Predoctoral Researcher Position in Evolution, Archaeology and Artificial Intelligence
Location: Vigo, Spain
Organization: OLDSALMO group at the ACUABIOTEC Laboratory of the Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC)
Contract Type: 3-year fully funded PhD contract
Main Description: We are looking for a predoctoral researcher with an interest in Evolution, Archaeology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to join the OLDSALMO (https://oldsalmo.csic.es) group at the ACUABIOTEC Laboratory of the Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC) in Vigo (Spain). OLDSALMO is an interdisciplinary project on long term genomic changes in exploited salmon populations using ancient and environmental DNA, funded by the ATRAE programme.
We use Atlantic salmon as a study species to develop novel approaches to assess the role of overfishing and climate change in natural population declines. This new position seeks to expand the objectives of the project by developing species identification methods based on image analysis using AI, which will be combined with metabarcoding analysis to test hypotheses related to the long-term temporal changes of exploited fish populations. The project has a close collaboration with Swansea University, the University of Cantabria (International Institute of Prehistoric Research of Cantabria and Evoadapta Group), Harvard University (David Reich's Lab), the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) and Environmental Management of Navarra.
Requirements:
- A BSc and MSc in Biology, Archaeology, or related fields
- Basic experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and/or AI
- Programming skills in R or Python
- A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research
Benefits/Conditions:
- A 3-year fully funded PhD contract, starting mid-November or early December 2025
- Access to cutting-edge facilities and an international research network
- Interdisciplinary training at the crossroads of molecular ecology, archaeology, and AI
- The chance to contribute to conservation science with real-world applications
How to Apply: Application deadline: September 8th, 2025 Interviews will take place the 12th or 15th of September The selected candidate will enrol in the Doctoral Program at the University of Vigo in October 2025 For general enquiries contact Sofía Consuegra: sconsuegra@iim.csic.es
