The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a top research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO-KNAW focuses on fundamental and strategic research into individual organisms, populations, ecological communities, and ecosystems. The mission is to carry out excellent research in ecology.
The department of Animal Ecology at NIOO-KNAW offers two positions for a PhD-student (m/f)
Vacancy numbers AnE-014032 & AnE-014033
Project description
The overall aim of the project is to estimate the adaptive potential of seasonal timing, an important life-history
trait, in natural populations by studying the genetic basis of the underlying physiological mechanisms and to study natural selection on this trait, using great tits (Parus major) as a study organism. We will create selection lines for seasonal timing of reproduction using genomic selection, and validate the response to this artificial selection in climate controlled aviaries and in the wild. We will measure changes in the physiology underlying timing of reproduction caused by artificial selection and thus identify the components of the physiology which can be affected by natural selection. Furthermore, we will estimate selection on timing of reproduction by introducing selection-line individuals with extreme phenotypes into the wild and measuring their fitness.
PhD student AnE-014032:
The PhD student will measure a number of components of the physiological mechanism underlying the timing of reproduction in the selection lines to determine which components can be altered by artificial selection and hence show genetic variation. The key question that will be addressed is whether these changes occur upstream of the neuroendocrine system (i.e. brain, pituitary), more downstream (gonads, liver) or only at the final stages of egg production. These physiological parameters will be measured in climate controlled aviaries (photoperiod and temperature) to determine physiological differences between the birds of the selection lines. In addition differences in energetic profiles between the selection line birds will be assessed by measuring BMR.
PhD student AnE-014033:
The PhD student will study the causal relationship between timing of reproduction and fitness in the wild by making use of the more-extreme-than-normal phenotypes produced in the selection lines. Eggs from selection line birds will be brought to the wild and offspring recruiting from these eggs will be studied in the following years. Timing of reproduction, reproductive success and subsequent survival of these offspring will be studied in a wild nest-box breeding population. Additionally, detailed measurements will be done on these selection line offspring in the wild, including Daily Energy Expenditure during the egg-laying period and feeding frequencies as well as prey choice during chick feeding period.
These PhD positions form part of a larger project funded by an ERC Advanced grant.
Requirements
AnE-014032: We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic person with an MSc in Ecology or Animal Physiology. Experience with physiological research with birds and licence to carry out animal experiments are of added value.
AnE-014033: We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic person with an MSc in Ecology or Evolutionary Biology. Experience with fieldwork with birds and licence to carry out animal experiments are of added value.
Appointment
These are temporary appointments, initially for one year and upon satisfactory to be prolonged for a maximum of four years total. The starting date is 1 January 2015.
Salary:
The gross salary starts at € 2.083, - per month in the 1st year, and will gradually increase to a maximum of € 2.664, - per month in the 4th year, scale P, Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), excluding 8% holiday pay and a year-end bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.
Location
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology, NIOO-KNAW in Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Information
Additional information is available upon request from Prof. Dr Marcel E. Visser (+31 (0)317-47 34 39, e-mail: m.visser@nioo.knaw.nl or Dr Phillip Gienapp (+31 (0)6-2034 6271, e-mail: p.gienapp@nioo.knaw.nl). Information on the Netherlands Institute of Ecology can be found at http://www.nioo.knaw.nl
Applications
Please send your application including complete curriculum vitae and names of three referees and vacancy number to vacature@nioo.knaw.nl. Clearly indicate which position(s) your apply for. The closing date for the application is 23 October 2014; interviews are scheduled for 11 & 12 November 2014.