PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities in Ecological and Evolutionary Immunology The Symbiommunity Lab (PI Lauren Fuess) at Texas State is recruiting candidates for two open PhD positions (fall 2026 admission) and one open postdoctoral position (start by August 2026). Our group studies the causes and consequences of immune variation, with a particular focus on the roles of symbiotic interactions. Most of our current funded work is focused on Cnidarians, but opportunities to work in other taxa may arise. To learn more about our research, visit our webpage: fuesslab.wp.txstate.edu. Texas State University is an emerging research university on track to reach R1 status in 2026. In expanding our research scope, the university has designated four key focus areas, one of which is water resources. This emphasis acknowledges the historic strength of the Biology Department in aquatic research. Furthermore, following recent hires, our department also has robust expertise in symbiosis biology and evolutionary ecology. Texas State is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, proximal to two major cities: Austin and San Antonio (both approximately 30 min drive). PhD Positions- Admitted PhD students will work on projects related to ecological and evolutionary immunology, primarily in cnidarian systems. Students in the Symbiommunity Lab receive training in a range of integrative approaches including microscopy, biochemical assays, next generation sequencing (transcriptomics, genomics, single cell sequencing, etc), and physiology. Opportunities exist to work on several NSF funded projects (https://tinyurl.com/yzxyy4u2). Students will receive a competitive package consisting of 9 months guaranteed stipend at a rate of $3,512.85/month. Stipends will be provided for a minimum of 4 years for students with a MS degree, 5 years for those with a BS. Tuition support and summer salary are also provided through funded grants. Support packages are provided as a combination of departmental support (TAs) and external funding (RAs). Postdoctoral Positions- The selected postdoctoral researcher's primary role will be to support a recently funded NSF project investigating the link between bleaching recovery and disease susceptibility in cnidarians (NSF Award 2440978). Opportunities will exist it contribute to other projects focused on understanding the roles of symbiotic interactions in driving variation in host immunity across scales. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for leading studies investigating the association between bleaching recovery and disease susceptibility in cnidarians. This project will involve experimental work with the Aiptasia model system including husbandry, experimental design, and bioinformatic and biochemical sample analysis. The primary project is laboratory based, though opportunities for field work related to other projects may arise. The postdoc will also have opportunities to collaborate on other ongoing projects involving diverse cnidarian systems. Mentorship is a key component of work in the Symbiommunity lab. The selected applicant will be expected to contribute to the mentoring of other students in the lab, including co-supervising undergraduate research projects. The postdoc position is available for a minimum of two years, subject to annual performance review. This duration could be extended contingent upon funding. For more information on both positions please visit our webpage at: https://fuesslab.wp.txstate.edu/opportunities/. Full application instructions are found there. Application review will begin on November 1st and continue until suitable applicants are identified. Questions can be emailed to PI Lauren Fuess (lfuess@txstate.edu). Dr. Lauren E. Fuess Assistant Professor Department of Biology 5307 Ingram Hall Texas State University San Marcos, TX 78666 lfuess@txstate.edu fuesslab.wp.txstate.edu "Fuess, Lauren" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)