transformation (variation) and the result of its interaction (covariation) with the physical environment, with an unprecedented analytical resolution. In this course, these concepts will be explained in a simple and practical way. To do this, basic aspects such as the biological and geometric concept of landmark and semi-landmark configurations will be reviewed, the available comparative methodologies will be compared, and basic multivariate statistical methods will be put into practice that allow addressing biological problems at any scale of complexity, making special emphasis on visualization and interpretation of form variation. The examples will focus on how to use Geometric Morphometrics to address evolutionary questions. This course is introductory. You can find more information at https://www.transmittingscience.com/courses/geometric-morphometrics/geometric-morphometrics-for-beginners/ or writing courses@transmittingscience.com Best regards Sole Soledad De Esteban-Trivigno, PhD Director Transmitting Science www.transmittingscience.com Twitter @SoleDeEsteban Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2049-0890 Under the provisions of current regulations on the protection of personal data, Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of 27 April 2016 (GDPR), we inform you that personal data and email address, collected from the data subject will be used by TRANSMITTING SCIENCE SL to manage communications through email and properly manage the professional relationship with you. The data are obtained based on a contractual relationship or the legitimate interest of the Responsible, likewise the data will be kept as long as there is a mutual interest for it. The data will not be communicated to third parties, except for legal obligations. We inform you that you can request detailed information on the processing as well as exercise your rights of access, rectification, portability and deletion of your data and those of limitation and opposition to its treatment by contacting Calle Gardenia, 2 Urb. Can Claramunt de Piera CP: 08784 (Barcelona) or sending an email to info@transmittingscience.com or http://transmittingscience.com/additional-terms. If you consider that the processing does not comply with current legislation, you can complain with the supervisory authority at www. aepd.es . Confidentiality. - The content of this communication, as well as that of all the attached documentation, is confidential and is addressed to the addressee. If you are not the recipient, we request that you indicate this to us and do not communicate its contents to third parties, proceeding to its destruction. Disclaimer of liability. - The sending of this communication does not imply any obligation on the part of the sender to control the absence of viruses, worms, Trojan horses and/or any other harmful computer program, and it corresponds to the recipient to have the necessary hardware and software tools to guarantee both the security of its information system and the detection and elimination of harmful computer programs. TRANSMITTING SCIENCE SL shall not be liable. Links: ------ [1] https://www.transmittingscience.com/courses/geometric-morphometrics/geometric-morphometrics-for-beginners/ Soledad De Esteban-Trivigno (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear all, France Génomique and the Research Group "Environmental Genomics" (GDR GE) are pleased to inform you of their upcoming Symposium on Environmental and Agronomical Genomics which will be held in Toulouse, France from February 14 to 16, 2024. Topics Covered Genomics of plants and animals and their microbiota Exploring diversity and evolution of Life Exploring ecosystems using metagenomics Genomics of biological interactions: holobionts, pathogens, symbionts Technological advances: producing and analyzing genomic data Pangenome and structural variants Ancient DNA and paleo-environments Monitoring of ecosystems functioning and health / Eco-exposome Environmental genomics and collaborative science, a window on society Confirmed Speakers A. Baud, CRG, Barcelona, Spain S. Déjean, IMT, Toulouse, France A. Fernandez Guerra, University of Copenhagen, Denmark C. Marchet, CNRS, Lille, France L. Orlando, CAGT, Toulouse, France I. Ourliac-Garnier, Nantes University, France J. Reveillaud, INRAE, Montpellier, France F. Sabot, IRD, Montpellier, France S. Sunagawa, ETH, Zürich, Switzerland S. Terrat, INRAe Dijon, France C. Voolstra, University of Konstanz, Germany C. Welte, Radboud University, The Netherlands Registration and call for abstracts are still open! Deadline coming soon! All information here: https://eags2024.sciencesconf.org/ Abstract submission deadline: December 15, 2023 Registration deadline: January 12, 2024 We look forward to seeing you all in Toulouse, The OC (eags2024@sciencesconf.org): Marie-Thérèse Bihoreau,France Génomique, Fontenay-aux-roses Lucie Bittner,ISYEB, Paris Denis Faure,CNRS, I2BC, Gif sur Yvette Denis Milan,INRAE, Genotoul, GeT-PlaGe, Toulouse Eric Pelletier, Genoscope, CEA, Evry Aude Perdereau,France Génomique, Evry Jean-Christophe Simon,INRAE, IGEPP, Rennes Patrick Wincker,Genoscope, CEA, Evry Aude Perdereau (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)