A PhD fellowship in Evolutionary Biology is being posted in the research team lead by Assistant Prof Jazmín Ramos Madrigal commencing 1 July 2025 or as soon as possible hereafter .

PHD PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The PhD project is part of a larger initiative aimed at studying the coevolution of legumes and their root bacteria through the domestication process. Due to their ability to form symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria, legumes offer a unique opportunity to investigate the coevolution of plants and their root microbiome across different environments. Additionally, since legume seeds can be found in the archaeological record, they can be used to trace these species through time using ancient DNA.
The PhD project involves sampling Phaseolus nodule data from wild and domesticated plants, generating whole-genome sequencing data from wild and domesticated legumes, as well data from ancient bean seeds, and data analysis and integration of the results. The PhD fellow will work closely with Assistant Prof. Jazmín Ramos Madrigal and a laboratory technician to perform the work.

In general, this PhD project will have three components:

• Field work to collect plant material from Mesoamerica and South America
• Laboratory work aimed at generating high-throughput DNA sequencing data from modern and archaeological plant material
• Computational analyses of the data using population genomics and metagenomics tools

JOB DESCRIPTION

Your key tasks as a PhD student at Globe are:

• Carrying through an independent research project under supervision.
• Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Participating in active research environments including a stay at another research team.
• Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Teaching and disseminating your knowledge.
• Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project

KEY CRITERIA FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF APPLICANTS

We are looking for candidates within the fields of biology, ecology, genomics, agronomy, molecular biology, or similar with experience relevant to the project (see qualifications below).

The ideal candidate will have a curious mindset with strong interest in evolutionary biology, ecology and in the subjects related to the PhD position (see project description), and experience in:

• Carrying out fieldwork
• Carrying out molecular biology laboratory work
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and spoken

The candidate should have interest in learning or experience in:

• Carrying out ancient DNA laboratory work
• Processing and analysing high-throughput genomic sequencing data
• Conducting population genomics, comparative genomics or metagenomic computational analyses
• Working in an interdisciplinary research group

Other relevant assessment criteria:

• Experience with engaging with diverse stakeholders
• the grade point average achieved

• Carrying through an independent research project under supervision.
• Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Participating in active research environments including a stay at another research team.
• Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Teaching and disseminating your knowledge.
• Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your projec