Call of interest for a Doctoral (PhD) Fellowship in population genomics of freshwater mussels. The Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) and the Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources - InBIO Associate Laboratory (CIBIO) are advertising the Call for PhD Studentships of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). Background Advancements in genomics allow for linking DNA variation with diversification, adaptation, and survival, providing unprecedented tools to aid conservation efforts for highly threatened and underrepresented organisms. Freshwater mussels are a diverse and widespread group of strictly freshwater bivalves. These organisms have evolved remarkable adaptations to freshwater environments, including internal fertilization and a unique larval stage known as glochidia, which parasitizes fish for dispersion and nutrition until metamorphosis occurs. Freshwater mussels are also among the most threatened taxa worldwide. In Europe, all species are imperilled. Besides the numerous known threats that contribute to the global decline of freshwater mussels, the Climate Crisis is also becoming a serious concern for their survival, particularly in warmer regions like the Mediterranean. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive genomic surveys, which are currently unavailable, to understand the genetic basis of the decline of these species and their adaptive potential. Work plan description We are looking for PhD candidates who are motivated, enthusiastic, and hardworking, and who are interested in addressing scientific problems with rigour and creativity. The ideal candidate should have a graduate degree in natural sciences, biology, genetics, or a closely related field, and a strong interest in bioinformatics. The work will focus intensively on bioinformatics, so learning shell script will be mandatory. The candidate will conduct whole genome assemblies and population genomics to: 1) Characterize the genetic diversity and demographic history of European freshwater mussels and 2) identify the genomic features that underlie freshwater mussels' adaptation to the Climate Crisis. The project will mainly use existing samples, but there will be opportunities for fieldwork to support project objectives or/if the candidate is willing to participate in them. Also, the candidate is expected to be involved in some molecular laboratory work (DNA/RNA extractions for NGS sequencing). The PhD candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of motivated researchers in the field of aquatic ecology and evolution. They will also benefit from and be integrated into a network of collaborations with other national and international institutions. This proposal aims to provide new insights into the adaptation of freshwater species with broad geographical ranges to local environmental conditions. Additionally, it seeks to enhance our understanding of the evolutionary history of these imperilled organisms. The ultimate goal is to inform future management actions aimed at conserving these extraordinary organisms. IMPORTANT: This is just a call of interest! Interested candidates should contact us for a preliminary interview. Selected candidates will after have to apply to the FCT PhD scholarships, which will be evaluated at a national level. This application will require the submission of a comprehensive proposal plan by 18 April. Therefore, we will only consider expressions of interest up to 18 March. We will provide assistance to the successful candidate in developing the final proposal. More details on the candidature plan can be found at the FCT website at - https://www.fct.pt/en/concursos/concurso-bolsas-de-doutoramento-2024-linha-de-candidatura-especifica-em-ambiente-nao-academico For more information, please contact. Dr. Elsa Froufe (efroufe@ciimar.up.pt) Dr. Manuel Lopes-Lima (mplopeslima@cibio.up.pt) Dr. André Gomes-dos-Santos (asantos@ciimar.up.pt) -- *André Santos * PhD *CIIMAR | Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research* *of the University of Porto* Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N 4450-208 Matosinhos | Portugal E-mail: *asantos@ciimar.up.pt* André Santos (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)