********************Jobs******************** Call for Applications Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sedimentary Ancient DNA (Permafrost sedaDNA Postdoctoral Fellow) We invite applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) position associated with a new NSERC Alliance-funded collaboration between the McMaster Ancient DNA Centre and the Hakai Institute (Tula Foundation). This position will join a coordinated program to improve sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) methods and reconstruct past ecosystems from terrestrial permafrost and marine sediment archives, while helping to build the Canadian Ancient DNA (Can-aDNA) Network. This position will be a joint appointment between McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) and the Hakai Institute's Ancient DNA Lab on Quadra Island, BC (Canada). You will work closely with Dr. Hendrik Poinar (McMaster University) and Dr. Tyler Murchie (Hakai Institute), alongside collaborators Dr. Duane Froese at the University of Alberta, Cooper Stacey at Natural Resources Canada, and other partner institutions such as the Yukon Government, the University of Victoria, and the University of British Columbia. Project overview Our program aims to: - Experimentally improve/optimize sedaDNA workflows (extraction/purification, library preparation, capture enrichment, and metagenomic analysis) for terrestrial permafrost and marine sediments. - Use these improved methods to reconstruct long-term terrestrial and marine ecosystem dynamics across the Quaternary, focusing on Canadian relic permafrost deposits and Pacific marine cores around Vancouver Island and the Canadian Arctic. - Build the Canadian Ancient DNA (Can-aDNA) Network, a national platform for methodological sharing, training, and coordinated method comparisons/validation across Canadian ancient DNA labs. Focus: Metagenomic analyses of terrestrial permafrost cores from the Yukon, Alaska, and other regions of northern Canada, using sedaDNA to reconstruct Quaternary ecosystems and test methodological optimizations for DNA recovery and authentication. Example activities: - Work with permafrost cores from Canadian permafrost archives, including subsampling, DNA extraction, library preparation, and capture enrichment under strict ancient DNA protocols. - Optimize workflows for DNA release from organo-mineral complexes, inhibitor removal, and library preparation efficiencies for highly degraded, low-abundance DNA. - Apply and refine targeted capture approaches for plants, vertebrates, and other taxa to reconstruct past ecosystems and ecological transitions, including building in-house baits. - Integrate sedaDNA results with stratigraphic, geochronologic, and palaeoenvironmental data to address questions about biodiversity change, extinction, and adaptation through glacial-interglacial cycles. Responsibilities - Lead an independent but collaborative research program within your thematic area (permafrost, marine, or bioinformatics), including experimental design, data generation, analysis, and manuscript preparation. - Mentor and collaborate with PhD candidates and other trainees working on related sedaDNA projects (with 1-2 PhD and/or MSc students). - Contribute to the Can-aDNA Network, including organizing and moderating online seminars, helping coordinate annual symposia, and engaging with the national community through the online forum. - Spend time at both the Hakai Institute Biodiversity Genomics facilities on Quadra Island, BC (near the city of Campbell River on Vancouver Island) and McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario), and other collaborating institutions as needed. - Present research at national and international conferences and contribute to open, reproducible data and method sharing. Qualifications Required - PhD (completed or near completion) in a relevant field such as ancient DNA, molecular ecology, biomolecular archaeology, evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, marine science, Quaternary science, or a related discipline. - Demonstrated experience with ancient or environmental DNA and/or high-throughput sequencing data, with contamination control for the wet-lab-heavy roles, or with large-scale sequence data analysis and pipelines for the bioinformatics role. - Strong quantitative, analytical, and writing skills, with evidence of peer-reviewed publications commensurate with career stage. - Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-institution, interdisciplinary team and to mentor junior trainees. Preferred: - Experience with permafrost, Quaternary geology, palaeoecology, or sedimentary archives; prior work with sedaDNA or ancient DNA strongly preferred. Terms and compensation - Appointment length: 2 years (with the possibility of extension subject to funding.) - Annual salary: CAD $70,000 plus benefits (provided in accordance with McMaster University guidelines.) - Postdoctoral fellows will be employees of McMaster University, working closely with and spending time at the Hakai Institute. - normal hours of work are 35 hours per week. How to apply Please submit the following as a single PDF file in MOSAIC: 1. Cover letter (1-2 pages) describing: - How your previous experience fits the project(s) and your research interests. - Your earliest possible start date and any constraints. 2. Curriculum vitae (including full publication list). 3. Contact information for 2-3 referees (no letters required at the initial stage). Review of applications will begin on [February 24, 2026] and continue until the positions are filled. Informal inquiries are welcome (please contact Dr. Hendrik Poinar poinarh@mcmaster.ca and Dr. Tyler Murchie tyler.murchie@hakai.org). . Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. Employment Equity Statement McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information. Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact: Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679 to communicate accommodation needs. Hybrid Work Language To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests. Interview Experience At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest. Hendrik Poinar (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** Tenure-track Assistant Professor and Curator in Bryology Natural History Museum Denmark University of Copenhagen The Natural History Museum Denmark wishes to appoint a Tenure Track Assistant Professor and Curator of Bryology (mosses and allies) with a great vision for natural history museums in a changing world. Duties are divided equally between collection-based research and other museum duties including curation and digitization of the bryophyte collections, research-based teaching and supervision of students, public engagement work, and to act as the museum's liaison with relevant Danish natural history communities. The successful applicant will be expected to establish and develop an externally funded collection-based research programme/group and publish in influential journals within bryology. The successful applicant will be expected to curate the museum's bryophyte collections (350,000 specimens). We value collaboration across disciplines and professions. All applicants are expected to demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking and a commitment to working together to create solutions to global challenges. This also goes for collection work. Curators develop the collections that they are responsible for through research, field work, loan activities, digitization, acting as scientific host for visiting researchers, and increasing accessibility for everyone. All curators at the Natural History Museum Denmark are expected to take a leading role in society as advocates for science and nature, creating impact at all levels while actively promoting the museum's Vision and Values(https://snm.dk/en/about-museum). Further details of qualifications required for appointment at the museum are detailed below. The position is available starting January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Qualifications Applicants at the tenure track assistant professor level are expected to have an academic record demonstrating the potential to deliver high profile internationally competitive research in the area of specialization. They should be a scientific specialist in bryology and have experience with collection-based research. Previous curatorial and university teaching experience would be advantageous but is not a requirement at the time of hiring for tenure-track assistant professors. A documented interest in and a vision for public engagement and community-based activities, such as citizen science, is essential. Assessment of applicants Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented,internationally competitive research as well as their curatorial experience and potential to curate one or more of the museum's collections. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory, but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered. The overall fit for the Natural History Museum will also be considered. Ideal applicants will have the following qualifications: - An outstanding reputation for high-quality research within bryology - A proven track record of interdisciplinary research - Scientific expertise that ensures ability to curate bryophyte collections held by the museum - Curatorial experience of natural history collections - Experience from a natural history museum, botanical garden, or similar - A record of scientific use of museum collections and/or data - A vision for how digital, genomic, and other new technologies will drive advances in natural history science - A proven ability to work at a strategic level - A proven track record of public engagement and creating impact beyond academia - Experience working on museum exhibitions, interpretation, and public engagement - Experience in fundraising and ability to attract research funding from external sources - Supportive and performance-oriented people skills and commitment to an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and respect for everyone with equality and opportunity for all - A passion for the vision and values of the Natural History Museum Denmark - Excellent written and oral communication skills - Confidence in ability to provide advocacy for the Museum with multiple stakeholders Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership) along with the museum-specific criterion, collections curation, are considered a framework for the overall assessment of applicants. Furthermore, each applicant must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf Please read the museums assessment criteria for curation here Information on the tenure-track programme The tenure-track programme is a career programme and an assigned mentor will provide the tenure-track assistant professors with guidance related to career development, other academic topics and administrative procedures. Performance of the tenure-track assistant professor will be followed via internal yearly evaluations and a mid-term and final international evaluation by an assessment committee. If the 'final appraisal' is positive you will be promoted as associate professor. Performance and progression towards the criteria below will be evaluated with due consideration of differences between research fields. After a 6-year tenure-track period tenure-track assistant professors are expected to meet the criteria for appointment of associate professors at the University of Copenhagen and the Museum's criteria for curation. About the Natural History Museum Denmark The Natural History Museum Denmark is the Danish national museum for nature. We work to empower citizens to connect with nature with the aim to create positive change for people and planet. We want to inspire, engage, and enable people to enjoy, understand, and care for the diversity of the natural world. The impact of climate change and anthropogenic forces on biodiversity has reached a critical point. We firmly believe that natural history museums can and should play a key role towards a more sustainable relationship with nature. We are currently building a new Danish national museum for nature. One big museum site, in the Botanical Garden, in the centre of Copenhagen, will host state-of-the-art laboratories, outstanding research collections, new public galleries, and combined facilities for programming, education, and citizen science. It is an ambition for the museum to enhance natural history and inspire curiosity, knowledge, and empowerment for the future. The Botanical Garden was founded in 1600 and the museum's collections date back to Ole Worm's Cabinet of Curiosities from around 1620. With 14 million preserved specimens and living plants of 8,000 different species in the Botanical Garden, it is the largest museum collection in Denmark. It covers our planetary history with botanical, zoological, and geological specimens from all over the world. Read more about the bryophyte collection here: https://samlinger.snm.ku.dk/en/dry-and-wet-collections/botany/bryophyte-herbarium/. The Natural History Museum Denmark is part of the University of Copenhagen,which was founded in 1479 and is the largest university in Denmark. Read more about the museum at http://www.snm.ku.dk/english/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Museum Director Nina Rønsted (e-mail: nronsted@snm.ku.dk). Please put "211-0251/25-2N" in the subject of e-mail inquiries. Affirmative action The Natural History Museum Denmark is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disabled status. We are actively promoting a strategy to improve the gender balance among scientific staff. Copenhagen is a highly diverse and international Scandinavian capital with a green profile. Education is free and childcare is subsidized. Public transport is well developed, and most Copenhageners take their bike to work. There are lots of green areas in and around Copenhagen, the water in the harbor is clean enough for swimming, and the city has multiple museums and other cultural venues. Terms of employment The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The successful applicant is expected to take Danish lessons if there is no prior knowledge of Danish language. The International Office at the University of Copenhagen can help. How to apply The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically here: https://employment.ku.dk/tenure-track/?show=156070 Please include A cover letter stating the motivation for applying (1 page) Research profile: description of previous, current and future research plans (3 pages) Curatorial area, experience and interests (1 page) Curriculum vitae documenting: - Previous positions at museums, botanical gardens, universities, or other research or cultural institutions - Grants held, personal or in part. Career development grants. - International network and relations - Curatorial experience (curation of collections) - Public engagement activities, i.e. citizen science projects, exhibitions, popular lectures or other relevant activities If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications- please describe and document: - Experience with supervision of BSc- and MSc-students - Teaching experience - Formal pedagogical training Diplomas (MSc and PhD degree or equivalent) Complete publication list Separate reprints of up to 5 particularly relevant papers The deadline for applications is 23 March 2026, 23:59 GMT +1. After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorised recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. We work thoroughly with this process.Several professionals from different fields must be involved. Therefore, we will not be ready for interviews until 23 September 2026. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0251/25-2N Nina Rønsted, PhD Museum Director, Professor Natural History Museum Denmark University of Copenhagen Sølvgade 83 1307 Copenhagen K Denmark nronsted@snm.ku.dk +45-29827911 www.snm.dk Nina Rønsted (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear Sirs, We are pleased to announce that the call for abstracts is now open for the second edition of the Bia³owie¿a Ecology Conference (BEC). This edition will host the 36^th European Mustelid Colloquium and is organised in collaboration with the Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT), an organisationspecialising in scientific research and the active conservation of threatened mammal species. The European Mustelid Colloquium is an international conference with a long-standing tradition, held regularly for nearly 70 years. The conference will take place from *6 to 9 October 2026* in *Bia³owie¿a, Poland*, set within the pristine natural environment of Europe's last primeval lowland forest. *Key dates* - Abstract submissions open: February 9th, 2026 - Submission deadline: March 31st, 2026 - Notification to authors: July 2026 - Early-bird registration deadline: March 31st, 2026 *Conference Theme and Scope* The Bia³owie¿a Ecology Conference is an international scientific conference series held in the heart of Europe's last primeval lowland forest. In 2026, during its second edition, BEC will host the *36th European Mustelid Colloquium* an international conference that has been held regularly for 70 years in various locations across Europe and has successfully brought together researchers studying mustelids, one of the largest and most diverse groups of carnivores. We warmly invite submissions of abstracts covering broadly understood mustelid ecology, biology, evolution, conservation, monitoring methods, and population dynamics, as well as studies examining both the impact of these predators on the environment and the effects of environmental and climate change on mustelid populations. For a more detailed description, please visit BEC website , and VWT website . *Submission guidelines* - Abstracts should be prepared in English (up to 300 words for the main text). - Please indicate your preferred presentation format: full-length talk, rapid-fire talk, poster, or no preference. - Submissions should clearly outline the aims, methods, and conclusions. To submit your abstract, please download 36EMC-Abstract-template.docx and send the completed form to enquiries@vwt.org.uk. *Registration is now open!*Purchase tickets here: https://app.evenea.pl/event/36th-european-mustelid-colloquium/?lang=en For any inquiries regarding the call for abstracts or the conference in general, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@bialowiezaecologyconference.org or bec_conference@ibs.bialowieza.pl. *We would be grateful if you could share this information with colleagues from other institutions (call file attached).* Any updates can be followed on our accounts on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BEConference and Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mripas.bsky.social We are looking forward to your submissions and welcoming you to BEC 2026/36^th EMC. Best regards, Anna Wereszczuk, PhD, on behalf of the 36^th European Mustelid Colloquium Organizing Committee Sekretariat Instytut Biologii Ssaków Polskiej Akademii Nauk ul. Stoczek 1 17-230 Bia³owie¿a NIP: 543-12-25-396 tel./fax: (85) 682-77-50 / (85) 682-77-52 e-mail:mripas@ibs.bialowieza.pl Secretariat Mammal Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences Stoczek 1 17-230 Bia³owie¿a NIP: 543-12-25-396 phone/fax: (85) 682-77-50 / (85) 682-77-52 email:mripas@ibs.bialowieza.pl mripas (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Conferences******************** Dear colleagues, We would like to invite you to the next online seminar for the "Internal Conflicts and Organismal Adaptation" Special Topic Network (STN) funded by the European Society for Evolutionary Biology, which will take place on February 19, 17:00 UTC. Our speakers for this seminar are: Joe Alcock (University of New Mexico): Humans and the microbial organ - a conflicted relationship. Asher Leeks (University of British Columbia): The social lives of viruses. We expect the meeting to take approximately 1.5 hours. Meeting details: Date: February 19, 2026. Time: 17:00 UTC . Meeting link: https://georgetown.zoom.us/j/92854430107?jst=2 If you would like to get on our mailing list and take part in our upcoming events, please visit our website ( https://internalconflictsstn.wordpress.com/) for more information. Sincerely, The Internal Conflicts and Organismal Adaptation STN Martijn Schenkel, Manus Patten, Arvid Ågren, Nina Wedell, and Thomas Hitchcock ESEB-funded Special Topic Network "Internal Conflicts and Organismal Adaptation" https://internalconflictsstn.wordpress.com/ https://eseb.org/prizes-funding/special-topic-networks/ Internal Conflicts STN (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)