4-year PhD contract on fish comparative genomics. Thegenomic basis of replicated water-to-land transitions in amphibious fish The Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales The MNCN belongs to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the largest and most important research agency in Spain. The MNCN is a diverse and scientifically stimulating environment and a reference center for biodiversity. The PhD will be associated with the Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, with strength in genomics. The Working Group We use major evolutionary transitions as study systems to understand the patterns and processes underlying biodiversity. Specifically, we are interested in understanding the genomic basis of adaptations associated with one of the most drastic and physiologically challenging habitat transitions: from water to land. We have a strong focus on phylogenomics and comparative genomics and strive to use integrative approaches. The project will be developed with international and multidisciplinary collaborators. The Project Blennies are an extraordinary family of fish which have made multiple independent conquests of the terrestrial environment. This project aims to understand the evolutionary innovations underlying the origin of amphibious and terrestrial lifestyles. The core work uses comparative genomics to identify genome- and transcriptome-level innovations. We will also study the microbiome, morphology, and explore evo-devo approaches. The PhD has a strong bioinformatic focus, but will also include field and molecular lab work. What do we offer? · 4-year fully-funded PhD contract (project PID2023-152168NB-I00 by the Spanish Ministry). · Well-structured PhD study plan, including hands-on training and specialized courses, international conferences and research stays. · Gross salary of ca. 19.000 euro (1st year) and ca. 23.500 euro (years 2-4). · We are committed to promoting your career development and maintaining an inclusive and friendly working atmosphere. · Working language will be English and/or Spanish. Eligibility · MSc. in Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field. · Interest in Bioinformatics. Previous knowledge is desirable but not required. · Curiosity, self-motivation, & organizational skills are a must. · Working language will be English and/or Spanish. Application Procedure · Tentative deadline: September 29th. · Review of applications will start immediately and interviews will be held in October. · Starting date early (January-March) 2025. · Submit a single pdf to Iker Irisarri (irisarri.iker@gmail.com) with a motivation letter describing your interests, a short description of past and present work, CV, and contact information for two referees. · Informal emails for further information are welcome. We are committed to promoting equity. Persons from groups that have been historically excluded from academia are strongly encouraged to apply. Iker (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)