PhD Position in Evolutionary Genomics / Bioinformatics: Gene Expression
Evolution of Fireflies

I invite applications for one doctoral position in my research
group at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), München. The
position is part of the DFG SPP "Genomic Basis of Evolutionary
Innovations (GEvol) - Phase II" ( https://g-evol.com) which
means that you will be part of a large network of doctoral
students (https://g-evol.uni-muenster.de/members/). The topic
of our project is gene expression evolution in fireflies (
https://g-evol.uni-muenster.de/projectpage/#AnkerFireflies). You will
be jointly supervised by Sebastian Höhna (https://hoehnalab.github.io)
and Ana Catalán (https://www.anacatalan-evolution.com/). This is a
research-only PhD position funded for 3 years by the DFG (no classes and
teaching required but possible). The starting date is flexible, ideally
between 1st March 2026 and 1st October 2026. This project focuses on
whole genome evolution and gene expression data analysis. Therefore,
we strongly encourage evolutionary biologists with a keen interest in
bioinformatics/statistics or bioinformaticians/statisticians/computer
scientists with a keen interest in evolutionary biology to apply.

A major part of the wide phenotypic diversity that we observe today
can be explained by changes in gene expression. Changes in gene
expression have been successfully linked to the variation of different
trait types. One of the most extreme differences within species are
sexually dimorphic traits, many of which can be linked to sex-biased
gene expression. In fireflies, extreme sexual dimorphism has evolved
several times independently, which makes fireflies an excellent
study system for repeated evolution. Published results from the
first phase are https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06550-6,
https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf123, and
https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.19.671050.

In Phase II we want to explore: (i) the interaction of gene loss and
gene expression evolution, (ii) the impact of gene duplication on
gene expression evolution, and (iii) the correlation between TEs and
cis-regulatory elements and gene expression evolution. We will try to
address this question using RNA-seq of >18 firefly species from ~6 genera
(3 with extreme sexual dimorphism) and performing specific hypothesis
tests within a statistical phylogenetic framework. These phylogenetic
models will be newly developed in the Höhna-lab (you can contribute
if interested).

Your tasks will include:
- Performing analyses to assemble gene orthology datasets
- Performing analyses of gene family evolution (gene duplication
  and losses)
- Performing analysis of gene expression evolution across a phylogeny
- Various statistical analysis in phylogenomics and population genomics
  (e.g., estimating rates of evolution and selection, identification of
  TEs, reconstructing the evolution history of TEs)
- Testing hypotheses of correlation of gene expression evolution and
  genomics features (e.g., shifts in expression due to
  presence/absence of TE)
- Writing research articles & presenting your work at international
  conferences

Your required skills:
- A Master's degree or equivalent in Evolutionary Biology,
  Bioinformatics or a similar field finished by the starting date
- Good communication skills in English
- Good written and oral skills in English
- Highly motivated and independent working
- Basic knowledge in statistical analysis (e.g., a first course in
  statistical analyses using R)
- Basic knowledge in evolutionary genomics

What we offer:
- Being part of a large network of genome evolution in insects (
  https://g-evol.com)
- Training in genomics and statistical analysis
- Opportunities to participate at international workshops and
  conferences
- Working at the LMU Munich, one of Germany's and Europe's top
  Universities
- Standard LMU salary scheme for doctoral students
- Benefits such as health care, 30 days of vacation per year,
  pension, unemployment insurance, child support (if applicable) and
  parental leave.

LMU Munich is an equal opportunity employer. The University continues
to be very successful in increasing the number of female faculty members
and strongly encourages applications from female candidates. LMU Munich
intends to enhance the diversity of its faculty members. Furthermore,
disabled candidates with essentially equal qualifications will be given
preference.

Any questions should be directed to Sebastian Höhna (hoehna@lmu.de)
or Ana Catalán (catalan@bio.lmu.de). Applications, consisting of (a)
a motivation letter (1 page) which states your motivation and interest
for the specific position as well your relevant experience and skills
for this project, (b) a current CV and (c) names and contact details of
two referees should be sent to Sebastian Höhna by the deadline of 30
November 2025.

Sebastian Höhna <sebastian.hoehna@gmail.com>

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