FWO-funded postdoctoral position in evolutionary genomics of sex chromosomes and sex-specific recombination in anurans A postdoctoral position is available in the Ma Lab: Evolutionary Genomics of Sex(https://www.wmalab.com) in Research Group of Ecology, Evolution and Genetics in Biology Department at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Brussels, Belgium. Our lab aims to understand how sex chromosomes and sex-determination systems originate and evolve, why they are highly labile in some lineages but extremely stable in others, and how recombination shapes these dynamics across the Tree of Life. The successful candidate will work on research topic on evolution of sex chromosomes and extreme heterochiasmy across anuran lineages, with emphasis on: - assembling and analysing large, repeat-rich frog genomes - performing comparative genomics across lineages with different sex- determining systems(XY, ZW, homomorphic vs. differentiated sex chromosomes) - investigating the drivers of sex chromosome turnover, transposable elements and repeat landscapes - analysing the evolution of sex-specific recombination rates and landscapes The project will involve field sampling and basic molecular lab work, and will combine long-read genome assembly, comparative and population genomics, and the analysis of recombination patterns and structural variation. Depending on the candidate's interests and expertise, there will also be opportunities to integrate cytogenetics and/or evo-devo approaches. What we expect from you: PhD in evolutionary biology, genomics, bioinformatics or a closely related field. Solid expertise in evolutionary/population genomics and molecular evolution, with a clear interest in sex chromosomes/sex determination, recombination(heterochiasmy), transposable element evolution, or genome evolution in non-model species. Proven experience analysing high-throughput sequencing data, ideally including genome assembly and/or comparative genomics (large or repeat-rich genomes are a plus). Strong programming and data-analysis skills(e.g. Python and/or R, Unix) and familiarity with reproducible workflows. Highly motivated to work on frog genomes to understand sex chromosome turnover and recombination landscapes, and to link genomic patterns to evolutionary mechanisms. Valid EU (or equivalent) driving licence, prior fieldwork experience is preferred Willingness to contribute to ongoing projects, co-supervise MSc/BSc students and (optionally) take on a small amount of teaching. Compliance with the mobility rule: you have not lived or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the start of the fellowship. Please submit the application via VUB link by 10/03/2026: https://jobs.vub.be/job/Elsene-Postdoctoral-researcher-in-evolutionary-genomics/1285868901/ CV(including publication list) Cover letter(key qualifications, why you are interested, your research directions/career goals) Copy of PhD diploma Contact details for three referees(who will be contacted after shortlisting The position is initial for 12 months (renewable up to 3 years upon positive evaluation), with planned starting date 01/06/2026 (with some flexibility). Questions about the position and in general? Contact Prof. Wen-Juan Maat wen-juan.ma@vub.be Wen-Juan Ma (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)