2012
01-19
Vacancies at James Hutton Institute (Ecological Modeller, Flood Risk
Management Scientist etc.)
http://www.hutton.ac.uk/careers
01-15
2 PhD positions in Comparative Cognition
Messerli Research Institute
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
1) IMITATION, EMPATHY AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR IN DOGS
The aim of this PhD-project is to investigate the links between
imitation, empathy and prosocial behaviour in dogs. Cognitive
scientists have revealed that imitation, emotion understanding and
empathy are tightly linked, and social psychologists found that
peoples’ tendency to inadvertently copy each other’s gestures
facilitates social interaction. This project aims at resolving open
questions with respect to the ultimate (evolutionary) and proximate
(neuro-cognitive) mechanisms mediating these relationships. These
questions are multi-level in nature and therefore require
interdisciplinary approaches and complementary expertise. Bringing
together a team of leading European experts, we will conduct
behavioral experiments on dogs and behavioral and neuroscientific
ones
in humans. This part of the project will only involve
cognitive-behavioral experiments with dogs. Eligible candidates will
have a master’s degree (or Diplom) in Biology, Veterinary Medicine
or
Psychology and research experience in animal behaviour, a genuine
understanding of animal cognition and a strong commitment to basic
science. Practical skills in animal training techniques and in
empirical work with dogs are beneficial, but not a precondition. This
PhD project is part of a larger project, funded by the Vienna Science
and Technology Fund (WWTF) on “the evolutionary and neurocognitive
basis of the link between imitation, empathy and prosocial behaviour
in dogs and humans”, and conducted together with psychologists at
the
University of Vienna (Prof. Lamm) and neuroscientists at the Medical
University of Vienna (Prof. Windischberger). It will be based at the
Clever Dog Lab of the Messerli Research Institute (at the University
of Veterinary Medicine Vienna) and co-supervised by Dr. Friederike
Range and Dr. Zsófia Virányi. Principal investigator of the whole
project and supervisor of this PhD-project: Prof. Ludwig Huber.
2) COOPERATIVE COMMUNICATION IN DOGS: MECHANISMS AND GENETIC BASIS
The aim of this PhD-project is to critically investigate the phylogeny
of the cognitive and motivational building blocks of following gaze
and pointing as forms of cooperative, referential and intentional
communication, a non-verbal alternative of language that is available
also for non-human animals. The developmental and mechanistic aspects
will be investigated by comparing adult pet dogs and puppies as well
as by using sophisticated technologies, such as eye-tracking and
genotyping the oxytocin receptor gene of the subjects.
As such, the successful candidate will have a master’s degree (or
Diplom) in Biology, Veterinary Medicine or Psychology and research
experience in animal behaviour, a genuine understanding of animal
cognition and a strong commitment to basic science. Practical skills
in dog handling and training as well as having a well-trained dog
who
can act as a conspecific experimenter are beneficial, but not a
precondition.
The position is part of a larger project, funded by the Vienna Science
and Technology Fund (WWTF) on "The semantics of talking with
the eyes
and gestures: the hormonal and cognitive underpinnings of
comprehending cooperative intentional communication in domestic dogs
and wolves" that complements the PhD project with an evolutionary
aspect by comparing dogs and wolves at the Wolf Science Center
(Ernstbrunn, Austria) (www.wolfscience.at).
The PhD project will be based at the Clever Dog Lab
(www.cleverdoglab.at) of the Messerli Research Institute (at the
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna) and will be co-supervised
by
Prof. Ludwig Huber, Dr. Friederike Range (Messerli Research Institute)
and Dr. Zsolt Rónai (Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary).
Principal investigator of the whole project and supervisor of this
PhD-project: Dr. Zsófia Virányi.
The Messerli Research Institute has been recently founded with support
of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, the Medical
University of Vienna, the University of Vienna and the Messerli
Foundation (Switzerland) for the scientific study of human-animal
interactions, with an integrative and highly interdisciplinary
approach of comparative cognition and behaviour, comparative medicine,
and animal ethics. Its division on Comparative Cognition (headed by
L.
Huber) investigates the cognitive abilities in both the social and
physical domain of various, free-living as well as domesticated,
animal species ranging from keas to dogs. At the Clever Dog Lab
(www.cleverdoglab.at) an international team of students and
researchers studies the cognition and behaviour of pet dogs.
Application: materials including a letter of application, CV, a
summary of research experience, copies of any published or in-press
papers, and two letters of recommendation should be sent to Mrs. Karin
Bayer, MSc by email (Karin.Bayer@vetmeduni.ac.at) until 1 February
2012. Planned interview dates are in mid February 2012. Both positions
are for three years; starting date is 1 March 2012. Salaries according
to the standards of Austrian basic science funds.
The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna promotes the employment
of women in fields of work in which they are underrepresented and
therefore encourages qualified women to apply to this opening.
Disabled people will be preferentially treated if qualified.
01-02
The Research Center FuturES – Futures of Ecosystem Services
at
Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany is seeking a
Post-Doctoral Researcher in Environmental and Sustainability Science
beginning April 1, 2012 (or at the earliest date thereafter). The
position can be negotiated to be anything from 50% part-time to 100%
full-time. It is remunerated under state salary scheme EG 13 TV-L
and
limited to a term of 2 years, with an option of extension.
The newly established Leuphana Research Center FuturES – Futures of
Ecosystem Services
(http://www.leuphana.de/en/institute/ie/futures.html) brings together
the broad and diverse expertise of researchers at Leuphana University
Lüneburg and of renowned international experts across a wide range
of
disciplines such as communication science, ecology, economics, ethics,
political science and management. They collaborate on questions of
sustainable conservation and use of ecosystem services. This
collaboration proceeds between the natural and social sciences
(interdisciplinary approach), and actively involves stakeholders and
policy makers in shaping research goals and methods (transdisciplinary
approach).
Responsibilities:
• cutting-edge research on the sustainable conservation and use of
ecosystem services
• publication in high-ranking journals and presentation at conferences
• contribution to the development of an inter- and transdisciplinary
research strategy and plan for the research center FuturES
• scientific coordination of the research center FuturES and its activities
• developing funding proposals for the center’s research projects
Ideal profile:
• PhD in environmental or sustainability sciences or any other
relevant field of science or humanities
• keen research motivation and demonstrated ability of cutting-edge
research
• high methodological awareness across a range of relevant academic
disciplines
• willingness and ability to inter-and transdisciplinary cooperation
and scientific integration
• excellent English language proficiency and communication skills
• international experience
• independence, organisational skills and reliability
For further information and enquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan
Baumgärtner (phone: +49.4131.677-2600, email:
baumgaertner###uni.leuphana.de) or Prof. Dr. Alexandra-Maria Klein
(phone: +49.4131.677-2960, email: alexandra.klein###uni.leuphana.de).
Leuphana University of Lüneburg is an equal opportunity employer.
Closing date for applications: February 15, 2012.
Please send your application (including letter of interest, CV,
transcripts, abstract of PhD thesis, one or two relevant papers, list
of publications/conference presentations, names and contact
information of two academic references) as one single pdf via email
to:
Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Personnel Service, Ms Katrin Severloh
re: FUTURES application
Scharnhorststr. 1, D-21335 Lüneburg, Germany
bewerbung###leuphana.de
2011
12-21
There are five sections in this message. Please note that the deadline
for the first position is 31 December 2011:
1) PhD: Multilevel selection and host-parasite interactions, Helsinki
2) Ph.D. fellow in Bee Health: host-parasite interactions and
landscape complexity, Copenhagen
3) PhD: Bioinformatician, Genomic Imprinting in Social Bees, Leuven
4) Postdoc, Evolutionary Genomics, Helsinki and Jyväskylä
5) Graduate Opportunities in Honey Bee Research, University of N
Carolina, Greensboro
--------------------
1) PhD: MULTILEVEL SELECTION AND HOST-PARASITE INTERACTIONS, HELSINKI
PhD position (four years): Multilevel selection and host-parasite
interactions
The newly appointed Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions
funded by the Academy of Finland calls for applications for a PhD
position focusing on multilevel selection and host-parasite
interactions.
The key objective is to conduct a comparative analysis of immune
functions and diversity of immune genes in social and solitary
insects. The aim is to shed light onto life history trade-offs under
multiple levels of selection. The approaches entail field work,
laboratory experiments and molecular analyses.
A successful candidate will be highly motivated with MSc in the field
of evolutionary biology, ecology, or a related discipline. The student
will work in the field, on field-collected material, on laboratory
experiments, immune challenges and assays as well gene expression
analyses. Willingness and ability to work in the field is essential,
and any prior experience in immune assays on insects, experimental
design, and molecular techniques is a bonus. She/he will be given
guidance especially in the beginning, but will be expected to become
more independent towards the end of the PhD.
The partners of the Centre of Excellence are located at the University
of Jyväskylä, Finland (Prof. Johanna Mappes and Prof. Jaana Bamford),
University of Helsinki, Finland (Prof. Liselotte Sundström) and
Australian National University (Prof. Hanna Kokko). We offer a
stimulating, creative and international working environment, modern
facilities, reliable funding, excellent career prospects and nice
colleagues. This position is based at the University of Helsinki but
some of the work will be carried out at the University of Jyväskylä.
Salary: 2000EUR-2600EUR (gross) monthly including health insurance
and
other benefits
Application deadline: 31 December 2011
Starting date: The position is available from 1 January 2012, starting
date is negotiable
Application should include 1) a cover letter with a statement of
research interests, 2) CV and 3) names and contact details of two
references. Applications and informal inquiries should be addressed
to
Prof. Lotta Sundström liselotte.sundstrom###helsinki.fi
----------
2) Ph.D. FELLOW IN BEE HEALTH: HOST-PARASITE INTERACTIONS AND
LANDSCAPE COMPLEXITY, COPENHAGEN
Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences at
University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD scholarship commencing
1
April 2012 or soon thereafter.
The application deadline is 1 February 2012
Project description
Aim:
The project will aim to achieve an integrated study of key factors
that determine the general health of bees. Emphasis will be on
honeybees but additional interfaces relevant for bumblebees and/or
solitary bees can be considered. Topics to be addressed may include:
1) Multivariate analyses of large-scale monitoring data already
collected from Danish apiaries, 2) Assessment of fitness parameters
in
landscapes of varying heterogeneity, 3) Quantifying parasite pressure
in apiaries, 4) Behavioural studies of disease transmission.
Background:
The ecosystem services provided to European agriculture by pollinators
have a value of 22 billion euro per year. The ongoing decline of wild
and managed bees therefore represents a significant challenge for
future food production, healthy human diets, and the protection of
biodiversity throughout Europe. The cause of bee colony losses is
believed to be multi-factorial and to include parasites and diseases,
habitat destruction, and various environmental stress factors
emanating from pesticides and lack of floral diversity.
The PhD student will be based at the Department of Agriculture and
Ecology, Zoology Section
http://www.agreco.life.ku.dk/English/research/Insectpathology.aspx,
where a productive research group on fungal bee diseases has become
established as part of the Centre for Social Evolution
http://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/oe/cse.
The successful applicant should have qualifications within several
of
the following areas:
Entomology and/or Apiculture
Microbiology and/or Mycology
Population ecology and/or Evolutionary biology
Experience with social insects, molecular techniques and/or
statistical methods will be an asset.
Principal supervisor:
Associated Professor Annette Bruun Jensen
abj###life.ku.dk
(+45) 35 32 26 62
Department of Agriculture and Ecology
For further details, and to apply, please see:
http://www.ku.dk/english/available_positions/vip/ and click on the
link to "Ph.D. fellow in Bee Health: host-parasite interactions
and
landscape complexity"
3) PhD: BIOINFORMATICIAN, GENOMIC IMPRINTING IN SOCIAL BEES, LEUVEN
PhD scholarship for a Bioinformatician for a project on the evolution
of genomic imprinting in social bees
Title of project: Social bees as a model for testing evolutionary
theories of genomic imprinting
Outline of project: In mammals and flowering plants, some genes are
known to be expressed to a different extent depending on whether they
are inherited from the mother or from the father. Mechanistically,
it
is thought that such "genomic imprinting" is based on differential
DNA
methylation or histone modifications in the parental germ lines.
Evolutionarily speaking, however, the functional significance of
imprinting remains highly controversial. One of the theories, known
as
David Haig's kin conflict theory of genomic imprinting, posits that
parent-of-origin specific gene expression patterns are a reflection
of
the differing evolutionary interests of maternally and paternally
inherited genes. In this project, we will use the honeybee and the
bumblebee as two novel insect models to study the occurrence of
genomic imprinting and test Haig's theory. In our study, imprinted
genes will be searched for using cutting-edge high-throughput
sequencing methods, which now allow genome-wide screens for
differentially methylated and imprinted genes against a reasonable
cost.
The main task for the PhD student will be to carry out bio-informatic
analyses on these nextgen sequencing data (alignment to reference
genome, identification of parent-specific SNPs, matching RNA
sequencing data to identified SNPs). Prior experience in analysing
nextgen sequencing data is a must. Experience with BioPerl,
R/Bioconductor and Python is also desirable. The ideal candidate would
have a master in Bioinformatics.
Earliest possible starting date: March 1 2012, or until position
is filled.
Application deadline: January 31st 2012
Funding is available for 4 years, and matching funding for consumable
costs (ca. 25 000 euro/year) is also available.
The project will be supervised by Prof. Tom Wenseleers from the
University of Leuven. For more information on his group, see
http://bio.kuleuven.be/ento/wenseleers/twenseleers.htm.
Applications with a personal statement and detailed CV should be
sent
directly to him: tom.wenseleers###bio.kuleuven.be
----------
4) POSTDOC, EVOLUTIONARY GENOMICS, HELSINKI AND JYVÄSKYLÄ
The newly appointed Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions
funded by the Academy of Finland calls for applications for one
two-year post doc position, with the possibility for a one-year
extension in evolutionary genomics. The partners of the Centre of
Excellence are located at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland (Prof.
Johanna Mappes and Prof. Jaana Bamford), University of Helsinki,
Finland (Prof. Liselotte Sundström) and Australian National University
(Prof. Hanna Kokko). We offer a stimulating, creative and
international working environment, modern facilities, reliable
funding, excellent career prospects and nice colleagues.
The successful candidate will work mainly on two non-model systems,
the Wood Tiger Moth (Parasemia plantaginis), and the Narrow-headed
Ant
(Formica exsecta), on research questions related to the evolution
of
polymorphic warning colouration, and the evolution of life-history
strategies and under multi-level selection. We are looking for a
motivated candidate with good track record of relevant publications,
experience in transcriptome and genome bioinformatics, and who enjoys
problem solving and working with a team of ecologists and evolutionary
biologists. The candidate should have a PhD in evolutionary biology,
genetics, bioinformatics or a related relevant field. In particular
we
value good programming skills (python, perl etc), an ability to manage
and integrate next generation sequence data with information from
existing genomic databases, and a willingness to take a leading role
in supervising post-doctoral and PhD students in these procedures.
Excellent communication skills are essential because the post doc
will
collaborate with other members (PhD students and post docs) in the
group who are working in the areas of molecular biology, ecology,
behavioural and chemical ecology.
In addition to the main research programme, the post doc will have
an
opportunity to develop related research ideas together with other
members of the CoE as well as collaborators at other institutes. We
offer a stimulating, creative and international working environment,
modern facilities, reliable funding, excellent career prospects and
nice colleagues.
Candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Liselotte Sundström
(biotiede-bioint###helsinki.fi) for informal inquiries and further
particulars.
Application deadline: 20 January 2012
Starting date: the position is available from 1 January 2012; starting
date is negotiable
Salary: 3000?-3600? (gross) monthly depending on experience; health
insurance and other benefits are included
The position is based at the Universities of Jyväskylä and Helsinki.
----------
5) GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES IN HONEY BEE RESEARCH, UNIVERSITY OF N
CAROLINA, GREENSBORO
I am recruiting new graduate students to start their MS or PhD in
my
lab for Fall 2012. Our group focuses on Honey Bee Genetics and
Genomics, Aging, and Bee Health. For more detailed information, please
visit our website or inquire via email. Students with an interest
in
the above topics and/or experience in high-throughput sequencing are
particularly encouraged to apply. The Department of Biology at the
University of North Carolina Greensboro has a long-standing,
flourishing MS and a new PhD program with competitive graduate
stipends. For more information go to www.uncg.edu/bio.
Dr. Olav Rueppell
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Univ. North Carolina at Greensboro
312 Eberhart Bldg.
Greensboro, NC 27403, USA
Tel.: (1) 336-256-2591
Fax: (1) 336-334-5839
http://www.uncg.edu/bio/faculty/olav_rueppell/lab/index.html
__._,_.___
12-16
1) PhD position, Bumblebee pollination ecology, University of East
Anglia
2) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Honeybee Genomics, Perth, Australia
--------------------
1) PhD POSITION, BUMBLEBEE POLLINATION ECOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF EAST
ANGLIA
Plant-pollinator relationships in the bumblebee Bombus hortorum and
its forage plants
Andrew Bourke, Tove Jorgensen, School of Biological sciences,
university of East Anglia
The widespread bumblebee Bombus hortorum has an exceptionally long
tongue (proboscis) and hence preferentially visits plant species with
long tubular flowers (corollae). Many plant species with long
corollae, including wildflowers and crops, may therefore largely rely
on B. hortorum for pollination. However, despite intense interest
in
levels of specialization within plant-pollinator systems [1], the
overall extent to which individual plant species depend on B. hortorum
pollination has not been fully investigated. In addition, although
recent studies have elucidated the spatial ecology of bees using
genetic markers (e.g. [2, 3]), and new techniques such as the
genotyping of single pollen grains at microsatellite markers have
become available [4], no studies have combined such approaches to
investigate the interaction of bee and pollen movement in space within
individual plant-pollinator systems. Systems with predominantly single
pollinator species are particularly suitable for this purpose because
they lack the complexity of more generalized systems.
This project will therefore address two main research questions.
First, to what extent do wildflowers and crops with long corollae
depend on B. hortorum for pollination? This will be investigated using
field studies on selected U.K. plant species. Second, in the focal
systems, how do the parameters of bee spatial ecology (e.g. number
of
individual workers visiting a single plant, workers' foraging
distance) interact with the parameters of the plant's mating system
(e.g. number of partners from which a given plant receives pollen)?
This will be investigated by genotyping tissue from bees
(nonlethally), pollen sampled from bees, and green tissue and seeds
from plants, using microsatellite loci [e.g. 4, 5]. Since both
research questions address issues of broad interest in new ways, the
student should receive excellent, interdisciplinary training in basic
and applied ecology.
Waser NM, Ollerton J, eds (2006) Plant-Pollinator Interactions: From
Specialization to Generalization. University of Chicago Press,
Chicago.
Chapman RE, Wang J, Bourke AFG (2003) Genetic analysis of spatial
foraging patterns and resource sharing in bumble bee pollinators.
Molecular Ecology 12: 2801-2808.
Charman TG, Sears J, Green RE, Bourke AFG (2010) Conservation
genetics, foraging distance and nest density of the scarce Great
Yellow Bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus). Molecular Ecology 19:
2661-2674.
Matsuki Y, Isagi Y, Suyama Y (2007) The determination of multiple
microsatellite genotypes and DNA sequences from a single pollen grain.
Molecular Ecology Notes 7: 194-198.
Ducarme V, Risterucci AM, Wesselingh RA (2008) Development of
microsatellite markers in Rhinanthus angustifolius and cross-species
amplification. Molecular Ecology Resources 8: 384-386.
Informal enquiries to: a.bourke###uea.ac.uk; funding is to be confirmed;
rolling deadlines for UEA School of Biological Sciences PhD
Studentships are: 16 January 2012, 29 February 2012 and 23 April 2012.
Apply via: http://ueasciweb.uea.ac.uk/Resproject/show.aspx?ID=133
---------
2) POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP, HONEYBEE GENOMICS, PERTH, AUSTRALIA
John Stocker Postdoctoral Fellowship - Research Associate (Ref: 3815)
Centre for Integrative Bee Research (Ciber) and Arc Centre of
Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
* 3 year appointment available immediately
* Salary: Level A $77,328 p.a.
* Plus 17% superannuation
* Closing date: Friday, 20 January 2012
Applications are invited from a suitably qualified scientist to work
in a multi-disciplinary team environment on quantitative genomics
and
epigenomics of honeybees and aphids. The successful applicant will
initiate and drive research projects to elucidate the effects and
consequences of epigenetic modifications in two insect model systems,
in particular the role of DNA methylation in insect caste
determination. You will use high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches
to investigate the relationship between differential DNA methylation,
chromatin modifications, and the mRNA and small RNA transcriptomes
in
the honeybee and pea aphid invertebrate models. Applicants must have
a
PhD in molecular biology or related discipline awarded within the
last
three years.
Application Details: Written applications quoting the reference
number, personal contact details, qualifications and experience, along
with contact details of three referees should be sent to:
Director, Human Resources,
The University of Western Australia,
M350, 35 Stirling Highway,
Crawley WA 6009
Australia
or emailed to jobs###uwa.edu.au by the closing date.
For further information regarding the position or the project please
contact:
Associate Professor Boris Baer, email boris.baer###uwa.edu.au
Winthrop Professor Harvey Millar, email harvey.millar###uwa.edu.au,
or
Winthrop Professor Ryan Lister, email ryanlister###gmail.com, or
Dr Owain Edwards (http://www.csiro.au/people/Owain.Edwards.html),
email owain.edwards###csiro.au.
Some assistance with relocation expenses (if applicable) may be negotiated.
12-15
The Agroecology group (Department of Crop Sciences) at the Georg-August-Universität
Göttingen is offering two PhD positions in the Scientific Project
(SP) of the Collaborative Research Center 990 “Ecological and socioeconomic
functions of tropical lowland rainforest transformation systems (Sumatra,
Indonesia)”:
Aboveground patterns of biodiversity and associated ecosystem processes
across tropical rainforest transformations (B9)
The positions will be limited for 3 years and should be filled as
soon as possible. Salary: Pay grade PhD 65 % TV-L 13 of German state
regulated public service salary scale.
Your duties
The project will focus on the effect of land-use transformation systems
of lowland Sumatra, Indonesia, on the functional composition of ant
and bird communities and the ecosystem services they deliver. The
systems investigated are lowland forest, jungle rubber (resembling
secondary forest), rubber plantations and oil palm plantations. The
work will involve landscape-scale observational studies as well as
setting up and managing a large collaborative multi-site manipulative
experiment. Our SP is intimately linked with plant and belowground
ecological groups working on the core plots as well as socio-economic
groups working at household and village level. The project will be
based in Göttingen, but fieldwork is done in Indonesia.
Your profile
• Master degree in Biology/Ecology/Agriculture or a related field
• research focus on invertebrate or avian ecology and experience with
field ecological studies
• good command of statistical modelling, preferably in R and/or WinBUGS
• willingness to collaborate with other researchers of the CRC
• proficiency in English, with knowledge of Indonesian a plus
• experience in the tropics is desired
• ability to independently work in the tropics and under field conditions
The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and
places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women.
Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as they
are underrepresented in this field. Disabled persons with equivalent
aptitude will be favoured.
Please send your application as a single pdf file containing the usual
documents in electronic form by January 15, 2012 to Prof. Dr. Tscharntke
and Dr. Yann Clough, Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Agrarökologie,
Department für Nutzpflanzenwissenschaften, Grisebachstr. 6, 37077
Göttingen, Germany, to the emails addresses: ttschar###gwdg.de and yclough###gwdg.de.
If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Teja Tscharntke
(phone: 0551 / 39-9209, e-mail: ttschar###gwdg.de) and/or Dr. Yann Clough
(phone: 0551 / 39-22358, e-mail: yclough###gwdg.de)
Information about the Collaborative Research Center 990 Ecological
and socioeconomic functions of tropical lowland rainforest transformation
systems (Sumatra, Indonesia): http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/310995.html
12-07
The Statistical Genetics group of Prof. Dr. D. Metzler at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität
München (Munich, Germany) offers a
PostDoc Position for 3 years
for a researcher with a PhD or Dr. degree in
(Bio-)Informatics, Statistics, Mathematics or a related field.
For details see: http://evol.bio.lmu.de/_statgen/PostDoc_Munich.pdf
12-01
This fall, I am accepting applications from highly-motivated Ph.D.
students interested in joining my lab at the University of Utah Department
of Biology. Our application deadline is January 6, 2012 and prospective
applicants should visit my website:
http://bioweb.biology.utah.edu/sekercioglu/
The University of Utah Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology
program provides 5 years of Ph.D. funding and has strengths in various
fields. I can offer additional support in the form of research assistantships.
Our Global Change & Ecosystem Center provides opportunities for
broad interdisciplinary research, education and outreach.
http://www.biology.utah.edu/graduate/eeob/
http://environment.utah.edu/
In my lab, in addition to the possibility of conservation ecology
field research in a range of ecosystems in Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Turkey,
and Utah, Ph.D. students can undertake conservation, ecology, biogeography,
life history, and evolutionary meta-analyses of our global bird database,
covering all the world's bird species and updated continuously. Besides
conducting long-term bird banding and telemetry projects, we also
study the conservation ecology and population biology of carnivores
(brown bears, lynx, and wolves) in eastern Turkey and working to create
and monitor Turkey's first wildlife corridor. Highly-motivated students
with interest in other taxa and prepared to take initiative should
note that past collaborations included taxa ranging from plants to
bird lice to amphibians.
I will appreciate if you can spread the word, especially to your
best students and other good candidates interested in doing a Ph.D.
in conservation ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology,
ornithology, or related fields. I will be at the Society for Conservation
Biology meeting in Auckland during December 6-9 and can talk to anyone
interested in this position. Those of you there should also try to
see our symposium that has excellent speakers from all over the world:
All By Myself? Increasing the Involvement of Conservation Scientists
in Effective Grassroots Conservation Action Worldwide
http://birenheide.com/scb2011/schedule/singlesession.php?sessno=SY12
11-30
PhD researcher Grassland biodiversity (1,0 fte)
The Environmental Sciences Group at the department of Innovation and
Environmental Sciences is calling applicants for the position of PhD
researcher Grassland biodiversity.
You will participate in the project “Biodiversity restoration in
grasslands; understanding the role of plant traits and their plasticity
in N:P-stoichiometry and competition” financed by the Netherlands
Science Foundation (NWO). Human-induced eutrophication causes local
and regional species extinctions in a variety of ecosystems, including
many grasslands, which are among the most diverse ecosystems in Europe.
Loss of grassland diversity is assumed to be driven in particular
by nitrogen (N) enrichment. Classical plant competition theories state
that increased N-availability in European grasslands would favour
a few fast growing species, with traits that enable them to outcompete
slower growing species that thrive under relatively N-poor conditions.
Recent research emphasizes, however that plant traits are not fixed,
but adapt to changing environmental conditions (plasticity). Additionally,
competitive ability is not determined only by N availability, but
especially by the ratio between N and phosphorus (P) availability
(N:P stoichiometry).
The aim of this project is to quantify the importance of plasticity
in competition between grassland plant species along N:P stoichiometric
gradients, and use this information to develop mathematical models
that predict how grassland diversity can be maintained or restored
in a world that is facing N and P eutrophication. The research will
be conducted in cooperation with the Dutch nature management organisation
"Vereniging Natuurmonumenten" to ensure dissemination of
the results to nature management practice.
Qualifications
You hold a MSc (or equivalent) degree in a relevant field e.g. environmental
science, ecology, ecohydrology, biology, with proven experience with
setting up and running (field) experiments, statistical analysis of
data, and hands on experience with mathematical modelling with MATLAB
and/or other relevant programming software. Experience in the development
and analysis of plant competition models is considered an advantage.
Good proficiency of English is required.
Offer
We offer a fulltime PhD position for 4 years (0.8 fte is an option).
The gross monthly salary increases from € 2,042 in year 1 to € 2,612
in year 4, according to the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch
Universities. Secondary benefits include e.g. a pension scheme, flexible
employment conditions, holiday bonus (8%) and end-of-year bonus (8,3%).
The PhD student will be enrolled in the graduate school SENSE (Socio-Economic
and Natural Sciences of the Environment) and involved in the teaching
program of the Faculty (max. 10%).
About the organisation
The Faculty of Geosciences of Utrecht University offers high quality
teaching and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere
and anthroposphere. With a population of 2200 students (BSc and MSc)
and 500 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation.
The Faculty is organised in four departments: Innovation and Environmental
Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, and Human Geography
and Urban and Regional Planning.
Additional information
Are you interested? You can obtain further information and a research
proposal from Prof. dr. Martin Wassen, ( M.J.Wassen###uu.nl; phone:
+31 (0)30 253 5764), Dr. Jerry van Dijk (J.vandijk2###uu.nl; phone:
+31 (0)30 253 4410) or Dr. Maarten Eppinga (M.B.Eppinga###uu.nl; phone:
+31 (0)30 253 3147). Alternatively, you can contact the secretaries
office (phone: +31 (0) 30 253 1625/2359).
Apply
You can apply via the Utrecht University website: http://www.uu.nl/EN/informationfor/jobseekers/Pages/vacancies.aspx
Apply until
01/01/2012
11-28
1) Technician: Molecular Ecology of Bumblebees, IoZ, London
2) PhD Position in Ant Ecology, Czech Academy of Sciences
3) PhD Position in Ant Evolution, Czech Academy of Sciences
4) Doctoral Opportunity in Ecology and Evolution at the University
of Utah
5) MSc and PhD student positions: ant evolutionary genomics, Lausanne,
Switzerland
6) Post-doc: Spatial genetics and ecology of acacia-ants in Kenya,
U.C. Davis, USA
--------------------
1) TECHNICIAN: MOLECULAR ECOLOGY OF BUMBLEBEES, IOZ, LONDON
Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London Laboratory
Technician in Molecular Ecology. 6 month fixed term contract
Starting Salary L16,989 plus L3,554 London weighting
Applications are invited for a laboratory technician with DNA analyses
experience to work on a project investigating the biology of a range
of bumblebee species, with the aim of estimating the dispersal
distance of new queens and the foraging range of worker bees.
Experience with microsatellite loci genotyping and scoring, and
multiplex assays is required. An interest in social insect biology
is
desirable. The post is funded for 6 months under the Insect Pollinator
Initiative and is available from 1st January 2011. Informal enquires
and requests for further details can be directed to Seirian Sumner
(Seirian.Sumner###ioz.ac.uk).
Applications, with a covering letter, a current CV and names and
full
contact details of three referees, should be sent to Human Resources,
Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY (email
HR###zsl.org) by 1st December 2011. Interviews will be held mid
December.
----------
2) PhD POSITION IN ANT ECOLOGY, CZECH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Social Insects, Biology Center,
Czech Academy of Sciences is looking for a PhD student to work on
project:
Mechanisms Structuring Arboreal Ant Communities in Tropical Forests
We are looking for a motivated student to join our international
research team focused on ecology and evolution of tropical insects
and
plants (V. Novotn?/Y. Basset group). The PhD candidate will study
ecology of ant communities living in the forests of Papua New Guinea.
He/she will participate on processing of unique material and to
analyse datasets from one of the last unknown frontiers -- rain forest
tree canopies. She/he will combine traditional taxonomic methods with
molecular tools (DNA barcoding, species phylogeny) and learn various
statistic methods to analyse ecological community data. He/she will
have opportunity to conduct field research at our tropical stations
in
Paua New Guinea.
We offer 3 years grant contract (50% position) at Biology Center,
Czech Academy of Sciences (http://www.entu.cas.cz/en/) and scholarship
at PhD program at Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia
(http://www.prf.jcu.cz/en/). The salary and scholarships are
sufficient to cover living expenses in Czech Republic.
Starting date for the position is flexible between January and July
2012
Requirements:
* Master degree in biology or environmental sciences
* enthusiasm for the topic and motivation to learn new things
* experience with work in R and/or other statistical packages
* fluent English and ability to communicate with an international
team
We offer:
* participation in cutting-edge tropical biology research
* access to unique ecological and biological data and original research
topics
* possibility for research visits at universities in USA and Binatang
Research Centre in PNG
* opportunity to learn novel methods to analyse ecological data
Candidates should send a short statement of interest, a CV, and
contacts for two potential referees to Dr. PETR KLIMES
(peta.klimes###gmail.com Ph.N. + 420 - 387 775 332)
Closing date for applications is December 30th 2011.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact:
Petr Klimes,
Biology Center
Czech Academy of Sciences
Branisovska 31,
370 05, Ceske Budejovice,
Czech Republic
----------
3) PhD POSITION IN ANT EVOLUTION, CZECH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Social Insects, Biology Center,
Czech Academy of Sciences is looking for a PhD student to work on:
Phylogeography and Population Genetics of South Pacific Ants
We are looking for a motivated student with biology background to
join
our international team focused on ecology and evolution of tropical
ants. The PhD candidate will study phylogeography and population
history of ants from Melanesia and South Pacific. He/she will use
various genomic and genetic tools to study the origin and relationship
of ant faunas in New Guinea and South Pacific islands. She/he will
combine traditional population genetics methods with Next Generation
Sequencing tools. The project will involve short research stays in
laboratories in the US (Harvard Univ., Rockefeller Univ.) and/or
Mexico (LANGEBIO, http://www.langebio.cinvestav.mx/), where the
student will develop genomic tools and can attend a workshop on
bioinformatics applied to the analysis of NGS.
We offer 4 years grant contract (50%) at Biology Center, Czech Academy
of Sciences (http://www.entu.cas.cz/en/). The student will be required
to enroll into associated PhD program at Faculty of Science, Univ.
of
South Bohemia (http://www.prf.jcu.cz/en/). The salary and stipend
are
sufficient to cover living expenses in Czech Republic. The beginning
of the project is between January and July 2012.
Requirements:
* fluent English and ability to communicate with an international
team
* Master degree in biology
* experience with laboratory techniques used in molecular biology
(e.g. Sanger sequencing, microsatellite genotyping)
* highly independent
* experience with work in R, and/or basic programming skills (Perl,
Python) is preferred
* experience with genetic, bioinformatics, phylogenetic or
biogeography research is advantageous
We offer:
* participation in cutting-edge research
* access to unique ecological and biological data and original research
topics
* possibility of research visits at Harvard Univ., Rockefeller Univ.
or at the National Laboratory of Genomics for Biodiversity (Mexico)
* opportunity to learn novel methods of data gathering and processing
(NGS)
Interested candidates should send a short statement of interest,
a CV,
and the addresses of two potential referees to Milan Janda.
mjanda###oeb.harvard.edu
Closing date for applications is December 30. 2011.
Starting date for the position is flexible between February and July
2012.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Dr. Milan Janda
Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences
Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
email: mjanda###oeb.harvard.edu
more information: www.newguineants.org www.entu.cas.cz/en/
http://www.entu.cas.cz/en/departments/department-of-ecology-and-conservation-biology
4) DOCTORAL OPPORTUNITY IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION AT THE UNIVERSITY
OF UTAH
I am seeking a bright, highly motivated graduate student for a
recently-funded NSF project on the ecology and evolutionary
interactions of ants and their parasitoids. This project seeks to
discover the ecological and evolutionary processes that govern host
specificity of insect parasitoids of ants in the fly family Phoridae.
As a group, these parasitoids consist of several 100 species in the
Neotropical Region, most of which are extremely specialized, attacking
one or a few closely related ant species. Our research group,
consisting of a natural products chemist, an evolutionary biologist
and a behavioral ecologist, will focus on the chemical signals host
ants use in communication (pheromones) as the primary cue by which
the
parasitoids locate hosts and lay their eggs in them. Once the chemical
signals parasitoids use to find hosts are identified, we will
experimentally quantify the limits of host specificity by attracting
parasitoids and inducing them to oviposit on novel hosts to see if
they develop normally. These chemical signals will then be mapped
onto
the phylogenetic tree of hosts and compared to the phylogenetic tree
of the parasitoids to determine how the distribution of chemical
signals shape the evolution of host specificity and shifts to novel
hosts.
Successful doctoral candidates will 1) have a solid undergraduate
training (and good academic record) in ecology and evolutionary
biology; 2) be highly motivated to pursue graduate research; 3) be
a
self-directed learner, able to problem solve and work independently;
4) have interpersonal and communication skills that allow he/she to
be
an effective part of a larger team; 5) have developed analytical and
writing skills; 6) be willing to spend extended research time in the
field, including Central and South America (fluency in Spanish would
be an asset).
Stipend support of $20,000 per year and research expenses in the
field
will be provided.
Interested candidates should contact Donald H. Feener at donald.feener###utah.edu
DONALD H. FEENER JR.
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH START DATE: 2012
----------
5) MSc AND PhD STUDENT POSITIONS: ANT EVOLUTIONARY GENOMICS, LAUSANNE,
SWITZERLAND
Department of Ecology and Evolution University of Lausanne, Switzerland
MSc and PhD positions are available in the lab of Prof. Laurent Keller
(http://www.unil.ch/dee/page6763_en.html). Our group is interested
in
the principles governing the behavior, ecology, and evolution of
animal societies. While this is richly described by theory, how this
is translated to the molecular level is virtually unknown. We have
recently published the genome of the red imported fire ant and the
lab
continues to develop genomic infrastructures in this species. We use
genomic approaches to identify candidate genes and pathways that are
associated with the biology of social insects. In particular, we are
using next generation sequencing to study gene expression and
population genetics in fire ants. Ultimately, our goal is to elucidate
the evolution of molecular mechanisms underlying traits that
characterize social insects. Possible research topics include, but
are
not limited to, social behavior, caste determination, immunity, and
aging.
Candidates should be highly motivated and have a background in
bioinformatics and in molecular, genomic, or cell biology. Good
knowledge of English is required. Interested applicants should send
a
short summary of research interests and experiences (in English),
a
curriculum vitae, as well as the names, emails and phone numbers of
2
references to Eyal Privman: Eyal.Privman###unil.ch
----------
6) POST-DOC: SPATIAL GENETICS AND ECOLOGY OF ACACIA-ANTS IN KENYA,
U.C. DAVIS, USA
The Stanton and Grosberg labs, Department of Evolution and Ecology,
University of California Davis
We are seeking a highly motivated post-doc with expertise in spatial
genetic analysis, an interest in using genetics to inform field
experiments and surveys, and the ability to work up to 4 months per
year at one of Africa's most spectacular field research centers.
Over the past twelve years, our team of colleagues at the Mpala
Research Centre in Kenya has probed deeply into the ecological
dynamics of a multi-species mutualism in which four species of
acacia-ants associate with a single, dominant acacia, A. drepanolobium
in highland savannas around East Africa. The relative ease with which
field manipulations can be conducted in this system, in concert with
its amazingly rich natural history, has resulted in a number of
high-profile publications, and new insights into the dynamics of
competition and coexistence among the symbiont ant species, the role
of mega-herbivores in maintaining the mutualism, and the non-additive
fitness consequences for long-lived host trees that associate with
multiple species over their lifetime. For links to recent papers and
some of the work in progress, please refer to the beautiful website
of
our pal and collaborator extraordinaire, Todd Palmer
(http://web.mac.com/toadpalmer/Site/welcome.html).
The new post-doc will lead a relatively new research effort, in which
we are focusing on three congeneric acacia-ant species that coexist
at
very fine spatial scales around the Mpala area Crematogaster
sjostedti, C. mimosae, and C. nigriceps. These species vary
dramatically in ecology, life-history and apparent colony dynamics.
Large, multi-queen, multi-tree colonies of C. sjostedti dominate in
competition for host trees over smaller (sometimes multi-queen)
colonies of C. mimosae, which in turn can competitively displace the
single-queen colonies of C. nigriceps. The focus of our current
project is to determine what role spatial patterns of within-colony
and between-colony genetic variation may play in colony success in
competition for food sources and host trees, colony establishment,
the
balance between intra- versus inter-specific competition, and on the
ability of these intensely competing species to coexist system.
Multiple microsatellite loci have been developed in two of the three
species thus far, and patterns of variation at these loci identify
colony structures that correspond closely with those obtained from
field aggression assays.
So, if you are, like us, someone who is driven to solve mysteries,
here is just a small sample of observations we've made and questions
we hope to address in this work.
Bigger colonies have a competitive advantage, but attaining large
colony size requires multiple queens. To what extent are large
colonies less genetically integrated than single-queen colonies? Does
polygyny pre-dispose a colony to reduced cooperation or fragmentation?
If not, how is colony integrity and cooperation maintained?
Colonies of the different species are spatially aggregated that is,
conspecific colonies are more often near neighbors than expected by
chance. To what extent are conspecific neighbors also related to one
another? How do genetically related neighboring colonies arise?
Do neighboring colonies of the same species compete as often and as
intensively as heterospecific neighbors? To what extent are levels
of
intraspecific, inter-colony aggression determined by genetic
relatedness?
Here are the attributes we are seeking in the person who will fill
this position. 1) Strong skills in writing and in transforming data
into manuscripts and research proposals. 2) Experience in development
of microsatellites and in analysis of microsats or other
hyper-variable genetic markers using multiple software packages. 3)
Experience in the design and execution of large-scale field
experiments. 4) Good mentoring and organizational skills, with an
ability to organize and supervise lab groups and research teams. 5)
High levels of responsibility and self-motivation for independent
work. 6) Experience with mapping and spatial analysis in GIS. 7)
Experience and interest in ant or other haplodiploid social insects
is
a plus, but not essential.
UC Davis is an extraordinarily stimulating and fertile environment
for
post-doctoral work in all aspects of evolutionary ecology. While on
campus, the post-doc will have office and lab space in Storer Hall,
home to both the Department of Ecology and the Center for Population
Biology. We anticipate that the post-doc will make two trips per year
to the Mpala Research Centre in Kenya, which hosts a stimulating
international community of biologists and ecosystem scientists. This
post-doc position is renewable for up to three years. Full-time salary
will range from $38,500 to $45,000, depending on years of experience.
Please send inquiries or applications to Maureen Stanton at
mlstanton###ucdavis.edu by December 7. Applications should include a
cover letter describing your interests in (and qualifications for)
this position, an up-to-date c.v., and the names, email addresses
and
phone numbers of 3 references.
Maureen Stanton
Professor
Department of Evolution and Ecology
One Shields Avenue
University of California Davis
Davis, CA 95616
phone: 530-752-1272
fax: 530-752-1449
11-28
PhD Research Project (visit
http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=35813&LID=110
for full add)
Sensory systems and spatial memory in weakly electric fish
Institution: Queen’s University Belfast, Dept/School/Faculty: School
of Biological Sciences
PhD Supervisor: Dr R Holland (email:r.holland###qub.ac.uk), Co-Supervisor:
Prof R W Elwood
Application Deadline: 10 January 2012
Funding Availability: Awaiting Funding Decision/Possible External
Funding
(the succesfull applicant will compete for a limited number of DEL
awards
against other students)
Background:
Animal learning and memory is a subject with a long history of study
in
birds and mammals, but has received far less attention in other animal
classes. Many animals learn about and map their surroundings using
visual
landmarks, but a small number of animals can also use other non-visual
systems to learn about space. Fish represent an excellent model in
this
case as they can use other senses such as the lateral line, which
detects
pressure changes and weakly electric fish can use small, self-generated
electric currents to probe their surroundings. These sensory systems
have
different constraints than vision, but how this affects the animal's
ability to map its environment is poorly understood. Understanding
the
interaction between different sensory systems has significance for
neurobiology and comparative animal cognition. Recent data also shows
consistent behavioural variation in traits such as boldness and
exploration in animals, which are of importance in gathering information
to learn about the environment, but the adaptive significance of such
behavioural variation is not yet clear. Understanding how behavioural
traits influence the way animals use information for learning tasks
has
significant impact for animal welfare.
Research aims:
This project will compare visual and non-visual sensory modalities
and how
they are used to remember locations in space, using learning paradigms
such as 2 alternative forced choice and t-maze, to test the relative
constraints of the sensory system in learning about the environment.
We
will contrast learning between fish with different behavioural traits
to
investigate the effect of boldness on learning ability and mechanisms.
Funding Notes:
There is a possibility that this project may be DEL funded (Department
for
Employment and Learning Studentships). For further information on
eligibility for the above funding, please visit the following website:
http://www.delni.gov.uk.
References:
Moller (2002) Multimodal sensory integration in weakly electric fish:
a
behavioural account. J. Physiol 96:547-556.
Walton and Moller (2010). Maze Learning and Recall in a Weakly Electric
Fish, Mormyrus rume proboscirostris Boulenger (Mormyridae, Teleostei).
Ethology 116 (2010) 904–919
11-27
2 PhD POSITIONS IN BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY
Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland
1) PhD 'GENETIC BASIS OF COOPERATION': The aim of this PhD-project
is
to investigate the genetic basis of cooperative behaviour in highly
social African cichlids. These fish have turned into a model species
for studies of social evolution based on detailed information about
their ecology and behaviour, excellent possibilities for behavioural
and physiological experiments and recent sequencing of their full
genome. We shall pursue a dual approach: (1) a quantitative genetics
study employing a large-scale breeding experiment and (2) an
ecological genomics approach using molecular biology tools. The
project will involve intensive behavioural observations, quantitative
genetics modeling and lab work for brain gene expression analyses.
Eligible candidates will have a master’s degree (or Diplom) in Biology
and research experience in animal behaviour, a genuine understanding
of evolutionary theory and a strong commitment to basic science.
Practical skills in molecular and/or quantitative genetics techniques
and in empirical work with fish are beneficial, but not a
precondition. The project will be mostly based in Bern, but will
involve collaboration with two co-supervisors, Nadia Aubin-Horth
(University Laval, Canada) and Mathias Kölliker (University of Basel,
Switzerland). The position is part of the Doctoral Research Program
("ProDoc") funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation
SNF on
“Proximate and ultimate causes of cooperation” and will connect up
to
30 PhD students working on animal cooperation by a research network.
Supervisor of this project: Barbara Taborsky.
2) PhD 'ALTERNATIVE REPRODUCTIVE TACTICS': The aim of this PhD-project
is to study the adaptive responses to mating competition of
conspecifics pursuing alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) that
are
either fixed for life or dependent on condition. Evolutionary theory
predicts that negative frequency dependence will select for tactic
frequencies generating equal lifetime fitnesses when ARTs reflect
genetic morphs. In contrast, when ARTs are purely conditional they
may
yield different fitness pay-offs. African cichlids showing both types
of ARTs will serve as experimental model for this study. It will
involve competitive in vitro fertilization experiments, behavioural
and environmental manipulations, and – depending on focus – field
work
on Lake Tanganyika and/or research on physiological control
mechanisms. Eligible candidates will have a master’s degree (or
Diplom) in Biology and research experience in animal behaviour, a
genuine understanding of evolutionary theory and a strong commitment
to basic science. Practical skills in behavioural observation,
multivariate statistics, physiological techniques, empirical work
with
fish and scientific publication (e.g. of the master’s thesis) will
be
helpful, but are not a precondition. Supervisor of this project:
Michael Taborsky.
Both positions are for three years and should preferably start in
early 2012.
The successful candidates will join a bustling research environment
consisting of ca. 15 PhD-students and advanced research staff, five
technicians and a varying number of master’s students and guest
scientists. Besides this Behavioural Ecology group, the Institute
of
Ecology and Evolution at the University of Bern comprises research
groups in Aquatic Ecology (Ole Seehausen), Community Ecology (Wolfgang
Nentwig), Conservation Biology (Raphael Arlettaz), Evolutionary
Ecology (Heinz Richner) and Population Genetics (Laurent Excoffier).
Salaries will follow the schemes of the national funding organization
of Switzerland.
Closing date: Open until filled, but all application materials,
including CV, a summary of research experience, copies of any
published or in-press papers, and two letters of recommendation should
be received by 22 December 2011 to ensure full consideration.
Candidates should indicate in a cover letter for which position they
apply and when they could take it up. Please send all application
material to the secretary’s office, c/o Marlis Gerteis, Dept.
Behavioural Ecology, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, CH-3032
Bern, Switzerland; or as e-mail attachments to
marlis.gerteis###iee.unibe.ch. Please consult our web-page for
information on our research: http://behav.zoology.unibe.ch/ For
inquiries please contact barbara.taborsky###iee.unibe.ch (position 1)
or
michael.taborsky###iee.unibe.ch (position 2).
11-10
Potential PhD at Aberdeen University looking at genetics of the red-billed
chough (a rare species of crow) in Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Closing date 12 Dec 2011.
Please bring to the attention of any relevant student who may be interested
in applying.
More details:
http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=35410&LID=12
11-07
The Department of Human Evolution of the Max Planck Institute for
Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig (Germany) invites applications
for
two post-doctoral positions. One in Zooarchaeology and one in Physical
Anthropology.
In the department, palaeoanthropological research is conducted within
a
multidisciplinary environment involving three main groups of scientists:
biological anthropologists, Palaeolithic archeologists, and
archaeological scientists/geochronologists. More information about
the
positions available may be found at
http://www.eva.mpg.de/evolution/files/positions.htm
<http://www.eva.mpg.de/evolution/files/positions.htm>.
Applications including cover letter, curriculum vitae, reprints of
selected publications, a short statement of research interests, and
the
names of three referees should be sent by mail before the 31st of
December, 2011 to:
Jean-Jacques Hublin
Department of Human Evolution
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Deutscher Platz 6, D-04103 Leipzig (Germany)
Post-Doctoral Position in Zooarchaeology
The position is a research post with a specialization in zooarchaeology.
In addition to zooarchaeological analysis of archaeological assemblages,
we will consider favorably researchers developing novel or interesting
methods addressing faunal topics including bone surface modification
analysis, bone tool analysis, burned bone analysis, combined isotopic
and faunal analysis, seasonality, migration, and taphonomic studies.
Experimental programs are welcome, and the department is prepared
to
invest in equipment to support a research program. While the focus
of
the Department is on the archaeological record through to the expansion
of modern humans, we will also consider favorably researchers
specialized in Upper Paleolithic or LSA subsistence and prepared to
start a program of comparison to earlier assemblages.
The selected candidate will have a Ph.D. and a significant track
record
of research. The initial length of the appointment is two years but
the
contract is extendable. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing
more handicapped individuals and to increasing the share of women
in
areas where they are underrepresented, and therefore expressly
encourages applications from such qualified individuals. For further
information please contact Dr. Shannon McPherron (mcpherro###eva.mpg.de
<mailto:mcpherro###eva.mpg.de>).
Post- Doctoral Position in Physical Anthropology
The position is a research post. We expect the successful candidate
to
work closely with Professor Jean-Jacques Hublin on the analysis of
the
Middle to Late Pleistocene cranio-dental fossil record. The selected
candidate will have a Ph.D. and a significant track record of research.
The initial length of the appointment is two years but the contract
is
extendable. For further information please contact Professor
Jean-Jacques Hublin (hublin###eva.mpg.de <mailto:hublin###eva.mpg.de>).
11-07
1) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the Institute of Zoology,
London
2) Postdoc: ant canopy mosaic / enemy free space, Ouro Preto, Brazil
3) Scientific coordinator: Causes of cooperation. Bern, Switzerland
--------------------
1) POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS AT THE INSTITUTE OF ZOOLOGY,
LONDON
Starting salary L33,461 p.a. (Including London Weighting)
The Institute of Zoology is a HEFCE funded research institute,
affiliated to University College London and is the research and
teaching division of the Zoological Society of London, based in two
buildings at Regent's Park.
Applications are invited for up to three postdoctoral research
fellowships, each available from 1 February 2012. These are four-year
fixed-term appointments for outstanding early career researchers to
undertake a programme of independent research within the Institute
of
Zoology's current research themes
(http://www.zsl.org/science/research). Applications are particularly
encouraged in the area of conservation genomics, but applicants
wishing to work on other topics relevant to the Institute's research
will also be considered.
The primary criterion for appointment is scientific excellence,
although projects with an applied component that links to the
conservation work of ZSL will also be encouraged as long they also
fulfil the primary criterion. Successful candidates may also
occasionally be requested to undertake tasks relating to the wider
conservation and educational roles of ZSL, as required.
Candidates must be within five years of completing a PhD on the
closing date for applications, and should be able to demonstrate their
potential to develop a successful independent research programme (with
associated funding) in the appropriate field. Applications should
include a covering letter (stating preferred research theme within
the
Institute), curriculum vitae, an outline of the research they would
develop over the course of the Fellowship (maximum 1 side of A4, Arial
11 point font), and the names and full contact details of three
referees (including the candidate's PhD supervisor). For informal
enquiries, contact the senior researcher identified within each
specified area on the website, or the Director of the Institute of
Zoology tim.blackburn###ioz.ac.uk
Applications should be sent to hr###zsl.org or by post to the Human
Resources Department, ZSL, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY.
Closing date: Sunday 20th November 2011.
The Zoological Society of London is a Registered Charity in England
&
Wales: no 208728
http://zsl.org/jobs
N.B. ZSL has a long tradition of high quality research on social
insects, including current programmes by Seirian Sumner and Elli
Leadbeater on the evolution of sociality and social information use
by
insects. Applications in these or related areas would be welcome.
----------
2) POSTDOC: ANT CANOPY MOSAIC / ENEMY FREE SPACE, OURO PRETO, BRAZIL
Dear colleagues,
I have a post-doc position open, to work for three years in my ant
canopy mosaic/enemy free space project, in the Federal University
of
Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This project will involve both ant
distribution measurements and analyses within and between forest
types, experimentation, or effect on insect herbivores in forest
canopies. Student supervision also involved. If you are interested
please contact me by leaving a message in my email
(spribeiro###iceb.ufop.br). Salary of 3,300.00 Reais plus 12,000
research grant per year.
Sérvio Pontes Ribeiro
Lab. Evolutionary Ecology of Canopy Insects and
Natural Succession
Department of Biodiversity, Evolution and Environment
Instituto de Ciencias Exatas e Biológicas
Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto
Campus Morro do Cruzeiro
Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil, 35400-000
tel - +55 3135591665
fax - +55 3135591680
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3) SCIENTIFIC COORDINATOR: CAUSES OF COOPERATION. BERN, SWITZERLAND
Scientific Coordinator for Graduate Research School
The graduate research school (ProDoc) on "Proximate and Ultimate
Causes of Cooperation", funded by the Swiss National Science
Foundation and hosted by the University Bern, Switzerland, is seeking
to fill the position of a Scientific Coordinator. The expected
starting date for this 50-75% position is 1. April 2012, and the
position is funded for the duration of the ProDoc (3 years; possibly
1-2 year longer if a prolongation the ProDoc will be granted). Salary
level will be set depending on experience of the applicant.
The successful candidate will have a MSc or PhD degree in one of
the
biological sciences, a keen interest in the evolution of cooperation,
and excellent communicative and administrative skills.
This graduate research school is a builds on a cooperative program
involving 9 research groups from 5 Swiss Universities:
M. Griesser, University Bern (PI);
R. Bshary, University Neuchâtel;
M. Chapuisat, University Lausanne;
L. Lehmann, University Lausanne;
M. Kölliker, University Basel;
M. Manser, University Zürich;
B. Taborsky, University Bern;
M. Taborsky, University Bern;
C. van Schaik, University Zürich.
In addition, we have a number of international collaborators involved
in research projects of the ProDoc.
The research covered by the participating groups uses a combination
of
empirical and theoretical approaches, using diverse study systems
und
techniques. The program will contribute to the training and research
of about 30 PhD students from the involved research groups.
Position Description: The successful applicant will organise and
coordinate the common activities of the research school (seminars,
workshops, courses), organise visits by invited scientists and
actively participate in research activities.
Requirements:
1) Excellent coordinating and organisational abilities
2) Proficient communicator
3) Ability to communicate fluently in English, German (and/or French)
4) MSc or PhD in biology, with a strong interest in the theme of cooperation
5) Ability to work independently
6) Sociable personality
7) Basic knowledge of creating and maintaining web pages would be
helpful
Deadline for application is 1 December 2011, but we will accept
applications until the position is filled.
Applications - including a CV, a letter of motivation (1 page) and
the
names of two referees (preferably as a single PDF)- should be send
to:
michael.griesser###iee.unibe.ch
Michael Griesser
Institute for Ecology and Evolution
University Bern
3012 Bern
Switzerland
http://www.iee.unibe.ch/content/staff/griesser/index_eng.htm
11-05
Three Post-Doctoral Fellowship Opportunities in Biological Invasions
Bio-Protection Research Centre, New Zealand
The Bio-Protection Research Centre (www.bioprotection.org.nz) is one
of New Zealand’s Centres of Research Excellence. Our world-leading
research focuses on finding new, non-pesticide and sustainable solutions
that protect New Zealand's plant-based, productive ecosystems from
the threat of pests, diseases and weeds. Hosted at Lincoln University
(www.lincoln.ac.nz), the Centre employs New Zealand’s leading plant
protection scientists. The aim of the Centre is to pursue multidisciplinary
research and development to meet the biosecurity and pest management
needs of New Zealand’s plant based primary industries and natural
ecosystems.
Three Post Doctoral fellowships are now available in the Centre working
with Profs. Phil Hulme and Richard Duncan. The Post Doctoral fellows
will join an active research group focussed on the ecology of plant
invasions, which has strong international linkages and a focus on
high quality scientific publications. The Post Doctoral fellow will
undertake independent research as well as contributing to wider research
through interactions with staff and postgraduate students in the plant
invasions group. Funding commences 1 February 2012.
The three fellowships available are:
1. Post Doctoral Fellowship (2 years extendable to 3) working on the
project entitled ‘Cereal Killers: Integrating global data to predict
the future risks of arable weeds’ under the supervision of Prof. Phil
Hulme (Philip.Hulme###lincoln.ac.nz) at Lincoln University, Canterbury,
NZ (Vacancy Number 11-73)
2. Post Doctoral Fellowship (2 years extendable to 3) working on the
project entitled ‘Rates of pathogen accumulation in introduced host
plants’ under the supervision of Prof. Richard Duncan (Richard.Duncan###lincoln.ac.nz)
at Lincoln University, Canterbury, NZ (Vacancy Number 11-74)
3. Post Doctoral Fellowship (1 year only) working on the project entitled
‘Climate change and species responses at multiple scales’ under the
supervision of Profs. Phil Hulme (Philip.Hulme###lincoln.ac.nz) and
Richard Duncan (Richard.Duncan###lincoln.ac.nz) at Lincoln University,
Canterbury, NZ (Vacancy Number 11-75)
For information about the three Post Doctoral fellowships, which are
to be hosted at Lincoln University, please visit the Lincoln University
website (http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/About-Lincoln-University/Job-vacancies/Academic-vacancies/)
or contact the Human Resources Section quoting the vacancy number
on phone +64 3 325 3687, fax +64 3 325 3870, email: jobs###lincoln.ac.nz.
Post Doctoral Fellowship applications must be received by 11.00pm
(NZ time) on Sunday, 20 November 2011.
11-05
Fisheries Biologist with Project Managment Skills
Wageningen University
Noord-Holland, Netherlands
We are looking for
a researcher who will be expected to contribute to ongoing national
and international research projects and for some, act as project leader.
You will also carry out stock assessments, perform statistical analyses
on large datasets, work with stakeholders and compile reports. You
must be able to present results in a comprehensive way to various
audiences. You will participate in international workshops and working
groups (ICES) that assess the status of fish stocks and the good environmental
status of our seas, and will be expected to publish your research
in reports and peer reviewed articles.
We ask
a biologist/ ecologist/ mathematician, with strong project management
skills and an internal drive to publish in scientific peer review
papers. You must have a keen interest in population, community or
ecosystem dynamics and fisheries research. You should have a quantitative
background and strong analytical skills. You should have a firm theoretical
background but be open to applied research questions that sometimes
have to be answered in short time periods. You should be a team player,
an independent thinker, and a creative person who is well able to
take initiatives. You should have good communicative skills and be
able to perform well in stressful conditions. You will be able to
operate in English, but it is important that you acquire a reasonable
working knowledge of Dutch over time.
11-05
he German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik
(DIE) offers a position as a researcher (m/f) on Forests in the context
of Climate Change and Development. The person will carry out research
on benefit-sharing and issues of social inclusion in the context of
REDD+ (reducing emissions from forest degradation and deforestation)
as well as on the topic of forests in the international climate negotiations
in the context of the BMZ-funded project Climate Change and Development.
You will find further informations in the attachement.
The Duty Station will be Bonn, Germany. Deadline for Applications
is November 18, 2011. If you have any questions please contact Dr.
Fariborz Zelli (fariborz.zelli###die-gdi.de) or Mr. Hannes Hotz (hannes.hotz###die-gdi.de).
10-13
1) 2 PhD positions: Environmental impacts of GM crops on pollinators,
Universität Würzburg
2) PhD: Alternative resistance systems in host-parasite interactions
of bumblebees, ETH Zürich
3) Postdoctoral Fellowship - Population Genomics of microbial colonies
and biofilms, Göttingen
--------------------
1) 2 PhD POSITIONS: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF GM CROPS ON POLLINATORS,
UNIVERSITÄT WÜRZBURG
Rationale
Bees are the main pollinators of agricultural crops and wild plants
worldwide. There is concern that widespread commercial cultivation
of
genetically modified (GM) crops could harm pollinator populations.
However, standardized sampling and laboratory testing methods, as
well
as data on the status of pollinators in agricultural landscapes before
the introduction of GM crops, are widely lacking. In a forthcoming
EU
project two PhD positions are available. Successful applicants will
conduct research on (i) the effects of GM crops on in vitro reared
bee
larvae, (ii) combined effects of multiple stressors (disease, food
quality, GM crops) on pollinators, (iii) the exposure risk of honey
bee colonies to potential GM crops in agricultural landscapes and
(iv)
monitoring of bee diversity in different European biogeographic
regions. Based on results obtained in the project, we will harmonize
sampling and testing methods across Europe in order to minimize risks
of GM crops to important pollinator species. The project is part of
a
larger EU consortium of 22 working groups from 16 countries working
on
Assessing and Monitoring the Impacts of Genetically modified plants
on
Agro-ecosystems (AMIGA).
Requirements
Applicants for the PhD positions should hold a Masters or Diploma
degree in Biology or related fields. For one position, we are looking
for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in
environmental risk assessment, laboratory work or in vitro rearing.
For the second position, we are seeking a skilled candidate with
strong interest in wild bee ecology and pollination. For both
positions knowledge in applied entomology, agroecology, animal
ecology, advanced statistical methods and GIS would be relevant.
Knowledge in handling honey bee colonies would be advantageous. The
candidates are expected to work independently and to integrate into
an
international project with multiple collaboration partners.
Salary and conditions
The positions are for three years (50%, TVL E13). Depending on final
approval, the project will start on 1 January 2012. The working place
will be at the University of Würzburg, Germany. The doctoral thesis
will be written as a series of English manuscripts.
Applications
Please send your application as a single PDF file by email to Prof.
Dr. Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical
Biology, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074
Würzburg, Germany (E-mail: Ingolf.Steffan###uni-wuerzburg.de) and Dr.
Stephan Härtel (stephan.haertel###uni-wuerzburg.de). Applicants should
send a letter of interest (it should be specified which position would
be the first choice), their CV, complete certificates, and the names
(with email address) of two referees.
Review of applications will start on 31 October 2011.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ingolf
Steffan-Dewenter (Ingolf.Steffan###uni-wuerzburg.de), or Dr. Stephan
Härtel (stephan.haertel###uni-wuerzburg.de), Department of Animal
Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg
----------
2) PhD: ALTERNATIVE RESISTANCE SYSTEMS IN HOST-PARASITE INTERACTIONS
OF BUMBLEBEES, ETH ZÜRICH
The Institute of Integrative Biology at ETH Zurich - Experimental
Ecology Group - is offering a PhD position:
Alternative resistance systems in host-parasite interactions
The project is flexible but a first aim is to use current methods
(such as RAD sequencing) to identify appropriate markers for the study
of host-parasite interactions in the field. Our study system involves
Bombus spp. on the host side and trypanosome infections. As a
background resource, the genomic toolbox for B. terrestris is
currently refined and will result in an annotated genome. The project
work will be based on sampling and experiments in the field and lab.
We seek to understand some principles that govern the dynamics and
adaptive processes in this model host-parasite system. The anticipated
project is part of an ERC Advanced Grant on alternative host
resistance systems and the population structure of parasites (RESIST).
We look for candidates that are interested in challenging ecological
and evolutionary questions and who are willing to explore new
methodical tools for this purpose. A successful candidate may have
some experience, for example, in molecular or population genetics,
the
use of gene data banks, or be familiar with the analysis of
adaptation. Whatever the background, a demonstrated interest in
evolutionary biology, population genetics, or ecology is an asset.
The
project will be embedded in an active research group with long-term
experience of the system.
Starting date is negotiable, but no later than spring 2012. Please
send applications (CV, Publication list, Names and emails of referees)
by email to Prof. P.Schmid-Hempel (psh###env.ethz.ch), ETH Zurich,
Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH-Zentrum CHN, CH- 8092 Zurich
(review of application starts 30 Oct until filled). Further
information on ETH, the group, or life in Zurich can, for example,
be
obtained from www.eco.ethz.ch.