The Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC) is launching a selection process to recruit a postdoctoral research fellow (Doctor FC3) as part of the OLDSALMO project – Testing temporal genomic shifts in exploited fish populations using ancient and environmental DNA, funded by the ATRAE Programme (Reference ATR2023-144170, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).

The project, carried out at the ACUABIOTEC laboratory at the IIM-CSIC, uses Atlantic salmon as a model to develop new tools for assessing the impact of overfishing and climate change on population decline through the analysis of ancient, historical and environmental DNA.

The successful candidate will join the IIM-CSIC in Vigo on a one-year contract, due to start in January 2027.

Main duties

The successful candidate will carry out research activities focusing on:

• Analysis of ancient genomic data to assess population changes over time.
• Generation and analysis of historical genomic and phenotypic data.
• Study of the relationship between genetic changes and environmental variations.
• Preparation of scientific publications and presentation of results at national and international conferences.
• Participation in scientific outreach and knowledge transfer activities.
• Assistance with the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The project will be carried out in close collaboration with two PhD students from the IIM-CSIC and with researchers from Swansea University, the University of Cantabria (EvoAdapta and IIIPC), Harvard University (Reich Lab), the Directorate-General for Forests and Biodiversity of the Government of Cantabria, and the University of Vienna (Gelabert Lab).

Requirements

Candidates must have:

• PhD in Molecular Ecology, Population Genomics or related disciplines.
• Ability to work in an international and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Interest in developing new methodologies and actively contributing to the project.

Qualifications to be taken into account

The following will be particularly valued:

• Experience in working with degraded DNA (ancient DNA and/or environmental DNA).
• Research experience in aquatic ecosystems.

Submission of applications

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• An up-to-date CV.
• Cover letter.

The deadline for applications is 14 August 2026.

Interviews will take place during the first week of September 2026 online via Zoom.

Contact

Applications should be sent to:

Prof. Sofia Consuegra
📧 sconsuegra@iim.csic.es

Further information on the OLDSALMO project: https://oldsalmo.csic.es