University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum
PhD position in Animal Ecology
Application deadline: 30.09.2015
The Department of Animal Ecology, Zoological Institute and Museum at the University of Greifswald invites applications for a PhD position.
Starting date: November 1st 2015.
Duration: 3 years.
Salary: German salary scale (TV-L 13, 65%).
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with interests in ecophysiology, behavioural ecology and evolution. The general aim of the PhD project is to characterize the threat that heat waves may constitute for a tropical bird species (Gouldian finch), and how variation in terms of oxidative status may participate to this threat. Towards this end, the candidate will measure the effects of high temperature on (i) oxidative markers, (ii) fertility and fecundity markers, and (iii) ageing markers. The candidate will also examine whether these effects can be alleviated by the consumption of natural food resources of high antioxidant potency. The whole project will be conducted in captivity at the University of Greifswald, but also includes collaborative work with the universities of Groningen, Neufchatel and Strasbourg.
The successful candidate will hold a Masters in Biology or equivalent (e.g. Dr. Vet. Med), and will have a strong background in behavioural ecology and/or physiology. Prior work with birds or mammals and laboratory work will be advantageous. English communication skills are essential and some German knowledge might also be useful. The successful candidate will be expected to take actively part to the set-up and the organization of the project, as well as to take care of birds. Finally, she/he will have the opportunity to take part to the Graduate School RESPONSE as associated doctoral researcher (http://www.mnf.uni-greifswald.de/institute/fr-biologie/graduiertenkolleg-rtg-2010.html).
The department of Animal Ecology works in the field of evolutionary ecology, focusing on life-history evolution, stress adaptation and reproductive biology. Current projects focus on temperature stress resistance, temperature-mediated plasticity, reproductive resource allocation, sexual selection and sexual conflict. For further information on our research, please visit http://www.mnf.uni-greifswald.de/institute/fr-biologie/institute-und-forschung/zool-institut-museum/tieroekologie.html and https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael_Beaulieu2.
Greifswald is a small and pleasant university town located on the coast of the Baltic Sea between the islands of Rügen and Usedom. The region offers great opportunities for outdoor activities and bird watching. Large cities like Berlin and Hambourg are easy to reach.
Applications should include:
(1) a cover letter with a short statement of motivation,
(2) a short statement of research accomplishments (max. 1 page),
(3) a CV,
(4) a list of publications (if any),
(5) the contact details of one or two academic referees.
Applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF file to: Dr. Michaël Beaulieu e-mail: beaulieum@uni-greifswald.de
The University of Greifswald is an equal opportunity employer.
For any enquiries, please contact Michaël Beaulieu via e-mail.
Dr. Michaël Beaulieu Zoological Institute & Museum Greifswald University J.-S.-Bach-Str. 11/12 D-17489 Greifswald Phone: +49-3834-864266 Fax: +49-3834-864252 "Dr. Michaël Beaulieu"