********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Borstein Lab at Texas State University is recruiting MSc and PhD students for Fall 2026 (August). Research in the lab focuses on determining the patterns and processes that underlie adaptive diversification in the most diverse group of vertebrates?fishes. Current lab research projects include understanding the process of adaptive radiation, investigating the ecological and evolutionary consequences of key innovations, and exploring the relationship between trophic ecology and morphology. The lab takes an integrative approach to research that includes genomics, phylogenetic comparative methods, micro-computed tomography, fieldwork, kinematics, and the construction of large ecological databases. Contact: Contact Sam Borstein with questions or to discuss potential research projects in the lab at borstein@txstate.edu About the Lab & Texas State University: The Borstein lab (https://www.bio.txst.edu/faculty-staff/sam-borstein.html) is housed in the Department of Biology at Texas State University. The lab is equipped with a wet lab for molecular studies as well as a high-performance computer for bioinformatics. Located in San Marcos, Texas, Texas State University is in the heart of Texas Hill Country and only a short 30-45 minutes away from both Austin, Texas and San Antonio, Texas. Texas State University is an R2 University that is on pace to reach R1 status in the next few years. HOW TO APPLY: A BS or BA in a relevant scientific field is required. Students are supported by the department via teaching assistantships and potentially research assistantships. If interested, please email an informal inquiry and CV to borstein@txstate.edu prior to applying. The deadline to apply for admission to the Fall 2025 PhD program is February 1st, 2026. The application deadlines for the Master's programs in the Department of Biology are rolling for U.S. citizens, while for international students the deadline is February 1, 2026. The steps for formally applying to our graduate program can be found here for : PhD in Aquatic Resources and Integrative Biology program (https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/programs/aquatic-resources-phd.html) M.S. in Aquatic Resources (https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/programs/aquatic-resources.html) M.S. in Biology (https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/programs/biology.html) M.S. Population and Conservation Biology (https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/programs/population-conservation-bio.html) M.S. Wildlife Ecology (https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/programs/wildlife-ecology.html). Sam Borstein Department of Biology Texas State University borstein@txstate.edu 601 University Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 borstein@txstate.edu (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Master Projects available in the Qvarnström lab studying climate adaptation and speciation using a natural flycatcher hybrid zone on Öland, Sweden! We invite applications for Master student projects (can also be Student Internships) to join our research team in Uppsala University (Sweden) and in field work in Öland. https://www.uu.se/en/department/ecology-and-genetics/research/animal-ecology/qvarnstrom-lab This is an exciting opportunity to work in an international, collaborative environment, and to develop hands-on experience in field work with wild birds. If you are interested in any of the below projects please contact Michaëla Berdougo (PhD student) - michaela.berdougo@ebc.uu.se Ana Gomes (PostDoc) - ana.gomes@ebc.uu.se Anna Qvarnström - anna.qvarnstrom@ebc.uu.se Projects available: Master's Project 1: Using Olfactory Cues to Find Food Background: The ability of birds to regulate insect populations is debated but can be a powerful ecosystem service. Many mechanisms behind the foraging efficiency of birds are still being discovered. While it has been shown that excluding birds from crop fields can lead to increased insect damage (e.g., Garcia et al., 2018), their regulation role in natural settings remains unknown as well as the mechanisms by which birds locate the best feeding spots. Ground-breaking research, including our own, suggests that olfaction may play a crucial role. We have found that genetic variation in olfaction-related genes in collared flycatchers is linked to the amount of caterpillar larvae on their breeding territories. Does this mean that flycatchers actually use olfaction cues to locate trees that are heavily infested with their prey? If true, this means that we have severely underestimated the birds' capacity to detect and respond to local pest outbreaks. Objective: To directly test the hypothesis that pied and collared flycatchers use insect herbivore induced emission of biogenetic volatile organic compounds (IH-BVOCs) to identify trees with more caterpillars. Your Role: You will measure IH-BVOC emissions from sampled tree branches and correlate these with direct bird activity. This will involve: * Field Observation & Monitoring: Conducting systematic observations and setting up remote video cameras to monitor bird visitation rates to individual trees. * Chemical Sampling: Collecting branch samples for subsequent chemical analysis of IH-BVOCs. * Data Analysis: Statistically linking the chemical profiles of trees with recorded bird foraging activity. * Fieldwork & Data Collection: Participating in long-term data collection by monitoring nest boxes. This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge field and help answer a fundamental question with implications for both basic and applied ecology. ---- Master's Project 2: Climate Change, Mismatch, and Survival Background: Climate change is disrupting the tritrophic terrestrial tree-caterpillar-bird food chain. In our study system, warmer springs cause trees to bud and caterpillars to hatch earlier. However, migratory birds like our study species, the pied and collared flycatchers, have not advanced their breeding schedules as much. This creates a "phenological mismatch": when the nestlings hatch, the peak abundance of caterpillars they need for food may have already passed. This mismatch is most severe in warm springs and acts as a powerful agent of natural selection. But there can only be an evolutionary response to selection if there is genetic variation in the traits subject to selection. Why do some nestlings survive these poor conditions while others do not? We hypothesize that an individual's innate metabolic rate is a key trait that determines their resilience. Objective: To determine if an individual's metabolic rate is a key trait determining its resilience to climate-driven trophic mismatches. Your Role: You will investigate how a nestling's innate physiology influences its ability to survive this mismatch. This will involve: * Data Analysis & Modelling: * Analysing high-resolution metabolic rate measurements from nestlings. * Working with our long-term demographic dataset (survival, breeding dates, etc.) spanning multiple years. * Quantifying the annual degree of phenological mismatch between birds and caterpillars. * Using statistical modelling to determine if offspring with certain metabolic traits have a survival advantage. * Fieldwork & Data Collection: Participating in long-term data collection by monitoring nest boxes. This project offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of physiology, climate change, and evolution, using a powerful dataset to answer a pressing ecological question. ---- Master's Project 3: Cognition and regulation of insect populations Background: Tritrophic interactions, such as the tree-caterpillar-bird food chain, play an important role in the ecosystems. For example, insectivorous birds, such as flycatchers, may have a role in controlling caterpillar populations, reducing the insect damage on trees. Climate change is however disrupting these tritrophic interactions, as warmer springs cause trees to bud and caterpillars to hatch earlier, and birds may not be able to adapt to the earlier emergence of caterpillar larvae quickly enough to avoid population decline. Cognition, and more specifically learning, should provide the right mechanisms for the behavioural adaptation needed in changing environments to cope with variation and uncertainty (Ghosh et al. 2023). To fully understand the general ability of birds to act as active biological control agents it is thus important to consider the cognitive processes underlying behaviours. Objective: To understand whether individual variation in learning, cognition, and behavioral plasticity in flycatchers have an advantage in foraging and detecting trees with more caterpillar. Your Role: You will experimentally test how variation in cognitive abilities influence the birds' ability to identify trees with heavy caterpillar infestations. This will involve: * Field Observation & Monitoring: Conducting systematic observations and setting up remote video cameras to monitor bird visitation rates to individual trees. * Behavioural assays: Conduct commonly recognized and used cognition assays to individuals near nestboxes and in aviaries. * Chemical Sampling: Collecting branch samples for subsequent chemical analysis of IH-BVOCs. * Data Collection and Analysis: Quantify behaviours from assays recordings and link individual behavioural performance with individuals foraging in trees infested with more caterpillars. * Fieldwork & Data Collection: Participating in long-term data collection by monitoring nest boxes. If you are interested in any project please contact us! Michaëla Berdougo (PhD student) - michaela.berdougo@ebc.uu.se Ana Gomes (PostDoc) - ana.gomes@ebc.uu.se Anna Qvarnström - anna.qvarnstrom@ebc.uu.se När du har kontakt med oss på Uppsala universitet med e-post så innebär det att vi behandlar dina personuppgifter. För att läsa mer om hur vi gör det kan du läsa här: http://www.uu.se/om-uu/dataskydd-personuppgifter/ E-mailing Uppsala University means that we will process your personal data. For more information on how this is performed, please read here: http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/data-protection-policy Ana Gomes (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Title: Open PhD position on Plant-Insect-Microbe Interactions Dear colleagues, it is our great pleasure to share the following PhD opportunity with you: The Chair for Forest Entomology and Protection at the University of Freiburg invites motivated natural scientists with a keen interest in the ecology and co-evolutionary dynamics of plant-insect-microbe interactions to apply for a PhD position in the project "Effects of drought and herbivory on tree physiology and microbial endophytes - a case study on Quercus petrea". This project will be part of the Excellence Cluster "Future Forests" at the University Freiburg. Please kindly see all details about the position, project description as well as details on the application procedure under the following link: https://uni-freiburg.de/en/job/00004720/ We are excited to receive your application. King regards, Peter Biedermann and Vienna Kowallik Dr. Vienna Kowallik Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Forstentomologie und Waldschutz Fohrenbühl 27 79252 Stegen-Wittental Vienna Kowallik (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD fellowship in Conservation Genetics (100%) / March 1, 2026, or negotiable The group of Plant Ecology and Evolution at the University of Basel, Switzerland (https://duw.unibas.ch/en/ecoevo/), is looking for a PhD student in the field of Conservation Genetics. Topics of research New computational and analytical tools in population genetics allow to estimate both contemporary and past effective population sizes. With these in hands, the project aims to verify how well reported dynamics of decline in rare plant species align with inferred trajectories of effective population size. Conversely, the project will also address whether habitat and species protection has had a beneficial impact, by slowing down or even stopping species' decline when measured in term of effective population size. Should this not be the case, the role of mutation accumulation may be investigated. Practical work involves collecting of plant material, wet lab work, bioinformatics, population genetic analysis, and growing plants to assess mutation accumulation. Your profile We are looking for highly motivated applicants with a master's degree in evolutionary biology, population genetics, or conservation genetics. In addition to an interest in evolutionary and conservation biology, the candidate should be committed to: doing field work, wet-lab work, learning about bioinformatics, including R and shell programing, and analyzing data using population genetics tools and theories. Apart, the candidate should have good self-organization, be solution-oriented, and have good spoken and written English. Having a driver's license is not a necessity but will help with field work. We offer The fellowship is for up to 4 years. You will have the opportunity to enroll in the PhD Program in Plant Sciences (http://www.plantsciences.uzh.ch/en/teaching/phdplantscience.html) of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center (PSC). The program provides training in frontier topics of plant sciences and opportunities to acquire technical and transferable skills for careers in- and outside of academia. In addition, the Graduate Center of the University of Basel (https://www.unibas.ch/en/University/Administration-Services/Vice-President-s-Office-for-Education/Academic-Programs/Graduate-Center.html) offers various training formats for PhD students and organizes networking events. Finally, Basel is a mid-sized Swiss city, well connected and offering a broad range of cultural and recreational activities. Application / Contact Motivated applicants should submit (1) a one-page letter that summarizes interests and relevant experience, (2) their CV, (3) copies of BSc and MSc transcripts, and (4) contact information of two references. We accept only online applications (jobs.unibas.ch/offene-stellen/phd-fellowship-in-conservation-genetics/0ebeff02-82fb-492e-b78c-78919c4a7d0c). Applications are welcome until the position is filled and will be reviewed starting January 15, 2026. For more information, contact Yvonne Willi (yvonne.willi@unibas.ch). Yvonne Willi (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Description The Modern and Ancient Genomes Group, located at Université Laval in Québec City, Canada, is seeking one qualified candidate for a vacant PhD position in bioinformatics. In this position, you will develop algorithms and computational methods to analyze large datasets from modern and ancient sources. Current bioinformatics algorithms and software are often ill-equipped to deal with DNA extracted from ancient sources. This ancient DNA shows high levels of fragmentation and accumulated chemical damage. Furthermore, ancient sediments often contain DNA from multiple species and often multiple individuals. Fortunately, several problems pertaining to ancient DNA can be described in a maximum-likelihood framework and computer science techniques can help us to solve such numerical problems efficiently via numerical algorithms and data structures. The Modern and Ancient Genomes Group has previously used pangenome graphs to solve several of these problems. You will work in collaboration with other partners in Europe and North America in order to develop the next generation of algorithms and software applied to DNA extraction from fossils, ancient soils and sediments. Responsibilities And Qualifications Ideally, you have the following qualifications: Knowledge of a programming language like Python, Perl, C++ and/or Java (C/C++ is preferred) Ability to work in a UNIX environment, ideally in a high-performance computing environment A thorough understanding of basic algorithms and data structures used in computer science Knowledge of probabilities and statistics Firm grasp of differential calculus and linear algebra Experience in bioinformatics and knowledge of metagenomics are a plus, but not needed Expertise in next-generation sequencing data generation and processing is also a plus Ideally, you should have a Master’s (or equivalent) and a B.Sc degree in computer science, quantitative biology/biochemistry or mathematics. Approval and Enrolment The PhD degree is fully funded. The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval. The group is located within the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering but candidates can also choose to graduate within the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Bioinformatics. Université Laval is one of the top research universities in Canada, recognized among the top research institutions in Canada for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. French is the primary institutional language, but our research group works in English, and students are expected to be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. We offer a rewarding and challenging position within a strong interdisciplinary and collegial environment. The Québec City region provides outstanding hiking opportunities in nearby Parc national de la Jacques‑Cartier and Mont‑Sainte‑Anne. Salary and appointment terms The period of employment is 4 years. Starting date is 1 May 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. Further information Further information may be obtained from Prof. Gabriel Renaud. Application procedure Your complete application must include a CV with a list of publications and a letter of motivation explaining why you are applying and explaining any gaps in your CV. The documents must be submitted no later than Jan 20th 2026 (23:59 Eastern Standard Time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please email gabriel.renaud@ift.ulaval.ca with the subject line “PhD application” and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply. We especially encourage women and applicants from Indigenous communities. gabriel.reno@gmail.com (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Multiple Graduate Assistants The Department of Biological Sciences at Mississippi State University (MSU) is actively recruiting students for both M.S. and Ph.D. programs to start in August of 2026. MSU is classified as a "Very High Research Activity" R1 institution by Carnegie. Starkville is a small, progressive college town recently named "Best Small Town in the South" by USA Today (https://starkville.org). This accolade reflects an exceptional standard of living and proximity to natural areas including the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sam-d-hamilton-noxubee), and the Tombigbee National Forest. MSU is the primary land-grant university in the state with over 23,000 students. The department prides itself on maintaining a collegial and collaborative environment, with diverse research interests spanning genetics, microbiology, ecology, systematics, bioinformatics, cell, developmental, and evolutionary biology. Current funding comes from the NIH, NSF, several other federal agencies, as well as a variety of state and private organizations. There are also numerous resources available across the university (www.research.msstate.edu/centers-institutes). In-house, there are new imaging and high-performance computing resources, the MSU herbarium (MISSA), a BSL-2 AALAC animal care facility, a forest reserve, and common-use molecular and imaging facilities. Also notable, MSU hosts the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library (https://www.usgrantlibrary.org). The Biological Sciences Department has ample funding available to support students. Recent applicants to the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program have found success, and many students are supported on grants via Research Assistantships. With more than 1,000 undergraduate majors, the department maintains over 50 Teaching Assistantships, allowing the department to guarantee support to M.S. students for up to three years, and to Ph.D. students for up to five. The department also provides annual funding for travel and research to students on a competitive basis. Those interested in applying to the program should contact members of the Graduate Faculty (biology.msstate.edu) whose research foci align with their interests. Those who identify an advisor interested in directing their research will be eligible for application fee waivers, travel support to visit campus and the department, and first-year stipend enhancements worth $2,500. Please reach out by January 15, 2026, for full consideration for these recruitment incentives. Faculty with active research programs in the field of evolutionary biology and genetics include Dr. Matt Ballinger (ballingerlab.weebly.com), Dr. Matthew Brown (amoeba.msstate.edu), Dr. Amy Dapper (amy-dapper.com), Dr. Phillip Davidson (davidsonlab-msu.github.io), Dr. Ryan Folk (ryanafolk.com), Dr. Jean-François Goût (https://sites.google.com/view/goutlab), Dr. Megan Smith (meganlsmith.org), Dr. Benjamin Stone (benstemon.github.io), and Dr. Mark Welch (markwelchmsu.wordpress.com). Dr. Mark E. Welch Graduate Coordinator Department of Biological Sciences Mississippi State University "Welch, Mark" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Graduate students needed: The Range lab at Auburn University is recruiting graduate students interested in evolutionary developmental biology (www.therangelab.com). Research in the lab focuses on understanding the evolution of developmental mechanisms that control early axis formation as well as developmental timing. Currently, we use temperate and Antarctic echinoderm sea urchins as well as temperate hemichordate acorn worms as comparative models. A NIH-funded research project uses sea urchin embryos to explore how an interconnected network of three different Wnt signaling pathways (Wnt/Beta-catenin, Wnt/JNK, and Wnt/Ca2+) coordinate the specification and patterning of the anterior-posterior axis during early embryogenesis. We also use hemichordate embryos to compare and contrast early anterior-posterior axis formation between these phyla to provide insight into anterior-posterior axis formation in the common deuterostome ancestor. Another project funded by the NSF focuses on uncovering adaptations to the early gene regulatory networks used by the Antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri that allow them to develop at sub-freezing temperatures. We anticipate that this study will not only inform our understanding of the molecular mechanisms required for adaptation to an extreme environment but also will provide insight into how early embryonic developmental rate is controlled in sea urchins as well as other metazoans. The positions are for master's and PhD students beginning in the Fall of 2026 or Spring of 2027. Students will have the choice to work on any number of projects in the lab. The positions offer training in a combination of molecular manipulations, high-throughput genome-wide assays and bioinformatics, gene regulatory network analysis as well as classical embryology. Auburn is a Tier 1 research institution with great facilities and research support. The university is situated in the quintessential college town of Auburn, Alabama and is located close to several major cities (e.g., Atlanta [1.25 hrs] and Birmingham [2 hrs]), the beaches along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and the Appalachian Mountains. You can learn more about the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University at http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Ryan Range at range@auburn.edu. With your inquiry, please include a CV and a brief description of your research interests and experience. GRE scores are not required by the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn. Applications for Fall 2026 are accepted until February 1st, 2026. Spring 2027 applications will be assessed after Feb1st and up until October 2026. Ryan Range (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The Department of Zoology at Stockholm University (Sweden) has a faculty position available at the level of Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in Animal Ecology and Evolution. Application deadline: 28. February 2026 The department is searching for candidates with a strong scientific background in Animal Ecology and Evolution, using experimental and/or comparative methods. The successful candidate is expected to teach on courses in ecology, faunistics and/or physiology. Please find more information about the position, as well as how to apply, following this link: https://su.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:883922/where:4/ Rike Stelkens Professor, Wallenberg Academy Fellow Yeast Evolutionary Genomics Department of Zoology Stockholm University, Sweden email: rike.stelkens@zoologi.su.se tel: +46 (0) 816 4223 lab website: stelkenslab.com Rike Stelkens (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Dear Community, There is a permanent research group leader position available in Crete, Greece. The permanent research group leader shall assume long-term responsibilities for the Biodiversity Computing Group https://www.biocomp.gr that I have set up in Crete through EU funding. You can apply via https:// apella.minedu.gov.gr/en/node/5998 The PDF on this official web site is also available in English if you scroll down: https://jobs.ics.forth.gr/job_opportunities/2446_GR_biodivesrity.pdf For questions please email me at stamatak@ics.forth.gr All the best, Alexis -- Alexandros (Alexis) Stamatakis ERA Chair, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas Research Group Leader, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies Full Professor, Dept. of Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology www.biocomp.gr (Crete lab) www.exelixis-lab.org (Heidelberg lab) Alexandros Stamatakis (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards. The research unit Biodiversity and Conservation Biology investigates the diversity of life in its various forms, from genetic diversity to the diversity of species and ecosystems and their interactions, and provides the basis for evidence-based nature conservation. In order of succession planning to fill in by 1st August 2026, or by agreement we offer the position of a GROUP LEADER CONSERVATION BIOLOGY; 80% (f/m/d) As a recognized expert in conservation biology, you will lead a research group comprising 15‒20 employees and align their activities with the WSL Strategy 2035 . Your diverse tasks involve supporting the project leaders and integrating two national data centres (lichens, fungi) as well as managing your own applied research projects. You will be responsible for acquiring third-party funding, maintaining collaboration with other research groups, and bridging the gap between research and practice. Your primary focus will be on forest or urban ecosystems, with an emphasis on animals, lichens, and/or fungi. You will publish your results in both scientific and applied journals, and engage in cooperation with authorities and expert commissions. Additionally, you may be involved in teaching at ETH and/or universities. You hold a doctorate in biology or environmental sciences and you have built a successful scientific career in the fields of Conservation Biology or Restoration Ecology. You have a strong expertise in organismic biology and are familiar with field and laboratory-based species determination methods. You have a proven track record in the development and funding of research projects and are actively engaged in publishing and implementing research findings. You are an integrative and committed personality and experienced in collaborating with stakeholders in nature conservation. Additionally, you have led research teams, including PhD students, PostDocs and Technicians. Good communication skills with fluency in English and proficiency in at least one Swiss national language are essential. Please send your complete application to Michèle Bucher, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Dr. Kurt Bollmann, kurt.bollmann(at)wsl.ch, +41 (044) 739 24 11, will be happy to answer your questions or to offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment. The add can also be found online at https://apply.refline.ch/273855/1813/pub/2/index.html Felix Gugerli Künzle (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** Greetings evolution community, There is still time to apply for the 2026 Early Career Award from the The J.F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Submit your application by Monday, December 15th, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST. Please see our website for more information on award eligibility: https://evolution.wisc.edu/seminars/early-career-seminars/. Questions? Email ubbelohde@wisc.edu. Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfC9h-9_vFiRZ240XFzzKOQ_WfuMI2EGFhD-6xbzxYXliH1IQ/viewform. Best, The Crow Institute / Wisconsin Evolution Nathaniel Sharp (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** A fundamental puzzle in the evolution of sex determination is how and why species switch between XY and ZW sex chromosomes.Swordtails and platyfish (genusXiphophorus) offer the ideal system to study this problem. Among the 25 closely related species are some with XY, some with ZW, and some with polymorphic XY/ZW systems.We have already obtained phased sex chromosome sequencing data for the majority of these species, and have developed a strategy for testing competing hypotheses.We are searching for a motivated postdoc to develop a fellowship proposal that would provide them funding to carry out these analyses. The postdoc will be based in the Peichel lab (University of Bern, Switzerland) and work in close collaboration with the Kirkpatrick lab (University of Texas, USA). The ideal candidate will have skills in bioinformatics and statistics, and familiarity with genomic evolution and sex chromosomes. Two opportunities for funding are the ENBO Fellowships (deadline 23 January 2026) and Marie Curie Fellowships.Interested candidates should email Catherine Peichel (catherine.peichel@unibe.ch) and Mark Kirkpatrick (kirkp@mail.utexas.edu) with their C.V.s and names of two references. Mark Kirkpatrick (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Two social evolution postdocs: conducting field experiments with wasps across Africa to understand the evolution of cooperation University of Bristol (UK) Dr Patrick Kennedy (Bristol, UK) and Professor Dustin Rubenstein (Columbia, USA) are looking for two excellent field biologists to work on the evolution of cooperation using one of Africa's most familiar insects - the 'needle-waist wasps', Belonogaster. Both postdocs will undertake extensive fieldwork across Africa, collaborating with colleagues in Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa. You will be based at the University of Bristol's Social Strategy Lab in the UK. Lab website: www.tinyurl.com/SocialStrategyLab Application deadline: 11th January 2026 There are two positions available: 1. Postdoctoral Field Manager ("Quantifying Hamilton's rule in the wild") The Postdoctoral Field Manager will help to coordinate an international field team spanning three African countries (Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa), investigating the evolution of cooperation and conflict by running field experiments. Working with in-country field teams, you will collect field data on costs and benefits of cooperation in a powerful wild system. Find out more here: www.tinyurl.com/SocialStrategyLab/postdoc1 1. Senior Research Associate ("Understanding the evolution of castes") The Senior Research Associate will investigate the evolution of castes ('queens' and 'workers'). You will run field experiments with social wasps in three African countries (Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa), combining a diverse range of techniques - including behavioural experiments in the field, CT scanning, and bioinformatics. Find out more here: www.tinyurl.com/SocialStrategyLab/postdoc2 The essential requirements for each role (and how to apply) are detailed at the links above. In overview: * Postdoctoral Field Manager: we are looking for an exceptional fieldworker. You must be prepared to spend at least six months per year working in diverse habitats across Africa, with high independence, strong practical and team skills, and confidence travelling for research. * Senior Research Associate: we are looking for a biologist with good all-round skills. You should be confident travelling and conducting fieldwork across remote locations, and prepared to analyse diverse data strands. * The successful applicants will be initiative-taking scientists with exceptional organisational and team skills and the ability to problem-solve during fieldwork. Applicants without demonstrable field research experience will not be considered. However, prior experience working with social insects, or working in an African context, is not essential. Applicants with outstanding fieldwork experience coming from disciplines outside evolution, ecology, or animal behaviour (e.g., anthropology, geography, population health, conservation biology) are welcome to apply. You will be expected to develop a strong grasp of social evolution and behavioural ecology, including inclusive fitness theory. It is expected that these positions will start as soon as possible from 1st March 2026. Salary: University of Bristol Grade J (43,482 - 50,253 per annum) For informal enquiries, please email patrick.kennedy@bristol.ac.uk Patrick Kennedy (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral position in population genomics in Montpellier, France We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with experience in population genomics to work on an ANR-funded project ( https://anr.fr/Project-ANR-23-CE27-0023 ) addressing the emergence and evolutionary history of agriculture in the Congo Basin rainforests using genomic approaches. Specifically, we aim at reconstructing the spatio-temporal dynamics of diffusion of a set of culturally emblematic local food plants (trees, palms, cereals and tubers) and at analyzing how their recent ecological and evolutionary histories (7,000 BP to present) were affected by human occupation, migration and new agricultural practices. The postdoc will be in charge of population genomic analyses exploring the evolutionary history (domestication and diffusion) of nine key food plant species from the Central African rainforests. Tasks include coalescent-based demographic inferences, although the postdoc will be free to investigate her/his own path of analysis. For each species, 48 geo-referenced samples representative of the species geographic distribution in central Africa have been sequenced through (i) a shot gun procedure in order to recover their cpDNA for phylogeographic analyses, (ii) an enrichment strategy using the Angiosperm 353 bait kit to conduct genetic structure and demographic scenario analyses based on the allele frequency spectra (iii) a shot gun strategy on five individuals per species in order to conduct demographic analyses (e.g. using the pairwise sequentially Markovian coalescent (PSMC) method). The position will be based at IRD (French national research institute for sustainable development) in Montpellier, France. The postdoc will closely work with Jérôme Duminil, Philippe Cubry, Rémi Tournebize and Cédric Mariac, all based in the same team and unit (UMR DIADE) at IRD, Montpellier. Applicants should have a PhD or postdoctoral experience in a relevant area (evolutionary biology, population genomics). We will prioritize someone with a vivid interest in evolutionary biology and demographic / phylogeography research and with a strong background in population genomics and statistical genetics. Experience with handling genomic data and population genomic methods, as well as skills in bioinformatics and programming, are required. Previous experience with simulation-based methods would be a plus. Good written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to think creatively and critically are desired. Working language can be either English or French, depending on the candidate's preference. The appointment is for 22 up to 24 months, with an ideal starting date in March 2026. Salary will be about 2 200 euros per month after taxation, depending on experience. Health insurance costs for the candidate and his/her family are included in the taxation ( https://www.cleiss.fr/docs/regimes/regime_france/an_1.html ). Foreign nationalities can benefit from government support for housing and children's education depending on their income. French school fees are free or low. Several public schools located in Montpellier area offer international sections (English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese). Foreign researchers can get additional information and administrative help from Euraxess local office. The city of Montpellier and it surrounding area combine culture, good infrastructure, warm weather (with soft winters), most amenities within a walking distance, and a sophisticated yet not too urbanized lifestyle. Public transports are free for city residents. Montpellier is a dynamic city with more than 50% of the population under 34 years old. Montpellier has its own airport and a direct train to Paris and other main European cities (Barcelona, Lyon, etc.). Surroundings combined with Mediterranean climate offer great opportunities for outdoor activities in sea and mountain environments. Informal inquiries are welcome and can be addressed to Jérôme Duminil ( Jerome.duminil@ird.fr ). Full applications should be sent by email to Jérôme Duminil accompanied by a 1) cover letter, 2) a detailed CV, 3) a list of publications, and 4) two referees' contact number or email address. Application deadline is set at 15/01/2026 . Reviewing of applications will begin soon after the deadline but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Dr. Jérôme Duminil IRD Senior researcher https://sites.google.com/site/plantbiodiversityadaptation/ phone : +33 (0)467416309 IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement UMR DIADE, équipe Dynadiv 911 avenue d'Agropolis BP 64501 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5 Jérôme Duminil (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the online Physalia course "Species Distribution and Ecological Niche Modelling in R", which will take place 19-23 January 2026. Course website: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/course45/ ) This course covers both the theory and practice of Species Distribution Models (SDM) and Ecological Niche Models (ENM), addressing key concepts, methods, applications, and common challenges. Participants will learn how to design, build, validate, and apply SDM/ENM using reproducible and automated workflows in R, while critically evaluating their strengths and limitations. Practical sessions will be based on real species occurrence data, including data provided by participants. Each day will include live lectures and guided practical introductions (15:00-18:00, Berlin time), followed by approximately 4 hours of self-guided practical work using annotated R scripts. Live e-mail support will be available throughout the day (09:00-23:00, Berlin time). For the full list of courses and workshops, please visit: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/course45/ ) 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)