PhD Position in Evolutionary Genomics for Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management Cornell University The lab of Nina Overgaard Therkildsen in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University invites applications for a PhD position starting in Fall 2026. Our group works at the interface of evolutionary genomics and applied fisheries science. We study how contemporary environmental change and human impacts shape demographic, ecological, and microevolutionary processes in marine and other aquatic species. We are particularly interested in how human activities drive rapid evolution in wild populations, and in the roles of ongoing genetic adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, and shifting geographic distributions for species persistence in a rapidly changing world. A defining feature of our research is that we pair fundamental questions in evolutionary genomics with concrete challenges in fisheries management and aquatic conservation. We use high-throughput DNA sequencing and population genomic approaches to understand the genetic and ecological bases of local adaptation and connectivity; detect and interpret rapid, human-induced evolutionary change; develop genomic tools that delineate biologically meaningful management units; and inform spatial management, harvest strategies, and conservation planning. PhD students will have the opportunity to develop an independent project that fits within these broad themes or to join and shape ongoing work, including projects focused on genomic signatures of local adaptation and contemporary evolution, applied fisheries questions such as stock structure or climate-driven range shifts, tools for improved delineation of management units, and approaches for estimating contemporary connectivity, dispersal, and gene flow. Across all projects, there is ample scope to combine conceptual advances in evolutionary genomics with direct relevance to real-world monitoring, assessment, and management. The position will be hosted within Cornell University's Graduate Field of Natural Resources and the Environment, which provides an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment for graduate training with abundant opportunities to interact with the vibrant and diverse academic community across the Cornell campus. Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong background and interest in evolutionary biology, evolutionary genomics, fisheries science, ecology, population genomics, bioinformatics, or a closely related field. Prior experience with molecular laboratory methods, computational work, or large genomic datasets is strongly preferred. However, the most important qualifications are a clear enthusiasm for both fundamental scientific inquiry in evolutionary genomics and for applying those insights to pressing management and conservation questions; strong written and oral communication skills; curiosity and persistence; and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a diverse research group. How to apply: Interested candidates should email Nina Overgaard Therkildsen (nt246@cornell.edu) with a brief statement describing their motivation and research interests, along with a current CV and the names and contact information of three references. Review will begin immediately, and top candidates will be contacted on a rapid timeline to submit a formal application to the Cornell Graduate Field of Natural Resources by December 1, 2025. Because of the tight schedule for this opportunity, interested students are encouraged to reach out as soon as possible (ideally by November 20 for full consideration). Nina Overgaard Therkildsen? (she/her/hers) Associate Professor Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University https://www.therkildsenlab.org/=0A? nt246@cornell.edu (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)