About the Program – Evolutionary Genomics and Reproductive Systems

This interdisciplinary doctoral program explores the evolutionary genomics of diverse reproductive systems across animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. Research projects will address:

• The paradox of sex and its evolutionary implications
• Comparative genome evolution in sexual vs. asexual organisms
• Nuclear-organelle genome interactions
• Horizontal gene transfer between prokaryotes and eukaryotes via viruses
• Development of analytical methods for chromosome architecture and mutation–selection modeling

Why Choose the University of Göttingen?

Doctoral researchers will benefit from:

• Access to the Center for National High Performance Computing and AI Service Center
• Integration into the renowned Göttingen Campus research network
• Hands-on training in state-of-the-art genomic techniques
• Conference participation, seminars, and career workshops
• A collaborative, inclusive, and family-friendly research environment

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from women and candidates with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, ideally with a focus on evolutionary genomics
• Skills in molecular laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, and statistical genomics
• Strong understanding of reproductive system evolution
• Excellent English proficiency (C1 level or higher)
• Team spirit and strong collaboration skills

Application Requirements

Your PDF application should include:

1. Motivation letter (including up to three preferred PhD projects)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. List of publications (if applicable)
4. Academic transcripts (Master’s degree or equivalent)
5. Certificates of English proficiency

Application deadline: September 1, 2025
Apply via: University of Göttingen application portal
Note: Only PhD 2 projects are available (PhD 1 positions have been filled).

Contact Information

For academic inquiries:
Prof. Dr. Elvira Hörandl
elvira.hoerandl@biologie.uni-goettingen.de
+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.