The Lim Lab (sites.google.com/view/gmuevogen) at George Mason University, Biology Department, is recruiting 1 PhD student for the 2025/26 academic year. Using tropical birds as the study system, student research will focus on understanding how trait evolution is driven by genomic divergence and demographic histories such as secondary contacts. The student is expected to conduct integrative research that combines field/museum work, genomic work and bioinformatic analyses. Funding for the accepted student includes at least 2 years of GRAship (including tuition credits) and additional GTAships. I am also happy to work with the applicant to develop a strong NSF GRFP (Graduate Research Fellowship Program) proposal. The student will join GMU's Biosciences - Biocomplexity and Evolutionary Biology PhD program (https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/systems-biology/biosciences-phd/). This is a vibrant program with many opportunities to interact with professors and peers interested in fundamental evolution and ecology questions, as well as applied topics such as conservation. Required skills and expectations: * B.S. or M.S. in Evolution or Biology or a related field (e.g. Ecology) * Background and interest in ornithology and molecular genetics/phylogenetics/population genetics * Demonstrated writing skill * Committed to a collaborative and inclusive lab environment * Prior research experience * Interest in bioinformatics * Ability to conduct fieldwork independently Preferred skills and experiences: * Experience with NGS * Experience with the command-line interface and coding in R, Python, etc * Experience with handling birds and museum specimens Interested individuals are encouraged to contact me via email to explore how your interests intersect with the proposed research, and to read about research in the lab. Please also send me your CV and a cover letter stating your background and interests. GMU has three main campuses in the greater Washington, DC area (Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties). The Lim Lab is located in the Science and Technology campus (Manassas, Virginia) and collaborates with GMU and outside researchers from NMNH, NZP, SCBI, USGS and other institutions. Mason is a highly diverse university with 49% of students from underrepresented groups and 37% considered first generation. Haw Chuan (HC) Lim, Ph.D. Associate Professor Biology Department George Mason University Manassas, VA 20110 hlim22@gmu.edu "hlim22@gmu.edu" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)