Fully Funded PhD Position in the Molecular Ecology of Rivers at the MECOH Lab, Ehime University, Japan (Applications Open from 26 Aug, 2025)

CLOSED on 30 Sep 2025

The Molecular Ecology and Health (MECOH) Lab at Ehime University, Japan (PI: Prof. Kozo Watanabe), is accepting applications for a doctoral position in the field of Molecular Ecology in Rivers. The position includes full financial support.

Description of the position:
The successful candidate will conduct field surveys using riverine organisms (macroinvertebrates, bacteria, and fish) and environmental DNA (eDNA). The main focus will be on the bioinformatics analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, such as metabarcoding, metagenomics, ddRADseq, and transcriptomics, to understand biodiversity (genetic and species diversity) and evolutionary patterns. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to a recently funded project entitled “Optimization of River Habitat Structure Based on Functional Diversity of Aquatic Insect Communities.” The aim of this research is to propose a molecular biological approach to evaluate the various functions of river ecosystems, such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, which have lost habitat diversity (e.g., rapids, pools, backwaters) due to human influence and are no longer able to demonstrate these functions. If the selected candidate contributes to the above-mentioned project, he/she will be able to propose and carry out other research projects, such as NGS-based analysis of fish and bacteria at community and population level, if he/she wishes.
 
Application deadline and start date of the position:

• Application deadline: 30 September, 2025.
• Start date of the position: Between January 2026 – August 2026 (flexible and late start also negotiable)
• This is a re-advertised call for applications, issued after a suitable candidate was not identified in the initial call held between March 18 and April 30, 2025 (https://www.mecohlab.com/news/mecoh-phd-20250318). If you applied for Research Area 1: Molecular Ecology in Rivers during the previous call, please do not reapply. However, applicants to Research Area 2: ARGs in the Water Environment from the earlier call who remain highly interested are welcome to apply. 

 
Eligibility:

• Master's degree in related fields (e.g., biology, environmental science, ecology, bioinformatics) is required before the start date of the said position (not by the time of application).
• Born on April 2, 1992, or later.
• We welcome applicants of all nationalities.

 
Contract details:

• Duration of contract: Maximum of 4 years and 6 months.
• Full financial support (stipend, tuition, and round-trip ticket) is guaranteed by MECOH’s research projects, and can also be complemented by additional support from scholarships from private foundations in Japan.

 
Desired Qualifications (Not all must be met)

• Experience in molecular biological analysis such as DNA extraction and PCR
• Experience in population genetics analysis and phylogenetic analysis
• Experience in field surveys of environmental and ecological systems
• Experience in bioinformatics analysis of genetic data
• Individuals who wish to pursue an international career in academia after completing their PhD (including during the programme)
• Individuals with the ability and strong determination to overcome challenges that may hinder the achievement of self-set goals
• Can work independently
• Excellent English communication skills and can work harmoniously with a multidisciplinary team. 

Application and selection processes:
Applicants are encouraged to send the following files to Prof. Kozo Watanabe by email ([email protected]). ​In the "Subject" field, please write: “MECOH PhD Application”.

1. CV (any format). You can use any format you like, but please be sure to include your photo and your date of birth.
2. An application letter, limited to 3 pages, that explains the applicant’s past research activities and motivation for the PhD project. At the end of your application letter, please include the names, affiliations, and contact details of two references that Professor Watanabe can contact for an online meeting.
3. A PDF of any published papers if the applicant has any reviewed journal publications.
4. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email from Prof. Watanabe within one week from the application date (not immediate response). If the applicants don't receive any reply, please contact Prof. Watanabe again for your confirmation.
5. Document screening will begin after the deadline.
6. Shortlisted applicants will be requested for online interview (PPT based presentation and QA). Details will be provided via email.
7. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by Prof Watanabe via email.

If you have any questions regarding the said position, please contact the email address above.