University of Glasgow: Postdoctoral researcher in evolutionary genomics We have a research opportunity at the University of Glasgow in the team of Kathryn Elmer in collaboration with Oscar Gaggiotti (St Andrews), Maureen Bain (Glasgow), Mike Ritchie (St Andrews) and project partners in Slovenia/Germany (Recknagel) and France (de Villemereuil, Le Galliard) We are seeking a motivated, skilled, creative and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher for a project on the evolution of oviparous and viviparous reproductive modes, funded by an ambitious NERC Pushing the Frontiers grant. Our aim is to show how and why transitions between egg-laying and live-bearing evolve. To accomplish this, we will pinpoint the functional traits that matter, determine their genetic basis, and illuminate their evolutionary mechanisms and outcome. This project leverages a distinctly informative oviparous-viviparous common lizard hybrid zone (see e.g. Recknagel et al 2021 Nature Ecol Evol, Hunter et al. Proc B in press). This project involves a multi-year in situ experiment to track individual fitness and phenotypes across life stages and reshuffle oviparous-viviparous-hybrid genomes through directed genetic crosses. Our research so far has been identifying the genetic basis of i) eco-physiology and reproductive traits and ii) fitness components using genome-wide approaches. In this next step, with that information we will: 1. build fitness landscapes based on the most important genetic variants, and identify if and how these differ between males and females. 2. carry out a simulation study to explore the evolutionary genetic conditions under which the transition between oviparity and viviparity could have taken place, and evaluate the impact of different model parameters (mating, selection, genomic architecture, gene flow) on outcomes. The PDRA will make a leading contribution to the genomic and evolutionary analysis of empirical data (genomic and phenotypic), selection and fitness landscape analysis, and evolutionary modelling of parity mode evolution (in SLiM or similar). The position is primarily focussed on data analysis and interpretation, with the on-site experiment and data collection being conducted by the field- and lab-based team members. A very extensive dataset is already in hand. The PDRA will be based in Glasgow and work closely with co-Is in St Andrews, with some travel between sites expected. Applicants must have a PhD in evolutionary biology, genetics, computational biology, or a closely related field. Prior experience with analyses of genomic data and computational skills are essential and expertise in population genetics is strongly preferred. Previous experience should demonstrate a commitment to research, positive work ethic, computational skills, organisational ability, and publication productivity. A strong track record of evolutionary genomics and/or computational biology is necessary, and on vertebrates (especially squamates) is a benefit. Ability to work well both independently and in a team are a must. The postdoc will join University of Glasgow's School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine. Elmer's research group studies the evolution of major adaptive traits by bringing together expertise in evolutionary biology, genomics and gene expression, and organismal biology in environmental context. The position is for approx 16 months (extensions may be possible). Start date is somewhat flexible; preferably by late 2026. The position is open at grade 6 (early postdoc; research assistant) or grade 7 (experienced postdoc; research associate). See the specific criteria for these grades in the Univ. Glasgow advert for this position. International applicants may be eligible for a UK work visa sponsored by the University of Glasgow. The University, School and PIs are strongly committed to supporting early career researchers and their professional development. We strive to be a supportive environment and welcome a diversity of applicants! The University of Glasgow ranks in the world's top 100 universities and recently won the Top University award from the Times Higher Education. The city of Glasgow is lively and cultural, and sits on the doorstep of the great outdoors of the Scottish Highlands, islands, and coast. The official job description and application requirements are available on the University of Glasgow homepage under current vacancies, https://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/research-assistant-slash-research-associate-5998778 vacancy reference 205695 We do not expect candidates to meet all criteria under "Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience", but in your application to the position do please outline how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria listed in the job advert and any other relevant experience and skills. **The advertisement closes 16 Sept 2026** Informal email inquiries to Kathryn in advance are very welcome (please include a CV and a brief statement of your research interests): kathryn.elmer@glasgow.ac.uk https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/bohvm/staff/kathrynelmer/ (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to evoldir@evoldir.net)