These competitive and interdisciplinary PhD positions are set to begin on January 1, 2026, and are fully funded until December 31, 2028, with a possible extension until the end of 2029.

About the PhD Program in Evolutionary Genomics

This cutting-edge doctoral training group focuses on understanding genome evolution across diverse reproductive systems—from sexual to asexual reproduction—in animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms.

Key research themes include:

• Nuclear genome evolution
• Genome erosion in asexual lineages
• Nuclear-organelle genomic interactions
• Horizontal gene transfer mediated by viruses
• Addressing the “paradox of sex”—one of evolutionary biology’s most fascinating questions.

Innovative PhD Research Projects

Doctoral candidates will engage in interdisciplinary projects such as:

• Developing tools to analyze chromosome architecture
• Modeling genomic evolution under mutation-selection dynamics
• Advancing bioinformatics and statistical genomics methodologies

Who Can Apply?

This PhD opportunity is ideal for early-career researchers with:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, preferably with a focus on evolutionary genomics
• Experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or statistical genomics
• A strong theoretical background in reproductive system evolution
• Excellent English language skills (minimum C1 level)

Teamwork, scientific curiosity, and active participation in group activities are crucial.

Why Choose the University of Göttingen?

Located in one of Europe’s leading research hubs, the University of Göttingen offers:

• Access to a world-class research ecosystem on the Göttingen Campus
• Facilities including a National High-Performance Computing Center and AI Service Center
• Regular seminars, workshops, and international conferences
• Teaching experience and co-authorship opportunities on high-impact publications
• A commitment to diversity, gender equality, and work-life balance

How to Apply for the Göttingen PhD Program 2026

Application Deadline: September 1, 2025

Required documents:

• Motivation letter (mentioning up to 3 preferred PhD projects)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Master’s transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (minimum C1)

Upload your complete application as a single PDF file via the official application portal.

For detailed project descriptions, check the PhD Projects Overview.

Contact for Inquiries

Prof. Elvira Hörandl
Email: elvira.hoerandl@biologie.uni-goettingen.de
Phone: +49 551 39 28540

About Blue Carbon Canada: Advancing Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Blue Carbon Canada is a collaborative research network working at the intersection of climate science, ecology, and marine conservation. We focus on studying and protecting blue carbon ecosystems, including:

• Salt marshes
• Eelgrass meadows
• Kelp forests

These ecosystems play a vital role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and coastal protection, yet remain underrepresented in climate policy and marine planning. Our upcoming research phase aims to fill critical knowledge gaps through:

• Large-scale carbon modeling
• Ecosystem service valuation
• Data synthesis and mapping
• Policy-relevant decision science

3 Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships (2025–2028)

Blue Carbon Canada is hiring three full-time postdoctoral researchers to lead high-impact projects. All roles are fully funded and include comprehensive benefits.

PDF #1: Ecosystem Services & Biodiversity Valuation

• Duration: 3 years (Sept 2025 – Aug 2028)
• Research Focus: National assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services in BCEs
• Mentors: Profs. Baum, O’Connor, Martin (UVic, UBC, McGill) + WWF-Canada, DFO

PDF #2: Mapping BCE Protections & Threat Analysis

• Duration: 2 years (Sept 2025 – Aug 2027)
• Research Focus: Identify current protection levels and assess threats to BCEs
• Mentors: Profs. Baum, O’Connor + partner organizations

PDF #3: Carbon Sequestration & Spatial Modeling

• Duration: 2.5 years (Jan 2026 – June 2028)
• Research Focus: Spatial prioritization of blue carbon hotspots
• Mentors: Profs. Knox, Baum, O’Connor, Martin + WWF-Canada, DFO

Salary: $70,000–$75,000 CAD/year + full benefits
Required Qualifications:

• PhD in ecology, geography, oceanography, or statistics
• Strong skills in data synthesis, carbon modeling, and scientific communication
• Desirable: GIS expertise, experience with BCEs, and conservation tools

5 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Blue Carbon Research (Starting Sept 2025)

All five PhD positions are fully funded at $35,000/year (minimum 3 years), providing excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary training and applied research.

PhD #1: GHG Emissions & Salt Marsh Dynamics

• Focus: Greenhouse gas flux modeling in Canadian salt marshes
• Institutions: St. Francis Xavier University & McGill
• Skills: Field research, PEPRMT-Tidal model, GHG measurement techniques

Regional Priority PhD Projects

These four PhDs will focus on region-specific blue carbon evaluations, including restoration and conservation planning.

Required Skills:

• Spatial and ecosystem modeling
• Stakeholder engagement
• Biodiversity and ecosystem service assessment

Training Includes:

• Decision science
• Weekly research team meetings
• National and transdisciplinary collaboration

Application Instructions

Application Deadline: Review begins June 30, 2025

Submit the following as a single PDF to:
pm.bluecarboncanada@gmail.com

For Postdoctoral Applicants:

• Cover letter (specify position, motivation, and equity commitment)
• CV (max 4 pages)
• 2 relevant publications
• Contact details for 2–3 academic references

For PhD Applicants:

• Cover letter (include ranked project preferences)
• CV (max 3 pages)
• Up to 2 research samples or publications
• Contact details for 2–3 academic references

Why Choose Blue Carbon Canada?

By joining our team, you’ll become part of a leading-edge climate science initiative making tangible contributions to Canada’s conservation goals. Benefits include:

• Competitive stipends and full benefits
• Mentorship from top Canadian universities and NGOs
• Cross-disciplinary research training
• Opportunities to publish and present internationally
• Direct impact on climate policy and marine planning

Apply Now and Shape the Future of Blue Carbon Science

If you are committed to solving real-world climate challenges through rigorous research and collaboration, we want to hear from you.

Join Blue Carbon Canada and help advance science-based marine conservation in Canada and beyond.