********************GradStudentPositions******************** Graduate Position:UGraz_Austria.AmphipodBehavioralEcology PhD position in behavioral ecology / evolutionary biology at the University of Graz, Austria We are looking for a PhD student interested in behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology to study the co-existence of cryptic species of the freshwater amphipod Gammarus fossarum. The focus of the PhD research lies on reproductive isolation between the cryptic species, which will be studied in the lab and in the field. Methods include field work, genetic analyses and behavioral experiments. The PhD position is embedded in a joint Austrian-Czech project (University of Graz, Charles University of Prague and University of Ostrava), which also involves studies of competitive interactions, trophic differentiation, functional morphology and parasitism, and offers opportunities for lab rotations and participations in different areas of the project. Formal requirements include a Master's degree in biology or closely related field, and an excellent command of English. Applicants should have a strong interest in animal behavior, evolution and ecology. The field work requires a car driving license (and experience with manual gear shift). The PhD research will be supervised by Univ. Prof. Kristina Sefc. The position is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) for a duration of three years, starting in spring 2026, with a net salary of approx. 28,000 euro per year. Graz is an attractive mid-sized city in south-eastern Austria and is appreciated for affordable living, pleasant climate, convenient distance to the Alps and the Adriatic Sea and ample opportunities for outdoor activities in its close surroundings. Please email applications to Dr. Kristina Sefc (kristina.sefc@uni-graz.at), and send a pdf file including a statement of research interests and expertise, a CV, list of publications and presentations, and contact information of 2-3 references. Shortlisted candidates will get more details about the project and will be invited for an informal online interview. "Sefc, Kristina (kristina.sefc@uni-graz.at)" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD position: Insect sex determination The Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES - https://www.rug.nl/research/gelifes/) offers a 4-year fully-funded PhD position for a project on sex determination in flies, focusing on the black soldier fly. Job description Sex determination mechanisms are very diverse and undergo rapid evolutionary change, whereas the end product is always the two sexes, females and males. This PhD project aims to elucidate the genetic regulation of sex determination in black soldier fly (BSF), the major production insect in the food and feed industry. Flies show remarkable variation in modes of sex determination and genetic elements involved in their sex determination cascade. The candidate will compare the sex determination cascade across fly species to detect loss/gain-of-function gene homologs. The primary functional genetic approach of the project aims to uncover the molecular regulation of the BSF sex determination mechanism. Furthermore, the candidate will screen for sex determination variants in BSF populations using genomic sequence data and genetic crosses between strains. As males and females are commercially not of equal value, only females produce eggs that develop into larvae, manipulation of population sex ratios towards more females can be highly economically profitable. The project will yield fundamental scientific insights into the evolution of sex determination mechanisms, and we will apply the obtained knowledge to develop novel female-bias strains of the black soldier fly to improve its production economics. Qualifications The PhD is expected to contribute to perform research into the molecular and genetic basis of sex determination in the black soldier fly. The candidate will process the obtained data into multiple chapters for a PhD thesis and publish in scientific journals. The candidate will gain 30 ECTS in the PhD training programme (courses and attending scientific meetings) and will spend 10% of time on teaching. The successful candidate should have: A Master's degree (or equivalent) in evolutionary biology or genetics, with affinity for bioinformatics, molecular biology and/or entomology High motivation in pursuing academic research High and demonstrated English proficiency Effective communication (both written and spoken in English) and collaboration abilities. Give presentations at national and international scientific meetings, and collaborate with Thomas More University in Belgium Demonstrable project and time management skills Conditions of employment We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities: A salary of euro 3.059 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of euro 3.881gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus A full-time position (1.0 FTE) for 48 months. The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement, and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. Organisation Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 35,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge. The candidate will be based in the research groups of Dr. Elzemiek Geuverink and Prof. Leo W. Beukeboom at the Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) of the University of Groningen for a period of 48 months. The candidate is expected to perform some of the research at Prof. Lotte Froonincx laboratory at Thomas More University (Geel, Belgium). Start date is Spring 2026. Application Your application should include: Letter of motivation. CV (including contact information for at least two academic references) Transcripts from your Bachelor's and Master's degree. Proof of written English text, preferably by Master Diploma taught in English or recent English language test; and Master thesis written in English. You may apply for this position until 31 January 11:59pm / before 1 February 2026 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form. To apply: https://werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd-position-insect-sex-determination-1566/?lang=en "de Boer, Tineke" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** 4-year PhD position in evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. We are recruiting a PhD student to study evolutionary genomics and structural variation in animals (starting Fall 2026). The position will make use of sequencing datasets to study the regulation and divergence of genes across populations and species. The student will integrate genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics datasets generated from short-read and long-read sequencing. This work will suit a highly motivated and curious student who has strong computational and analytical skills with a solid understanding of evolutionary processes. The 4-year position will be mostly computational work, with the potential for wet-lab work, in a team setting with some educational outreach. A desire to work collaboratively and take a leadership role to train mentees is essential. The student will be encouraged to develop and explore their own research questions using the available datasets. Minimal requirements: Bachelors in science - preference will be given to students with undergraduate or Msc research experience. Desired qualifications include: Bioinformatics experience with sequencing data Molecular skills Strong writing and communication The lab (fredericchain.weebly.com) is in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. We are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and we encourage applications from all backgrounds, in particular students from underrepresented groups in science. The University of Massachusetts Lowell has a diverse student population of 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students, serving a high proportion of first-generation college students (41%). The University has strong ties to the community of Lowell, a mid-sized city with a diverse population located 25 miles northwest of Boston and within two hours of mountains and coastline beaches. Information about the Department is available at https://www.uml.edu/Sciences/biology/. To apply, please send an e-mail to frederic_chain@uml.edu with your CV, unofficial transcript(s), and cover letter that includes a statement of interest, relevant experience, and contact information for three references. For further details or any questions, interested students are encouraged to send an informal e-mail. Review of applications will start January 1st and continue until the position is filled. "Chain, Frederic J" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Symbioses and the evolutionary transition to multicellularity A fully funded PhD position is available to work on the evolution of symbioses and transitions to multicellular life. Across the tree of life, multicellularity has repeatedly evolved, but how and why has this happened? Many multicellular organisms rely on symbioses to survive and reproduce. For example, species as diverse as land plants, insects and corals have critical partnerships with microbes to acquire essential resources. However, whether such partnerships were important during the initial evolution of multicellularity remains unclear. This PhD position will help address this gap by studying symbioses between bacteria and green algae and how this influences the evolution of multicellularity. Across the green algae radiation there are unicellular and multicellular species that represent multiple gains and losses of multicellularity. We have a wide range of unicellular and multicellular algae in the lab, such as Chlamydomonas and Volvox species, that have different bacterial communities. In addition, we have access to long-term monitoring data of lakes across Sweden documenting when and where different algal species occur. Together, this enables experimental investigations into the initial evolution of multicellularity and studies on the ecology of unicellular and multicellular species in nature. It is envisaged that the project will use a combination of experimental evolution, comparative genomics and sampling of natural systems. For more details see papers here: https://charliecornwallis.github.io/Group/ Apply here: https://lu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:879408/ Charlie Cornwallis Professor of Evolutionary Biology Department of Biology Lund University Kontaktv�gen 10 SE-223 62 Lund Sweden Web: https://charliecornwallis.github.io/Group/ Charlie Cornwallis (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** I am searching for a full-time researcher with experience in the area of the statistical analysis of multivariate evolutionary time series or related topics. I have a funded project to study microevolution in a 20,000-year-long sequence of the fossil stickleback fish, Gasterosteus doryssus. Though the position description is for a postdoc, I will consider competitive applications from folks with MS degrees and proof of experience in the field. The researcher will be responsible for (i) analyzing and interpreting a completed phenotypic and paleoecological dataset from the fossil fish sequence; (ii) preparing and publishing manuscripts; (iii) assisting with data curation and archival; and (iv) supervising undergraduate researchers assisting with the project. The postdoc could have the opportunity to learn fossil preparation and conduct collection, if needed to augment analysis and writing. The position is classified as a teaching postdoc, and the postdoc may teach courses as instructor of record depending on research requirements, funding, interest, and career goals. Details are below. Here is the link to the application: https://www.careers.luc.edu/postings/34284 Please reach out to me with questions. Dr. Yoel Stuart ystuart@luc.edu stuartlabloyola.org Maximum Annual Salary: The salary will be competitive given the applicant's degree status and experience. Duration: The initial appointment will be for one year starting approximately on or after March 01, 2026, and may be extended, contingent on performance and funding. Duties and Responsibilities: The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for (i) analyzing and interpreting a complete phenotypic and paleoecological dataset from the fossil fish sequence; (ii) preparing and publishing manuscripts; (iii) assisting with data curation and archival; and (iv) supervising undergraduate researchers assisting with the project. The postdoc could have the opportunity to learn fossil preparation and conduct collection, if needed to augment analysis and writing. The position is classified as a teaching postdoc, and the postdoc may teach courses as instructor of record depending on research requirements, funding, interest, and career goals. Minimum Education and or Work Experience: Education Required. Applicants with at least a Masters Degree in evolutionary biology, paleobiology, or a related field. Experience Required. As evidence of experience analyzing evolutionary time series, the applicant should have least one manuscript in peer review describing a study of evolutionary time series or related analysis. The applicant should have a valid driver's license and be willing to drive a field vehicle. Preferred Qualifications: Applicants with at least a PhD degree in evolutionary biology, paleobiology, or a related field are preferred. As evidence of experience analyzing evolutionary time series, the applicant should have least one peer-reviewed publication describing a study of evolutionary time series or related analysis. The applicant should have a valid driver's license and be willing to drive a field vehicle. Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Proficiency in R and producing reproducible, shareable code and projects. Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants should apply online at http://www.careers.luc.edu and submit a letter of intent that describes their experiences and fit to the position, as well as a current Curriculum Vitae. Please provide the names and email addresses of two individuals who are qualified to speak to the applicant's qualifications for this position. Referees might be contacted later in the review process. For more information, please contact Dr. Stuart (ystuart@luc.edu). "Stuart, Yoel" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The Chicago Botanic Garden is now accepting applications for the 2026 Plant Biology & Conservation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. This full-time, 10-week NSF-funded summer program provides undergraduates with hands-on research experience in plant biology and conservation, with projects spanning topics from genetics to ecosystems. The program includes a $7,000 stipend, travel assistance, and housing during required on-site weeks. The program runs from June 15-August 21, 2026, and may begin with a virtual first week. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled undergraduate students. We particularly encourage applications from early-stage undergraduates and students from institutions with limited research opportunities. Application deadline: February 16, 2026 More information: https://pbcinternships.org/summer-reasearch-internship Application link: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7347/opportunity/11623 Sarah Jones (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** MARINE SCIENTIST POSITION: The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) invites qualified applicants to apply for a Marine Scientist position. We are seeking candidates to establish an independent, field-based research program in marine ecology, evolution, physiology, molecular biology, conservation biology, coastal processes, nearshore oceanography, global change biology or biogeochemistry, with a preference for researchers with interest in tropical, nearshore ecosystems. STRI is headquartered in the Republic of Panam�, with marine laboratories accessing two oceans and research stations throughout the country. Our flagship marine facility on the Pacific, Naos Island, is currently undergoing a $25 million facility revitalization which will offer state-of-the-art laboratories and resources to facilitate marine research in the tropics. Access to a core multiuser molecular facility, biogeochemistry lab, and high-performance computing facilities are available. The successful candidate will join a vibrant scientific community of 30+ scientific staff and an international cohort of over 1200 visiting scholars each year, fostering collaboration and innovation. Candidates whose research spans multiple disciplines are welcomed. The successful candidate will have outstanding opportunities to develop an independent research program, form global collaborations, mentor multinational post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and interns. The new marine scientist will have valuable opportunities to collaborate with programs and colleagues at STRI and throughout the Smithsonian. The position is full-time, permanent, and federally funded, with 10-15% of time devoted to student engagement and instruction in STRI's field-based courses. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in marine science or related field, and show evidence of outstanding research potential, including publication record and extramural funding. The position is based in Panama and will be hired at the grade 13 OPM 2024 Pay Table (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2024/general-schedule/). Early-career candidates are encouraged to apply. The selected candidate will receive allowances and differentials according to Department of State Standard Regulations (DSSR) and unique specific policies. Laboratory set-up and relocation expenses are negotiable, and direct support for research is provided on an annual basis based on budget availability. Interested candidates should submit the following to strisearch@si.edu: cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research accomplishments and interests, statement of teaching experience, and PDFs of three significant publications. These materials should be submitted as a single PDF file labeled LastName_FirstName.pdf. Applicants should also request letters from three references and send these to strisearch@si.edu. Review of applications will begin on January 31, 2026 and will remain open until the position is filled. For more information, please visit: http://www.stri.si.edu/. Regards, Albany James She/Her/Hers Recruiter | Panama Phone number +507 212-8184|Mobile: +507.6670-5469 http://www.stri.si.edu/ SmithsonianPanama Stri_panama TheSmithsonianPanama "James, Albany J." (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Fellow in Virus Evolution and Spillover Division of Intramural Research, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health https://www.training.nih.gov/jobs/pdf-ves-063026/ Thank you very much. Martha Martha Nelson, PhD Staff Scientist Division of Intramural Research National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health Building 38A, Room 6N609C 301-480-6924 Martha.Nelson@nih.gov "Nelson, Martha (NIH/NLM) [E]" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellow This is a new solicitation for a position that was previously posted. A University hiring freeze delayed hiring at that time, and we have now received approval to restart the search. The Lauterbur, Nunez, and Pespeni research groups in the Department of Biology at the University of Vermont (UVM), invite applications for the inaugural cohort of the prestigious Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellowship. This full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity to join a growing cohort of fellows as part of UVM's Planetary Health Initiative - to explore the interdependence of human well-being and the health of the environment. This is a one-year position with the possibility of a second year, contingent on successful performance. The program emphasizes collaborative and interdisciplinary research, leveraging the strengths of the Lauterbur, Nunez, and Pespeni labs. The start date is flexible, ideally between May and September 2026. The Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct innovative research focused on modeling evolutionary and ecological infectious disease dynamics within the broader context of Planetary Health. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to: (i) The intersection of ecosystem dynamics, host and/or pathogen evolution, and predictive modeling, (ii) Integrating questions across biological scales, such as eco-epidemiology and host-pathogen coevolution, which may make use of existing datasets and resources from UVM research groups. Existing data sets include reference and population resequencing of bat genomes and sea star genomes, transcriptomes, and microbiomes. Research projects may align with the programs of one or more of the mentors (Lauterbur, Nunez, and Pespeni) or focus on a system proposed by the Fellow. In addition to research, the fellow will be given the option to develop and teach one seminar-style course on a topic and at a level of their choosing with the support of a mentor, allowing for flexibility to align teaching with their expertise and interests. The successful applicant will benefit from collaboration with peers and engagement in a vibrant academic community. The Vermont Advanced Computing Center (VACC) at UVM supports large-scale computation and high-throughput AI and machine learning workflows. The Department of Biology at UVM is home to nationally recognized and award-winning faculty, offering a supportive environment for interdisciplinary research and professional growth. The Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences is anticipating a tenure-track hire in the field of Planetary Health in two years. Applicants who contribute to UVM's "Our Common Ground" principles (https://www.uvm.edu/president/our-common-ground) are strongly encouraged to apply. Minimum Qualifications: The successful candidate should: - Hold a Ph.D. degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, computer science, physics, or another relevant field; - Candidates up to 5 years post Ph.D. will be considered; Preferred Qualifications: - Some postdoc experience in a relevant field is preferred. Responsibilities: The successful candidate will assume a range of responsibilities that include: * Maintaining an active research portfolio focused on infectious disease modeling and planetary health, utilizing existing datasets from Dr. Lauterbur, Dr. Nunez, and/or Dr. Pespeni, or developing their own research initiatives. * Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field. * Presenting research findings at conferences, meetings of scholarly societies, and professional associations relevant to their research goals. Training opportunities: The successful candidate will receive training on: * Making progress towards securing external funding to support ongoing and future research endeavors. * Developing and teaching one course at a level and on a topic of their choosing, if desired. * Strategies for achieving success in teaching endeavors while maintaining a highly active research portfolio. * Building and maintaining interdisciplinary collaborations. Compensation: This is a fully benefited position with a minimum salary of $61,000 during the fellowship period, determined based on experience. In addition, fellows will receive minimum $5,000 annually for travel expenses and professional development activities. Application requirements: 1. A cover letter that summarizes your research experience and goals, including addressing UVM's Our Common Ground values (https://www.uvm.edu/president/our-common-ground), 2. Your CV, 3. A statement of research describing how your research experience and skills will contribute to Planetary Health research (https://www.uvm.edu/planetaryhealthinitiative) at the intersection of evolutionary biology and ecology of infectious disease, especially how you might benefit from and contribute to one or more of the mentoring labs, 4. A one page statement summarizing the candidate's teaching philosophy, including any intersection with UVM's Our Common Ground values, 5. One to three representative publications or preprints (if available). Send applications in a single pdf, with statements in the above order, by email to joaquin.nunez@uvm.edu, elise.lauterbur@uvm.edu, and melissa.pespeni@uvm.edu. Please use the subject line: Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellowship Application. Application review will begin Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Three letters of recommendation will be requested for a short list of finalists. Research Profiles of the Mentors: Lauterbur: https://www.uvm.edu/cas/biology/profile/m-elise-lauterbur Nunez: https://www.uvm.edu/cas/biology/profile/joaquin-nunez Pespeni: https://www.uvm.edu/cas/biology/profile/melissa-pespeni The University Established in 1791, the University of Vermont is considered a public-ivy and consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States. Our academic programs combine faculty-student relationships most commonly found in a small liberal arts college with the resources of a land-grant research institution. UVM's tradition of equity and social justice extends not only to faculty, staff, and students, but is also reflected in a commitment to environmentally sound and sustainable practices and Our Common Ground values (https://www.uvm.edu/president/our-common-ground). The College The Department of Biology is situated within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). In CAS, students experience the connectedness and accessibility of a small liberal arts college within a high caliber public research institution. Whether students are pursuing the Fine Arts, the Humanities, Natural Science and Mathematics or Social Sciences, they have a place here, in the College of Arts and Sciences' academic ecosystem. The Department The UVM Biology Department is a broad, basic science department whose faculty members' research spans a range of core disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, neuroscience, as well as ecology and evolution. The Department of Biology is composed of award-winning faculty, stimulating coursework, and inspired students who are training to answer some of our world's biggest questions. We know that hands-on experience is the key to learning, so our department is devoted to providing interactive opportunities to apply coursework in real-life, real-time settings. Our faculty enjoy international reputations, bringing their scholarship and productive research efforts into the undergraduate experience, providing opportunities for research from the introductory to advanced level that engage and challenge students and promote critical thinking skills. For more information about the department, see: https://www.uvm.edu/cas/biology The Community UVM is located in Burlington, Vermont, which is rated as one of the best small cities in the country. The greater Burlington area has an increasingly diverse population of about 125,000 and enjoys a panoramic setting on the shore of Lake Champlain, between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. The surrounding area provides an environment rich in cultural, civic and recreational activities. Vermont has a deep history of social activism and political participation. It offers many opportunities for collaborative partnerships in community and state-wide human service and social change organizations in multiple fields of practice, including state agencies. Questions: contact joaquin.nunez@uvm.edu, elise.lauterbur@uvm.edu, melissa.pespeni@uvm.edu M. Elise Lauterbur Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Biology 205A Marsh Life Sciences Building Biology Department University of Vermont www.lauterbur.org "Elise Lauterbur (she/they)" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** The Laboratory of Microbial Symbiosis, Ecology, and Evolution(PI: Dr. Chang-Yu Chang) at Academia Sinica invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to study the ecology and evolution of plant ¨Cmicrobe symbiosis. Our group integrates field ecology, molecular microbiology, and genomics to understand how microbial communities assemble, adapt, and diversify across hosts and environments. Research topics include: - Host identity and filtering effects on symbiont community assembly - Ecological genomics of rhizobia and related bacteria - Functional variation and trade-offs in facultative symbionts Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in ecology and evolution, microbiology, genomics, or a related field by the start date, with a strong publication record and experience in one or more of the following: field sampling, microbial or molecular experiments, bioinformatics, or ecological modeling. Strong English communication skills are essential. The position is based at the Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taiwan ¡ ¯s premier research institution. The working language is English. The starting salary is NT$64,711/month (~US$2,000)plus benefits. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment near campus typically costs less than 25 ¨C30% of a postdoc ¡ ¯s salary. Taipei offers a safe, modern, and vibrant lifestyle ¡ ªinternational, LGBTQ-friendly, and surrounded by accessible urban and natural areas. The start date is flexible. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, emailchangyuchang@gate.sinica.edu.twwith the subject line BRC_Postdoc_YourName, including a cover letter ( ¡Ãœ2 pages), CV, and contact information for two referees in a single PDF. Official job posting: https://www.sinica.edu.tw/en/recruitment_content/53/11886 More about the lab: https://chang-yu-chang.github.io/changlab/ Chang-Yu Chang,Ph.D. Assistant Research Fellow Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica https://chang-yu-chang.github.io/changlab/ CHANG-YU CHANG (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** I am searching for a full-time postdoctoral researcher with experience in the area of the statistical analysis of multivariate evolutionary time series or related topics. I have a funded project to study microevolution in a 20,000-year-long sequence of the fossil stickleback fish, Gasterosteus doryssus. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for (i) analyzing and interpreting a completed phenotypic and paleoecological dataset from the fossil fish sequence; (ii) preparing and publishing manuscripts; (iii) assisting with data curation and archival; and (iv) supervising undergraduate researchers assisting with the project. The postdoc could have the opportunity to learn fossil preparation and conduct collection, if needed to augment analysis and writing. The position is classified as a teaching postdoc, and the postdoc may teach courses as instructor of record depending on research requirements, funding, interest, and career goals. Details are below. Here is the link to the application: https://www.careers.luc.edu/postings/34284 Please reach out to me with questions. Dr. Yoel Stuart ystuart@luc.edu stuartlabloyola.org Maximum Annual Salary: The salary will be competitive given the applicant's degree status and experience. Duration: The initial appointment will be for one year starting approximately on or after March 01, 2026, and may be extended, contingent on performance and funding. Duties and Responsibilities: The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for (i) analyzing and interpreting a complete phenotypic and paleoecological dataset from the fossil fish sequence; (ii) preparing and publishing manuscripts; (iii) assisting with data curation and archival; and (iv) supervising undergraduate researchers assisting with the project. The postdoc could have the opportunity to learn fossil preparation and conduct collection, if needed to augment analysis and writing. The position is classified as a teaching postdoc, and the postdoc may teach courses as instructor of record depending on research requirements, funding, interest, and career goals. Minimum Education and or Work Experience: Education Required. Applicants with at least a Masters Degree in evolutionary biology, paleobiology, or a related field. Experience Required. As evidence of experience analyzing evolutionary time series, the applicant should have least one manuscript in peer review describing a study of evolutionary time series or related analysis. The applicant should have a valid driver's license and be willing to drive a field vehicle. Preferred Qualifications: Applicants with at least a PhD degree in evolutionary biology, paleobiology, or a related field are preferred. As evidence of experience analyzing evolutionary time series, the applicant should have least one peer-reviewed publication describing a study of evolutionary time series or related analysis. The applicant should have a valid driver's license and be willing to drive a field vehicle. Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Proficiency in R and producing reproducible, shareable code and projects. Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants should apply online at http://www.careers.luc.edu and submit a letter of intent that describes their experiences and fit to the position, as well as a current Curriculum Vitae. Please provide the names and email addresses of two individuals who are qualified to speak to the applicant's qualifications for this position. Referees might be contacted later in the review process. For more information, please contact Dr. Stuart (ystuart@luc.edu). "Stuart, Yoel" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** If you are passionate about using your genomics and bioinformatics skills for real applied conservation, we have openings for fellowships to work on the project "Plantomics: omics tools applied to conservation and management of endemic and imperiled plants" at ITV, located in Belém, Brazil. The Plantomics project will investigate, from an ecological and evolutionary perspective, the factors associated with the short- and long-term vulnerability of plant populations, including those resulting from direct and indirect impacts of mining activity. Genomic studies will analyze patterns of diversity and population structure, as well as to detect gene flow and hybridization processes between closely related taxa. The different lines of investigation will use endemic, rare, or threatened species as models and will provide fundamental data to assess the risks of genetic erosion and support strategies that reconcile biodiversity conservation and mining activity. The Vale Institute of Technology (ITV) is a privately funded research institute in Belem, Para, Brazil and has a state-of-the-art genomics laboratory infrastructure able to generate all data in-house and high-performance computing resources. We have four positions; one technical fellowship focused on reference genomes (under supervision of Dr. Sibelle Vilaca) and three postdoctoral fellowships, two on population genomics (supervised by Dr. Carolina Carvalho) and one on transcriptomics (supervised by Dr. Amanda Vidal) 1. Technical training position (TT-V) on reference genomes of microendemic plants The 12-month TT-V fellowship can be remote, with a monthly stipend of BRL $9320 Brazilian reais (~USD$1700). Applicants should have a strong background in genomics, with experience in chromosome-level genome assembly. Depending on the interests of the candidate, there will be opportunities to work in related projects in comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and population genomics. 2) Postdoctoral fellowship on population genomes of microendemic plants The two 12-month fellowships are on-site, with a monthly stipend of BRL $9320 Brazilian reais (~USD$1700). Applicants should have a strong background in genomics, with experience in population-level resequencing data for analyzing hybridization processes or with forward simulations using SLim. 3) Postdoctoral fellowship on transcriptomes of microendemic plants The on-site 12-month fellowship has a monthly stipend of BRL $9320 Brazilian reais (~USD$1700). Applicants should have a strong background in transcriptomics, with experience in coding and non-coding (microRNAs and long RNAs) RNAs, and regulatory networks. Details for the positions with minimum requirements can be found here: https://portalfadesp.org.br/?page_idR915 (pages 113 and 114). While postdoctoral fellowships require a completed PhD, TT-V fellowships have the same monthly stipend and require at least 5 years of experience after an undergraduate degree or a finished PhD. Applications have to be submitted through the FADESP website before January 5th, 2025. Please note that the cover letter needs to be submitted in Portuguese. Interviews are expected to happen in late January. Start date is March 1st. Thanks, Sibelle Sibelle Torres Vilaça, PhD Adjunct Researcher Instituto Tecnologico Vale | Vale Institute of Technology Desenvolvimento Sustentável | Sustainable Development Genômica Ambiental | Environmental Genomics Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955 ' Nazaré 66055-090 ' Belém, PA, Brasil E-mail: sibelle.vilaca@itv.org CV Lattes | Google Scholar | ORCID Genômica da Biodiversidade Brasileira (GBB) Coalition for Conservation Genetics Member, IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group AVISO LEGAL "As informações existentes nesta mensagem e nos arquivos anexados sao para uso restrito. A utilizaçao, divulgaçao, copia ou distribuiçao dessa mensagem por qualquer pessoa diferente do destinatário é proibida. Se essa mensagem foi recebida por engano, favor excluí-la e informar ao remetente pelo endereço eletrônico acima." DISCLAIMER "This email and its attachments may contain privileged and/or confidential information. Use, disclosure, copying or distribution of this message by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of this message." Sibelle Torres Vilaca (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** "Telling Stories Through Data" Workshop January 20 - February 26, 2026 Six-week virtual workshop (no cost for all selected participants) 1.5hrs on Tues/Thurs, from 3pm - 4:30pm US Eastern Time Workshop Website: https://bit.ly/TSTD2026 Apply to participate (form closes on Saturday January 10, 2026): https://forms.gle/dvvWxhi7YU2ATZx58 The TSTD workshop series is designed to foster practical skills in both bioinformatics and science communication, training participants in how to "tell stories through data." This six-week virtual workshop will be centered around two overarching questions: How do you find the story? and What do you do with the story? Data Visualization sessions (led by Holly Bik) will focus on how these questions are applied to -Omics data analyses, guiding participants in how to visualize data, convey statistical analyses and uncertainty, and build narratives for scientific manuscripts. Science Communication sessions (led by Virginia Schutte) will provide complementary training on storytelling for public audiences, teaching participants how to identify compelling public narratives and prepare science outreach products. This workshop is targeted towards graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, although we will consider applications from other early-career scientists who would especially benefit from participating. All participants are expected to have some basic familiarity with command line tools and scientific programming (e.g. Unix, R, and/or Python) in order to fully benefit from the workshop trainings. This is NOT an introductory programming course; we will focusing on running -Omics workflows and downstream data visualizations of target datasets. The 2026 TSTD workshop will be focused on host-associated microbiome datasets (e.g. Holobiont metagenomes, MAGs, bacterial isolates, and/or host-associated metabarcoding profiles). Application to participate in the "Telling Stories Through Data" 2026 virtual (Zoom) workshop, to be held January 20 - February 26, 2026. Virtual workshop sessions will be held over 6 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm - 4:30pm US Eastern Time. A full workshop description and provisional schedule is available at the main workshop website: https://github.com/BikLab/Stories-Thru-Data-Workshops-Virtual This application from will close on Saturday January 10th, 2026 at 11:59PM US Eastern Time. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application the week of January 17th. Due to space and funding constraints, this year's workshop will be capped at 20 participants. This virtual workshop is FREE for all selected participants, and funded through an NSF CAREER award to Holly Bik at UGA (DEB-2144304). Holly Bik Associate Director, Institute of Bioinformatics (IoB) Associate Professor, Department of Marine Sciences & IoB University of Georgia 102B Marine Sciences Bldg 325 Sanford Drive Athens, GA 30602 Email: hbik@uga.edu Office: (+1) 706-542-2844 Lab: (+1) 706-542-2037 Lab: https://www.biklab.org/ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/hollybik.bsky.social Holly M Bik (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear all, We have extended the abstract submission deadline (until the end of the year) for our EMBO Workshop on Molecular Mechanisms of Selfish Elements and Strategies, which will take place in Bern, Switzerland, from Sunday 8 to Wednesday 11 February. The scientific programme is organized into five thematic sessions: (1) Repeats and transposable elements; (2) GRC, PSR, and other B chromosomes; (3) Subverting meiosis; (4) Maternal and paternal genome elimination; (5) Endosymbionts enforcing their own transmission. The workshop is held in Switzerland, but we kept the registration fees within the usual EMBO range. Registration includes joint lunches and dinners, as well as coffee breaks. Bern is easily accessible by train from many European cities and is well connected to all three major Swiss airports. We still have travel grants and registration fee waivers available. More information on the website : https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-selfish-elements Best wishes, Luca Soldini Luca Soldini (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)