********************GradStudentPositions******************** Dear all, We're looking for a PhD student to join our team at Lund University (Sweden) to study how microbial eukaryotes - 'protists' - live without oxygen. The position is set to start in the Autumn of 2024, but is flexible per agreement. Details about the position and how to apply (including specific instructions for the cover letter) can be found here: https://thelabupstairs.online/open-positions/. THE PROJECT Oxygen-depleted environments are more than just "anoxic dead zones" - they are home to a diverse array of life, including eukaryotic microbes. This PhD project aims to explore the mitochondrial biology in anaerobic eukaryotes, shedding light on how their metabolism and organelle function have evolved to thrive in oxygen-free environments. The focus will be on the electron transport chain and other electron transferring strategies like hydrogen generation. We will investigate the functional diversity of anaerobic respiratory chains in eukaryotes and explore the evolutionary mechanisms that contribute to this adaptations including lateral gene transfer and neofunctionalization. Additional projects related to environmental anaerobic eukaryotes are also available. THE ORGANISMS We study unicellular eukaryotes - or 'protists' - that often have peculiar biology compared to what our textbooks teach us. This project will centre on protists from the Breviatae and Amoebozoa phyla that have taken different evolutionary trajectories towards anaerobic life. Instead of depositing electrons onto oxygen, these protists can make hydrogen gas or succinate which can be consumed by prokaryotic organisms in a form of metabolic co-operation known as 'syntrophy'. Your task will be to help us follow the electrons and understand the basic cell biology of these protists. RESEARCH METHODS This project will use cell biological methods, including super-resolution microscopy, proteomics, and metabolomics of quinone molecules. Moreover, there is potential to develop expertise in bioinformatic methods such as transcriptomics, comparative genomics, and phylogenetics as well as environmental microbiology. SUPERVISION The successful candidate will join the Molecular Cell Biology Division in the Biology Department at Lund University, under the supervision of Dr. Courtney Stairs, an expert in eukaryotic microbiology. The project will also be co-supervised by Dr. Olivier van Aken, a leading researcher in mitochondrial biology. This project is part of the European Research Council 'TANGO2' StG project, awarded to Dr. Stairs. Best wishes, Courtney Courtney Stairs Biträdande Universitets Lektor Lund University Department of Biology www.thelabupstairs.online Courtney Stairs (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Teaching Assistant Professor - Computational Biology School of Life Sciences Arizona State University The School of Life Sciences (SOLS) invites applications for two full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure-eligible Teaching Assistant Professor positions with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2024. Both positions are 80% teaching and 20% service. Subsequent academic year renewals (Aug. 16 to May 15) are contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of resources, and the needs of the unit. Supplementary summer teaching may be available. Applicants should have a broad grasp of computational biology, coding, genomics, and biostatistics, and experience in college or university-level teaching and student mentoring. Ideally, applicants will also have experience in research, in the fields of computational life sciences, bioinformatics, biostatistics, biological computing, or genomics. The School of Life Sciences is a broadly interdisciplinary community of undergraduates, M.S. and Ph.D. students, staff, and faculty members. We are committed to transforming science education and research by making learning more accessible, inclusive, and impactful through innovations in teaching and connections to nationally recognized research and education programs such as the Research in Inclusive STEM Education (RISE) Center. The School of Life Sciences is also home to a growing Computational Life Sciences program for undergraduate and graduate students including online and immersion MS students. SOLS is embedded within the larger community of ASU, a dynamic, progressive university dedicated to interdisciplinary collaborations, rethinking university education, and integrating excellence in research and teaching. The university has been ranked #1 in innovation by US News & World Report for the past nine years. We invite you to learn more about the School of Life Sciences and Arizona State University by visiting https://sols.asu.edu, and https://newamericanuniversity.asu.edu, respectively. Learn more about what The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has to offer by visiting https://thecollege.asu.edu/faculty. Successful applicants will contribute to SOLS' innovative online MS programs in Computational Life Sciences and in Biology. They will be responsible for providing instruction in online Master's-level and undergraduate courses in genomics, genetics, coding, biostatistics, quantitative and computational biology. This includes supervising coursework for Applied Projects and Capstones for the Computational Life Sciences MS program. Responsibilities will include supervising graduate teaching assistants and updating/developing course materials with other faculty & staff. This person will also provide service within the school, college, and university in capacities appropriate for the position. Minimum qualifications: - PhD in computational biology, quantitative biology, genomics, bioinformatics or related field by the time of appointment. - Demonstrated experience with applying computational approaches to life sciences questions. - Demonstrated evidence of organizational and communication skills. - Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students and/or communities to advance the ASU Charter. Desired qualifications: - Three (3) years of post-secondary teaching experience. - Demonstrated experience teaching college-level biology courses in a traditional classroom and alternative delivery modalities such as hybrid or online. - Two (2) or more years of research experience in computational life sciences, biostatistics, or genomics. - Experience creating curriculum and teaching online. - Experience in using technology to supplement and improve pedagogy. - A record of using evidence-based methods of teaching that promote mastery of computational biological concepts and advance higher-order critical thinking, as evidenced by instruction and assessments. - Demonstrated commitment to serving and understanding the particular needs of online students. - Demonstrated success meeting the needs of underrepresented student populations or reaching out to diverse communities. - Experience supervising and mentoring teaching assistants. - Evidence of collaborative activities with other faculty and staff. - Participation in the higher education community and professional development activities (for example, authoring educational and scientific publications, presenting at conferences, attending workshops, etc.). To apply, please click here http://apply.interfolio.com/143402 to submit the following materials electronically: Materials shall include (1) a cover letter, (2) a comprehensive curriculum vitae, (3) a teaching statement, (4) evidence of teaching excellence (e.g., summative assessments, lesson plans, curriculum, sample lesson/video, etc.), (5) name and contact information (including email address) for 3 references who may be contacted at a later stage of consideration. All applications must be sent electronically. Application deadline is April 26, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU's full nondiscrimination statement (ACD 401) is located on the ASU website at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX. In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456. Shae Chiandet (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Colleagues, We are searching for a colleague who can contribute to upper-division plant biology courses. In the past we have taught Terrestrial Ecology, Plant Biology, Economically Important Plants, Plant Taxonomy and Plant Physiology. The successful candidate could also develop their own plant biology courses in their area of expertise. Our department values undergraduate research and provides startup funds and lab space. We have several existing partnerships that provide access to field sites within a short drive of campus. Ecologists and evolutionary biologists would be awesome additions to our team. I've provided a link to the application. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. Take care, Rickey Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor of Biology swosu.csod.com Rickey Cothran Associate Professor & Chair Depart. of Biological & Biomed. Sciences Southwestern Oklahoma State Univ. https://rdcothran.wixsite.com/hyalella "Cothran, Rickey" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Scientist Maternal age effects: mitochondrial and epigenetic mechanisms Marine Biological Laboratory Woods Hole, MA Excellent salary and benefits, commensurate with experience and qualifications Description: A postdoctoral research position is available to study the cellular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms of maternal age effects on offspring health and lifespan. The project will focus on the role of mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism in maternal age effects, using molecular, bioinformatic, biochemical, and imaging techniques. This is an NIH-funded project in the laboratory of Dr. Kristin Gribble at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA. The lab researches the biology of aging, with a focus on maternal age effects on offspring health and lifespan. We use rotifers as a model system for our work. For more information about the lab???s research, seegribblebiolab.org. Qualifications: Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have a record of scientific rigor, productivity, and creativity. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Knowledge of rotifer biology is not required; highly motivated individuals with experience in other model systems and with a background in bioinformatics, cell biology, biochemistry, epigenetics, and/or imaging are encouraged to apply. Required Documents: Please submit (1) a cover letter with a brief description of your research experience and how you will contribute to research on the mechanisms of maternal age effects on offspring, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for at least three references. Apply Here: https://tinyurl.com/yp2rdv52 Kristin Gribble (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Microbiome.Postdoctoral.Fellowship.Binghamton Univ. Salary and details:$76,000 (two years, with a pipeline to a Tenure-track position). This position is open until filled, but apply by April 12thfor full consideration. The Department of Biological Sciences at Binghamton University (SUNY) seeks applicants for an independent Postdoctoral Fellowship (open for two years). The fellowship is open to anyone studying microbiomes in a wide range of plant or animal systems, focusing on how variation in microbiota impacts the way organisms interact with their environment. The postdoc will ideally work with a collaborative team of mentors that will host the fellows in their laboratories and help guide them to remain here in a tenure-track faculty position at the conclusion of the fellowship. Applicants should, therefore, have research interests that complement existing faculty in our department. The mentorship team will be built from faculty with research most relevant to the applicant's interests. Fellows are appointed with the Postdoctoral Associate title and will receive a highly competitive compensation package, including New York State comprehensive benefits. There will also be an annual allowance to cover research expenses, conference travel, and dissemination of research findings. The Fellowship is part of the SUNY PRODiG+ initiative that focuses on two goals: (1) increasing the number and share of excellent diverse faculty committed to advancing the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and (2) strengthening the pipeline for retention and support of these faculty. Eligible candidates must demonstrate personal, academic, or work experience engaging diversity, equity, and inclusion or a commitment to facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the campus community. Such experience may include, but is not limited to, an academic/scholarly track record focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion; work, volunteer/unpaid/community service; or related experience/expertise in serving underserved or vulnerable areas and/or populations. Also, candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without a visa sponsorship, and have a Ph.D. in Biology or related discipline from an accredited institution completed prior to the start date. More details about the position: https://binghamton.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=173272 All applicants must apply via Interview Exchange: http://binghamton.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=173272 Applicants must submit a statement, up to 750 words, that responds to the following - please describe how you've engaged, facilitated, and/or enhanced diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the campus community. Examples could include personal, academic, and/or work experience and may include, but is not limited to, an academic/scholarly track record focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion; work, volunteer/unpaid/ community service; or related experience/ expertise in serving underserved or vulnerable areas and/or populations - along with a cover letter, CV, brief research statement, and names and contact information for three references to: https://binghamton.interviewexchange.com. You may add additional files/documents after uploading your resume. After you fill out your contact information, you will be directed to the upload page. Please login to check/edit your profile or to upload additional documents: http://binghamton.interviewexchange.com/login.jsp. Kirsten M. Prior, Ph.D. (she/her) Associate Professor Binghamton University, SUNY Department of Biological Sciences priorecologylab.com Sci. 4, Rm. 210 "Kirsten M. Prior" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Dear colleagues, My apologies to anyone who receives this announcement multiple times, but we are trying to spread the word far and wide about two postdoc positions we'd like to fill as soon as possible. Please share the announcement below with anyone you think might be interested. Cheers, Eric *The Opportunities:* The Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD) and Fisheries Resources Division (FRD) at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA/NMFS) seek highly motivated candidates for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. Both research divisions have several funded projects focused on developing and using genomic tools to investigate the ecology, evolution, and population dynamics of various marine mammal, sea turtle, and fish species to contribute to their conservation and management. Both postdocs will participate in a larger network of bioinformatics specialists across NOAA genetics labs. One postdoc will lead a project within the Marine Mammal Genetics Program (MMGP) designed to generate the data sets and code needed to develop large SNP panels for multiple marine mammal species that are of high management concern. The data generated in the core project will provide exciting opportunities to pursue projects on comparative genomics, population structure, and demography. The second postdoc will lead a project to develop and enhance workflows to examine spatial and temporal variability of marine mammals, sea turtles, fishes, and abalone from eDNA samples collected from the Southern California Bight from multiple platforms. These are 3-year, full-time positions offering comprehensive benefits packages, including moving expenses. The positions are based in La Jolla, CA, open to everyone, regardless of citizenship. *Qualifications:* Candidates must have bioinformatics experience, including managing and analyzing large genetic datasets, producing workflows for genomic data analysis, and familiarity with using GitHub for version control and collaborative coding. In addition, the candidate should be proficient with programming in R and bash, and with working in the LINUX command line environment. Laboratory experience with next generation sequencing protocols, such as ddRAD or low-coverage whole genome sequencing, is beneficial but not required. Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or academically equivalent research doctorate no more than five years prior to applying. Anyone interested in applying should contact Karen Martien ( Karen.Martien@noaa.gov), Eric Archer (Eric.Archer@noaa.gov), or Aim�e Lang ( Aimee.Lang@noaa.gov). Additional information regarding benefits and the application process can be found at https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/for-applicants. -- *Eric Archer, Ph.D. *(he/him/his ) Leader, Marine Mammal Genetics Program Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/NOAA) 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 USA 619-837-3170 Adjunct Professor, Marine Biology Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California, San Diego GitHub: github.com/ericarcher ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3179-4769 "*The universe doesn't care what you believe. The wonderful thing about science is that it doesn't ask for your faith, it just asks for your eyes.*" - Randall Munroe "*Lighthouses are more helpful than churches.*" - Benjamin Franklin "*...but I'll take a GPS over either one.*" - John C. "Craig" George Eric Archer - NOAA Federal (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear all, registrations are now open for our online course on GLLVMS: Advanced Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Communities in R Dates: 10-13 June 2024 Course website: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/gllvm/ ) The course will focus on Generalized Linear Latent Variable Models (GLLVMs) as a unified framework for analyzing multivariate data in ecological communities. Participants will learn how to fit GLLVMs using the gllvm R-package, choose appropriate distributions for their data, formulate GLLVMs to address research questions, assess model fit through residual diagnostics, visualize and interpret results, and effectively communicate findings. The course is aimed at PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and researchers with basic statistical knowledge, that have multivariate data (which can be experimental or observational) and want to learn how to analyse it in a statistically appropriate manner. For the full list of our courses and workshops, please visit: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/gllvm/ ) Best regards, Carlo Carlo Pecoraro, Ph.D Physalia-courses DIRECTOR info@physalia-courses.org mobile: +49 17645230846 "info@physalia-courses.org" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Wellcome Connecting Science | Ancient Biomolecules of Plants, Animals and Microbes 3-5 June 2024 Wellcome Genome Campus, UK and virtual Developments in DNA extraction and sequencing methods have resolved many technical issues that previously hampered ancient DNA research. At this conference, global leaders will present updates in ancient DNA research from across a diverse range of evolutionary areas. Advances in migration, adaptation, domestication, and admixture will be highlighted, as will new insights into phylogeny and population history. Discussions will explore theoretical topics, such as rates of evolutionary change, in addition to more practical issues about species and population response to climate change and anthropogenic impacts. Conservation and extinction will be discussed, as well as best practices and novel approaches to data generation and analysis. We invite abstract submissions on all areas relevant to the themes of the meeting for the selection of podium presentations. Posters and poster pitch talks will provide further opportunities to present research findings or discuss ongoing work with others working in related fields. This friendly meeting aims to be highly interactive and improve knowledge dissemination between different areas of ancient biomolecule research. Face-to-face networking opportunities are facilitated at Hinxton Hall Conference Centre with optional on-site accommodation. Deadlines Abstract & bursary 09 April 2024 In-person registration 07 May 2024 Virtual registration 27 May 2024 Visit the conference webpage https://coursesandconferences.wellcomeconnectingscience.org/event/ancient-biomolecules-of-plants-animals-and-microbes-20240603/?1 Questions? Email the Organiser conferences [at] wellcomeconnectingscience.org The Wellcome Sanger Institute is operated by Genome Research Limited, a charity registered in England with number 1021457 and a company registered in England with number 2742969, whose registered office is Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA. Jane Murphy (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** THE MICROBIOME & CONSERVATION - WAME ONLINE SEMINAR SERIES - Thursday April 18, 2024 3 pm UK/BST (10 am US Eastern, 7 am US Pacific time) Online (Zoom) Link: https://aarhusuniversity.zoom.us/j/68868377912 Dr. Candace Williams - Turning microbiome science into conservation action" Dr. Kevin Kohl - Keep One Another Close: The Importance of Wildlife-Microbe Symbioses in a Changing World Dr. Gloria Fackelmann - Studying the links between microplastics and microbiomes through the One Health perspective Organised by Dr. Klara Wanelik and Prof. @stn_wame David Richardson WAME - Wild Animal Microbiome Evolution - an ESEB funded Special topics network "David Richardson (BIO - Staff)" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)