11 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships at University of Göttingen, Germany (EvoReSt Projects)

Explore fully-funded PhD and Postdoc positions at the University of Göttingen’s Research Training School “Evolutionary Genomics: Consequences of Biodiverse Reproductive Systems (EvoReSt)”. This program investigates genome evolution in s*xual and as*xual organisms across animals, plants, and fungi, with a focus on nuclear genomes, nuclear-organelle interactions, and advanced genomic analysis methods. You can also check 24 Fully Funded PhD Opportunities at Aarhus University, Denmark

About EvoReSt

The EvoReSt Research Training School, led by Prof. Elvira Hörandl, aims to:

• Analyze genome evolution in s*xual and as*xual organisms.
• Study nuclear-organelle genome interactions and horizontal gene transfer via viruses.
• Develop innovative methods for genome analysis.

The program offers 11 PhD positions (second cohort, PhD 2 projects) and one Postdoc position (2.5 years). Applications are accepted exclusively through the University of Göttingen’s online portal.

Note: Specify your preferred PhD 2 project in your motivation letter. Only PhD 2 projects are available for the second cohort.

Eligibility & Qualifications

To be considered for the PhD positions, candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Master’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) in Biology, preferably with specialization in evolutionary genomics.
• Have hands-on experience in molecular laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, and/or statistical genomics.
• Possess a strong theoretical background in the study of evolutionary reproductive systems.
• Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English (at least C1 level), both written and spoken.
• Show proven ability to work effectively within a collaborative research environment.

PhD Projects Overview

Project A1: Comparative Population Genomic Analyses of a Closely Related Pair of S*xual and Parthenogenic Cirratulid Annelids

• Focus: Study genome evolution in s*xual and as*xual cirratulid annelids (Dodecaceria species).
• Objectives:
  • Analyze population genetic structure of D. ater (as*xual) and D. concharum (s*xual) across European populations using SNP and mtDNA sequence data.
  • Investigate mutation accumulation by comparing SNP accumulation across degenerated sites in protein-coding genes.
  • Test the possibility of independent origins of as*xual lineages through phylogenetic analyses of SNP and mtDNA data.
• Department: Animal Evolution and Biodiversity
• Details: View Poster

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Project A2: Effects of Environmental Stress on Genome Evolution in S*xual and As*xual Plants

• Focus: Examine how environmental stress affects genome evolution in s*xual and as*xual flowering plants (Ranunculus auricomus).
• Objectives:
  • Test the influence of light stress on mutation rates and recombination in facultative s*xual tetraploid plants using climate growth chambers.
  • Analyze s*xual/apomictic seed formation via flow cytometric seed screening and RADSeq to identify maternal vs. recombined seedlings.
  • Compare transcriptomes of seedling classes to assess mutation rates (dN/dS) and mutation-selection analysis between selfed, outcrossed, and apomictic progeny.
• Department: Systematics, Biodiversity, and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium)
• Details: View Poster

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Project A3: Evolutionary Aspects of Heterothallism versus Homothallism in the Fungal Genus Sordaria

• Focus: Investigate genome evolution in heterothallic (self-sterile) and homothallic (self-fertile) Sordaria fungi.
• Objectives:
  • Assess optimal UV radiation dose and its impact on genome and gene expression during s*xual development.
  • Sequence genomes and transcriptomes to study mating-type gene divergence and transposable elements.
  • Verify UV-light-induced genetic changes using knock-out mutants.
• Details: View Poster

Project A4: Genomic Consequences of As*xuality in the Planarian Flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea

• Focus: Study genomic consequences of as*xuality in Schmidtea mediterranea.
• Objectives:
  • Compare s*xual and as*xual strains using dN/dS ratios, transposon accumulation, gene loss/gain, and double-strand break repair scars.
  • Analyze population genomics of wild as*xual populations to identify sub-allelic SNP prevalence and identity.
  • Extend analysis to a panel of s*x/as*x genomes with different divergence times to establish general principles.
• Department: Tissue Dynamics and Regeneration, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
• Details: View Poster

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Project B1: Assessment of the Role of RNA-Based Phages as Drivers of Genomic Changes of Pangenome Structures

• Focus: Investigate how RNA-based phages drive genomic changes in bacterial pangenomes.
• Objectives:
  • Characterize RNA-based phage phylogeny and their impact on host genome size and pangenome structure.
  • Compare pre- and post-infection genomes at the population level to assess stability and manifestation of changes.
  • Analyze non-phage resistance-related gene impacts and gene expression levels, comparing DNA- and RNA-based phage effects.
• Department: Genomic and Applied Microbiology & Göttingen Genomics Laboratory
• Details: View Poster

Check also: 18 Fully Funded PhD Vacancies at the Technical University of Denmark

Project B2: Exploring Horizontal Gene Transfer: Interaction between Bacteria, Phages, and Plants

• Focus: Explore horizontal gene transfer between phages, bacteria, and plants.
• Objectives:
  • Investigate phage-mediated gene transfer through infection assays and metagenomic sequencing.
  • Analyze plant growth parameters and transcriptomes using RNA-Seq to assess evolutionary advantages and functional implications.
  • Study DNA incorporation into plant genomes and its evolutionary implications.
• Department: Genomic and Applied Microbiology & Göttingen Genomics Laboratory
• Details: View Poster

Project B3: Consequences of Endosymbiotic Gene Transfer and Mosaicism in Embryophyte Pathways

• Focus: Study endosymbiotic gene transfer and mosaicism in embryophyte metabolic pathways.
• Objectives:
  • Reconstruct and compare the evolutionary history of plastid and mitochondrial metabolic pathways in streptophytes.
  • Investigate the impact of endosymbiotic gene transfer on pathway evolution, focusing on genetic mosaicism.
  • Assess functional implications of genetic mosaicism on embryophyte evolution.
• Department: Applied Bioinformatics
• Details: View Poster

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Project B4: Evolutionary Consequences of Inheritance-Coupled Symbiont Transmission

• Focus: Examine the genomic consequences of inheritance-coupled symbiont transmission in streptophytes.
• Objectives:
  • Investigate the genomic impacts of vertical vs. horizontal symbiont transmission in streptophytes.
  • Analyze microbiome compositions of streptophyte mutants to understand transmission modes.
  • Study the effects of transmission modes on genomic variability and co-evolutionary patterns.
• Department: Applied Bioinformatics
• Details: View Poster

Project B5: Consequences of Long-Term Parthenogenesis on the Variability of the Mito-Nuclear Complex in Oribatid Mites

• Focus: Study mito-nuclear gene interactions in s*xual and parthenogenetic oribatid mites.
• Objectives:
  • Investigate the interaction of mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (28S rDNA) genes in three populations of one s*xual and one parthenogenetic species (90 individuals total).
  • Compare variance and dN/dS ratios of mito-nuclear genes to identify co-evolutionary patterns.
  • Examine differences in mito-nuclear gene variability between s*xual and parthenogenetic species and the impact of lineage age on diversity.
• Department: Animal Ecology
• Details: View Poster

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Project C1: Leveraging Hi-C Data for Genome Assembly and Haplotype Deconvolution

• Focus: Use 3D genomics to study genome architecture in s*xual vs. as*xual organisms.
• Objectives:
  • Exploit Hi-C data to investigate spatial genome architecture differences between s*xual and as*xual Schmidtea mediterranea and Ranunculus auricomus strains.
  • Develop an in silico framework for accurate haplotype assembly and ploidy deconvolution in new model organisms.
• Department: Transnational Epigenetics, University Medical Center Göttingen
• Details: View Poster

Project C2: Methods for Analysis of Selection Based on Mutation-Selection Model with Epistatic Fitness

• Focus: Develop mutation-selection models for analyzing selection pressure in genomes.
• Objectives:
  • Model nearly neutral evolution with epistatic fitness functions and heterogeneous codon frequencies.
  • Incorporate rate heterogeneity and GC bias in nucleotide mutation matrices.
  • Estimate selection pressure (dN/dS) for each protein position and phylogenetic tree node.
• Department: Computational Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
• Details: View Poster

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How to Apply

• PhD Positions: Submit your application via the online portal. Indicate your preferred PhD 2 project in your motivation letter.
• Postdoc Position: Apply here
• For more information, visit here.
• Tips:
  • Review project details to align your interests and skills.
  • Contact the respective PhD student or PI for project-specific inquiries.
  • Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline (check portals for deadlines).

Application Deadline: 1 September, 2025

For more information, visit the application portals or contact the project PIs/students listed above. Start your research journey with EvoReSt today!