********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD Position in Evolutionary & Developmental Genomics University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras We invite applications for a PhD position within the newly funded NSF E-RISE II initiative, an ambitious island-wide effort transforming Puerto Rico into a hub for innovation in life sciences, biotechnology, and computational biology. This multi-institutional project integrates comparative omics, single-cell biology, evolutionary genomics, computational science, and AI to unravel the molecular rules that link genomes to phenotypes across development and deep evolutionary time. At this website you can find more information on the project: https://www.lifeblueprint-upr.com/ https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2435987&HistoricalAwards=false Project Focus The PhD student will join a collaborative team investigating the molecular architecture of development using a comparative framework of butterflies diverged over ~90 million years. We aim to determine: How genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic information is integrated at single-cell resolution How cells acquire identity, function, and fate across tissues, life stages, and evolutionary distances Which developmental mechanisms are conserved and which are innovation-driven How computation and AI can decode complex biological patterns and build predictive models of development What We Offer A PhD position within a vibrant, interdisciplinary, international research environment An incredibly vibrant and enjoyable tropical lifestyle Access to cutting-edge technologies: single-cell omics, long-read genome assembly, comparative genomics, high-performance computing, and AI-based data integration Opportunities to collaborate across seven partner institutions and the emerging PR-LIFE-DECODE Science & Technology Center Training at the interface of evo-devo, multi-omics, bioinformatics, and quantitative biology A supportive, inclusive research community committed to workforce development and scientific innovation Ideal Candidates We welcome applicants from diverse scientific backgrounds, including: Evolutionary biology, developmental biology, genetics Bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, or AI/ML Genomics, transcriptomics, single-cell biology, or quantitative approaches A passion for integrative, big-data, comparative science is essential. How to Apply Please send a CV, brief statement of research interests, and contact information for 2-3 references to: Riccardo Papa, rpapa.lab@gmail.com, riccardo.papa@upr.edu Florence Piel, florence.piel@upr.edu Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Riccardo Papa Full Professor, Department of Biology Director of High Throughput Sequencing Facility University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Julio García Díaz (JGD) 213 Rio Piedras, San Juan PR 00931 tell: 787-764-0000 ext 4827(office) or 7764(lab) fax: 787-764-3875 Lab website: www.riccardopapalab.com Riccardo Papa (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD position to study the genetics of social behaviour We are looking for a graduate student for an ongoing project deciphering the genetic basis of natural variation in social behaviour. The student would be free to pursue follow-up research that builds on our recent work. See "Evolution of sociability: genome scans and gene validation" (https://doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpaf230). Prospective candidates are invited to contact via email either Ian Dworkin (dworkin@mcmaster.ca) or Reuven Dukas (dukas@mcmaster.ca) prior to December 15, 2025. Please include a CV and transcripts in pdf format. The position is open to citizens and permanent residents of Canada as well as others with their own financial support. Reuven Dukas Cognitive Ecology Group Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1 Canada Office: 905-525-9140 ext. 23894 http://psych.mcmaster.ca/dukas/ Reuven Dukas (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The CEFE (Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive; https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/fr/cefe) is in need of a new director, who rotates about every 5 years in the French system. If you know someone relatively familiar with the French Research system and who may be interested by a position with responsibilities in Montpellier, France, please forward them this announcement. More details are found there: https://carrieres.cnrs.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Appel-a-candidature-CEFE_2025-.pdf While the job involves a fair component of administration, logistics and organization, management of human resources, it also involves scientific strategy and in the case of CEFE puts you in contact with the needs and projects of a very rich and diverse research community, among the most active in ecology and evolution at the international level. From my colleagues who have directed large research units in the recent past, I understand that it is a demanding job but highly interesting and at a scale where your decisions can really make a difference in the well-being and creativity of a community of research. The director also plays an important role in stimulating the sense of belonging, solidarity and community in a research center, which are organized quite differently in France than in other places. Do not hesitate to spread the word. The call closes January 10th 2026. Best wishes Ophelie Ronce Oph�lie Ronce (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Quantitative Geneticist Forestry Commission - Forest Research (United Kingdom) Salary: �40,388 - �43,482. Appointments to Forest Research are made at the entry level of the salary quoted above except in exceptional circumstances where a candidate's experience and skills may justify a higher starting salary. Normal pay on transfer rules apply for existing civil servants. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% Job grade: Higher Executive Officer (Pay Band 4) Length of employment: This is a fixed term appointment until 31 March 2028 with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee. Working pattern: Flexible working, Full-time Location The role will be based at Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9SY (Scotland). We offer blended working which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from the workplace. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Job summary Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis? Forest Research is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature. We're small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our planet. And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances. So, whether it's climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit forestresearch.gov.uk. The Tree Improvement team was founded in 1948 and lies within the Forest Genetics science group at Forest Research. Our mission is to conduct applied research that leads to continually better genetic resources for the British forestry sector. We are a founding member of the Conifer Breeding Cooperative Ltd. Job description The purpose of this job is to populate and initiate an advanced-generation genetic evaluation system for British conifers, using tools developed by Tree Breeding Australia for "rolling-front tree breeding". The post holder will curate and validate data and metadata from several hundred Sitka spruce and Scots pine progeny trials and enter the data into a new tree breeding database (DATAPLAN). Data will then be analysed together with new field data. The analyses will be used to estimate new national breeding values, select the next breeding generation in Sitka spruce and develop forward breeding strategies for all conifers we currently work on. The role is part of a new project called "NextGen British Conifers" and is funded by members of the Conifer Breeding Cooperative Ltd and the Forestry Commission via the Tree Production Innovation Fund and will be delivered in partnership with Tree Breeding Australia and the Conifer Breeding Cooperative. Key Work Areas: . Populate a breeding database (DATAPLAN) with pedigree information, metadata and data from several hundred historic and extant genetic trials. . Carry out comprehensive spatial and multivariate quantitative genetic analyses of designed forest genetic trials and combine data across trials using the TREEPLAN genetic evaluation system for breeding programmes. Publish findings in scientific journals. . Select the best individual trees from standing genetic trials for further breeding and production work, in accordance with industry-led selection criteria. . Develop realistic, costed breeding plans for multiple conifer species and secure additional funding for further work. . Represent Forest Research and the Conifer Breeding Cooperative at conferences, workshops and discussion groups, and join the Conifer Breeding Cooperative Research and Strategy Group. . A two-to-four-week visit to Tasmania, South Australia, and New Zealand is anticipated to take place in 2027. . Support other analytical aspects of forest genetics research on an ad hoc basis. Person specification Essential Criteria: . Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as genetics or statistics . Significant experience of mixed-models, preferably by applying quantitative genetics in animal, plant or tree improvement programmes . Skills in using or developing repeatable analytical pipelines, preferably using R and AS-REML . A proven track record of successful collaboration and skills in communicating to mixed audiences . An interest in developing domain knowledge and translating findings into practice Desirable Criteria: . Experience or working knowledge of commercial forestry . Experience in using, or literacy in the application of molecular (DNA-based) and high-throughput phenotyping in genetic improvement programmes . Willingness to participate in occasional field work campaigns in Scotland, England, and Wales The closing date for applications is 04 January 2026. Interviews are expected to be 14-16 January 2026. For full listing, visit: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi?SID=c2VhcmNoc29ydD1zY29yZSZ1c2Vyc2VhcmNoY29udGV4dD0xNjIwNjgxNTgmb3duZXJ0eXBlPWZhaXImcGFnZWNsYXNzPUpvYnMmcGFnZWFjdGlvbj12aWV3dmFjYnlqb2JsaXN0JmpvYmxpc3Rfdmlld192YWM9MTk3OTAyMyZzZWFyY2hwYWdlPTEmb3duZXI9NTA3MDAwMCZyZXFzaWc9MTc2Mzk4NTMyMy0xNmU0MjcxMjA4MjQ4NWQzY2U5ODExMzVmNjA1M2VmZDcyZTYwMjU1 Enquiries to Richard Whittet, Head of Tree Breeding, Forest Research at richard.whittet@forestresearch.gov.uk Richard Whittet (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral position, systems biology/biomarkers of aging Promislow lab Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging Tufts University in Boston A postdoctoral position is available in the Promislow lab at Tufts University, at the medical campus in the heart of Boston. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with experience in Drosophila interested in quantitative genetics, systems biology and/or biomarker development to understand natural variation in aging. Current funded research includes the development of metabolomic biomarkers and metabolome clocks, mechanisms of non-genetic variation, social effects on aging, and mechanisms of resilience. There will also be opportunities to work on similar questions using data from the Dog Aging Project (dogagingproject.org). We are seeking someone with a PhD in biology, genomics, computational biology, systems biology or a related field, with strong experience working with Drosophila. The ability to work extremely well in a team is essential. RESPONSIBILITIES: The Postdoctoral Researcher will: �Design and carry out experiments �Coordinate metabolome and/or transcriptome data generation & analysis �Write up and publish results REQUIREMENTS: PhD in biology, genomics, computational biology, systems biology, or a related field. Other required qualifications include: �Experience in Drosophila research �Skills in the use of the R or Python statistical environment �Strong understanding of the statistical approaches and nuances of high-dimensional data analysis �Strong organizational skills �Ability to learn and integrate new analysis methods �Excellent oral and written communication skills �Ability and enthusiasm for working independently, and collaboratively as part of a team DESIRED: �Familiarity with metabolomic and/or transcriptomic profiling �Practical understanding of the biology of aging. �Excellent mentoring skills and desire to work with undergraduates Interested candidates should send an email with CV, a brief statement of research experience and interests, and names of three referees to Daniel Promislow at daniel.promislow@tufts.edu no later than Dec 19, 2024. Tufts University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community that respects all of its members, regardless of citizenship and national origin, race, color, ethnicity, language, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and religious or veteran status. "Promislow, Daniel" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)