We are seeking a highly motivated early-career researcher to apply with us for the upcoming Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral fellowship, funded by the Spanish National Research Agency (AEI). This is a prestigious, competitive scheme aimed at researchers within two years of their PhD who show clear potential for an independent scientific trajectory. The proposed project will go along the lines of investigating how mutation and recombination biases affect evolutionary outcomes in bacteria (see for instance; Couce 2019, Nat Comm; Couce 2024, Science; Dabos 2025, Nat Eco Evo). Depending on the candidate’s background and interests, the proposal may take one of two main directions:

– Experimental evolution: multiplexed genome engineering and pooled competitions to test evolutionary predictability.

– Computational evolution: comparative genomics and modeling to quantify the impact of mutation/recombination biases on predictability.

The Fellow will be hosted in the Evolutionary Systems Genetics of Microbes lab at the National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC) in Madrid. The fellowship provides a 3-year contract, with a competitive salary (~€30.6k/year), full Spanish national social security coverage (healthcare, parental leave, unemployment, pension), and a budget for conference travel and professional development. The call will be open from 25 November to 17 December 2025.

Eligibility (MUST READ; strict, candidates not fitting the eligibility criteria will not be considered)

– PhD awarded between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025 (extensions for parental leave, serious illness/disability, or caregiving apply).

– A very strong publication record is essential. The call is extremely competitive, and candidates must have ≥2 first-author research articles in prominent journals (e.g. best-in-field specialist or multidisciplinary venues; reviews and opinion pieces do not count).

– International mobility is also required. The candidate must have demonstrable international experience (e.g. a research stay abroad during the PhD, or their current postdoc in a different country from where they trained).

How to Apply: Please send a single PDF containing a cover letter and CV to Alex Couce (a.couce@upm.es). Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide contact information for two references. Include “JdC.MicrobialEvolution” in the subject line. The call is highly competitive; only candidates truly meeting ALL requirements will be considered.