PhD position opportunity in Computational Phylogenetics Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University (LSU) United States of America Potential start dates: January 2026 or September 2026 (flexible) Research focus The Mendes Lab develops, evaluates, and applies cutting-edge computational methods to study species evolution. Our research addresses questions such as: (i) Where, when, and how often species originate and go extinct, (ii) Why species have the genotypes and phenotypes they do, and how these are interconnected, (iii) How species distributions evolve over space and time, (iv) How within-species processes influence or bias phylogenetic inferences related to these questions. Work in the Mendes lab is cross-disciplinary, combining biology, computer science, and statistics, and often involves collaborations with researchers both within LSU and internationally. Opportunities for the student Students will be able to: (a) Develop a deep understanding of computational methods and statistical models in evolutionary biology by engaging with recent literature. They will participate in discussions with local experts, and identify open questions from both empirical and methodological perspectives. Students will design an independent research project aligned with the lab's goals and the graduate program requirements; (b) Gain hands-on experience with the inner workings of widely used scientific software, including BEAST 2, RevBayes, and various R and Python libraries. Students will develop coding skills, statistical modeling expertise, and may explore Bayesian inference, machine learning, and related methods depending on the focus of their research; (c) Access world-class biological collections and expertise through the LSU Museum of Natural Science (https://www.lsu.edu/mns/index.php) and the Shirley C. Tucker Herbarium (https://www.lsu.edu/herbarium/index.php). This access will provide unique opportunities for integrating computational methods with empirical data. Qualifications Any and all applications that meet minimum qualifications will be considered (but see more details below on how to apply). Minimum requirements: 1. A bachelor's degree (BSc) or master's degree (MSc) in biology, evolution, computer science, statistics, mathematics, or related field, 2. strong interest in both organismal biology and computational methods, 3. eligibility for admission to LSU's graduate programs. Competitive applicants will have: 4. Experience with programming in R, Python, or similar languages, and/or 5. background in mathematical modeling, statistical inference, and machine learning, and/or 6. experience with large datasets and/or computational biology methods, and/or 7. strong written and oral communication skills (English), and/or 8. interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative work. About the principal investigator (PI) Dr. Fabio K. Mendes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at LSU. He has over a decade of experience developing and using computational methods for evolutionary biology. His research has appeared in top journals including Systematic Biology, eLife, Molecular Biology and Evolution, and Methods in Ecology and Evolution. Dr. Mendes also serves on the editorial board of Systematic Biology. About the department and LSU The Department of Biological Sciences (https://tinyurl.com/4drjwv97) at LSU is nationally recognized for its strength in evolutionary biology, systematics, and biodiversity science. Several faculty members are closely affiliated with the LSU Museum of Natural Science, one of the premier natural history museums in the U.S. Graduate students benefit from a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research across a wide range of biological disciplines. LSU is Louisiana's flagship public university, offering excellent research facilities, strong support for graduate students, and a welcoming, diverse community. LSU is also renowned for its top-tier athletics - its teams are among the most successful in the nation, and sporting events are massive, energetic, and a major part of campus life. For students looking to stay active, the university's recreation center offers state-of-the-art facilities for fitness, swimming, climbing, and more. LSU is located in Baton Rouge, a vibrant city known for its history, culture, and affordability. Students will also be just over an hour from New Orleans, one of the most unique and culturally rich cities in the United States, known for its music scene, incredible food, and world-class festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. How to apply The application process involves two steps: (i) an initial inquiry stage in which candidates should contact the PI to express interest and discuss fit for the position, and (ii) if encouraged to proceed, candidates will then submit materials through LSU's Graduate Program application system. Admission decisions are made by the department after review of all applicants. Before contacting Dr. Mendes for the first time, please: 1. Review recent publications from the Mendes Lab to assess your fit and interests, 2. familiarize yourself with LSU's Department of Biological Sciences admission requirements and application deadlines (https://tinyurl.com/42m9t6be), 3. produce a single .PDF file with: (a) a cover letter describing research interests and fit with the lab (max. 1 page), (b) a short CV summarizing relevant experience, skills, and past or ongoing work, (c) transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at this point), (d) the names and emails of two references. Send the .PDF file to fmendes@lsu.edu with the subject line "PhD in the Mendes lab - [Your name]". In the email body, briefly introduce yourself, summarize your educational background, and describe your research interests. Inquiries that do not follow these instructions or clearly do not align with the lab's focus may not receive a response. Note for international applicants: Please plan ahead to allow sufficient time for the application process and visa arrangements. For questions about the lab or the application process, please contact Dr. Mendes at fmendes@lsu.edu. Fabio Mendes (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)