CREAF is seeking a predoctoral researcher for the RAPIDEVOL project (Unravelling human-induced rapid evolution of animals: the role of behavior as a driver of rapid adaptation to new selective pressures) with reference PID2024-162951NB-I00 funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y universidades, the Agencia Estatal de Investigación and Co-funded by European Union (MICIU /AEI /10.13039/501100011033 / FEDER, UE).
This PhD thesis project will focus in understanding how rapid evolution of behavior and morphology can help animals evolutionarily adapt to rapid environmental changes. We will do so by providing unprecedented links between gene-level modifications of ecologically relevant behavioral traits, morphology, and physiology to their phenotypic manifestations. The project aims to provide much-needed experimental evidence on the genetic basis of behavior but also to unravel urgent insights to understand whether and how animal populations can adapt to human-induced raid environmental changes. More specifically, we will clarify whether and how rapid evolution contributes to explain the rapid adaptation of some animals urban habitats, why some species thrive as alien populations while being endangered in their native ranges as well as shedding light into the evolutionary ecology of invasive predators, which are the main cause of species extinction on island ecosystems across the Planet.
The RapidEvol project offers strong training components for graduate students, both in terms of the diverse topics studied and the scientific approaches used. This program provides an excellent environment for a PhD student to grow as a researcher. The FPI PhD student will enroll in the "PhD program in Terrestrial Ecology" at UAB (www.uab.es), which has received a "Mención hacia la excelencia" by the Ministerio de Educación. CREAF also provides an established Career Development Service, coordinated by our Academic Talent Officer, which supports the professional growth of researchers. This service includes bi-weekly seminars (CREAFTalks) and a PhD training program (CREAFuture) designed to develop transferable skills for PhD students, and career sessions for early-career academics on topics such as CV preparation and interview techniques.
In our lab at CREAF, we prioritize an open, supportive environment for students, where they feel comfortable sharing questions and challenges. Our supervision includes weekly meetings with the PI to monitor progress, discuss methodologies, and provide career advice. PhD students also benefit from an independent PhD committee that oversees their thesis progress. Additional training comes from participation in lab meetings and fieldwork. We encourage students to attend courses, international conferences, and seminars, providing them with opportunities to expand their networks.
A full-time contract is offered (37.5 hours per week) with planned incorporation in January 2026* and It will last at least 48 months. The salary offered (gross) is established by the RD EPIF (Real Decreto 103/2019, de 1 de marzo, por el que se aprueba el Estatuto del personal investigador predoctoral en formación), with 75% of €32.624,20** = €24,468.15 each year.
*The start of the contract will depend on the final resolution of the project, not coming into force until it’s resolved and it’s possible to allocate expenses to it.
**Salary from Group 1 (M3) of the salary table from the Convenio colectivo único para el personal laboral de la Administración General del Estado of 2024 (subject to possible salary increases when new salary amounts are approved).
For informal enquiries, please, contact IP garant: Dr. Oriol Lapiedra ([email protected])
MAIN FUNCTIONS
Conducting first-level research on evolutionary ecology in a global change context. Although final tasks will be adjusted to the candidate’s skills and interests, this work may include:
- Design and execution of experimental assays with animals both in the field and in captivity.
- Fieldwork in the Balearic Islands as part of a dynamic research team.
- Data analyses including statistics as well as genomics work.
- Writing results and communicating to wider audiences
Lead the writing of the scientific articles originating from the results of the thesis.
Present the results in national and international scientific meetings.
Contribute to the main objectives of the research group, including co-organization of lab meetings, journal clubs, as well as the possibility to participate in projects of other team members.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees related to biology, environmental sciences, or similar.
Excellent analytical skills (e.g., working with datasets and performing advanced statistical analyses).
Experience in fieldwork with vertebrates, behavioral assays with animals. Previous work with reptiles is not a requirement but will be positively evaluated.
Experience programming in R language. Python experience will also be valued.
Excellent English level, both spoken and written. Willingness to learn basic conversational Catalan or Spanish is recommended. English is the working language in the lab.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
ASSESSABLE CONDITIONS:
Availability to travel for fieldwork.
Experience and interest in evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology.
Previous participation in scientific projects and publications.
Ability to work as a team and independently.
Strong analytical skills.
Proven excellent English both written and spoken. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in English.
Interest in communicating research to the general public.
Name and email addresses of one or two professional references.
Car driving license (B2).
Candidates who have a recognized disability will be considered and accredited equal to or greater than 33% will be prioritized, if the disability is compatible with the proper performance of the job.
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA:
Admission of candidates: 1) CVA (please download and complete the document available at the following link) in English, 2) motivation letter (less than 1 page), 3) academic transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degrees (in Spanish or English), until November 10th, 2025. Applications submitted to any portal other than the CREAF job board and the instructions included therein will not be accepted.
Pre-selection: assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
Selection: evaluation of the pre-selected candidates through scoring based on objective criteria, interviews with a shortlist of candidates, and a proposed exercise.
Final decision: if a suitable candidate is identified, they will be formally informed of their selection, and all other participants in the selection process will be notified by email.