PhD Position

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country: Spain Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 37,5 Offer Starting Date: 11 Feb 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description We welcome applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position at the University Autónoma de Madrid (Spain) to work within the project “Systematics, evolution, and diversification of Euphorbiaceae in Tropical Asia and Madagascar” (MADASIA, PID2025-168178NB-I00), led by Patricia Barberá (UAM) and Ricarda Riina (RJB-CSIC). The thesis will integrate taxonomic, phylogenomic, biogeographical, and environmental data to investigate evolutionary relationships, diversification patterns, and the biogeographical history of selected lineages within the family. Acquire a solid taxonomic understanding of the target groups within Euphorbiaceae through a comprehensive review of botanical literature and examination of herbarium specimens. Plan and conduct fieldwork and sample collection in the study regions. Perform laboratory procedures, including sample selection, DNA extraction, library preparation, target enrichment (Hyb-Seq), and library pooling for high-throughput sequencing. Process sequencing data using bioinformatic pipelines, including sequence recovery, quality filtering, and assembly of phylogenomic datasets. Retrieve and integrate publicly available data into phylogenomic datasets. Conduct phylogenomic analyses using nuclear and plastid datasets, including divergence time estimation and diversification analyses. Compile, curate, and analyse species distribution and environmental data, including environmental niche modelling for selected case studies. Interpret and discuss research findings, and prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Where to apply Website: https://www.uam.es/uam/investigacion/ofertas-empleo/contrato-fpi2026-mam Requirements Research Field: Biological sciences Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications Academic background in Biology, Botany, Biodiversity, Evolutionary Biology, or related fields. Knowledge of plant systematics, taxonomy, phylogenetics, and biogeography. Familiarity with herbarium collections and botanical fieldwork. Basic knowledge of molecular laboratory techniques and/or bioinformatic analyses. Familiarity with statistical and computational tools (e.g., R, RevBayes) would be an asset. Good written and spoken English. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment. Motivation to develop new technical and scientific skills and conduct doctoral research. Specific Requirements Previous research experience or training in plant systematics, taxonomy, evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, biogeography, or biodiversity conservation. Interest and willingness to work with herbarium specimens, botanical collections, and/or conduct botanical fieldwork. Some experience or willingness to work on molecular laboratory techniques, particularly DNA extraction, library preparation, and target sequence capture (Hyb-Seq). Some experience in bioinformatic analyses of genomic data and familiarity with computational tools such as R, RevBayes, or related software. Some experience in managing and analyzing species distribution data and/or environmental niche modelling. Previous participation in research projects, scientific publications, or conference presentations will be positively valued. Languages: ENGLISH Level: Good Additional Information Benefits Salary, Social Security coverage, and funding for international research stays will be subject to the terms and conditions established in the official FPI call. Eligibility criteria All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements established in the official FPI call. The final conditions will be those specified in the corresponding call for applications. Additional comments Applications to this offer must compulsory be registered through the online application system of UAM. Nevertheless, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the PI beforehand to discuss their suitability for the position, and to seek for assistance with the online application system. Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Country: Spain State/Province: MADRID City: Madrid Postal Code: 28031 Contact State/Province: Madrid City: Madrid Street: C/ Einstein 3 Postal Code: 28049 E-Mail: pbarbera@uam.es