Job vacancies

The Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich invites applications for a "Professorship in Evolutionary Adaptation to Environmental Change".

The newly founded Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies conducts research in the areas of ecology, evolution, behaviour and the environment. We seek outstanding, innovative applicants with a record of excellence in research who will complement our existing interests and strengths.

A more thorough description can be found here.

Contact

Application packages should include a full curriculum vitae (see here for guidelines), an introductory summary, a vision statement of research interests outlining major unsolved problems and how they could be tackled, and the names and addresses of four potential referees. Documents should be addressed to Prof. Michael Hengartner, Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, and submitted as a single PDF file to jobs@mnf.uzh.ch by September 30, 2010. For further information, please contact Prof. Andy Hector at andrew.hector@uzh.ch.

posted on 16th August 2010

We are looking for two volunteers interested in working as field assistant for a minimum of 6 months on a project on meerkats, and a project on slender mongoose, investigating aspects of communication and cognition.

You will be based at the Kalahari Meerkat Project (run by Cambridge University UK and Zurich University Switzerland), located on a game reserve (Kuruman River Reserve) in the South African Kalahari close to the Botswana border. Your main work will be to collect the basic data (behavioural, spatial, feaces, etc…), perform experiments, and progress or maintain habituation of the partly habituated groups of meerkats or slender mongoose.

A more thorough description can be found here.

Contact

If you are interested in this position, please send a CV and a short letter stating your motivation to apply, and two names acting as referees to:

Prof. Marta Manser
Animal Behaviour
Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
University of Zurich
Winterthurerstr. 190
8057 Zurich
Switzerland
marta.manser@ieu.uzh.ch
phone: +41 44 635 52 82

 Kalahari Meerkat Project

posted on 26th July 2010

One PhD or post-doc position is vacant immediately at the Konrad Lorenz Research Station in Gruenau, Upper Austria. We are looking for a highly motivated person to join our goose research group to investigate social factors affecting parasite burden and immune status in greylag geese.

The job position is funded through an Austrian National Science Foundation (FWF) research grant for the duration of two years. Starting date is negotiable, but should ideally be the 1st of August 2010. Review process of applications will begin immediately and is open until the position is filled. Please send your application documents (CV, list of publication, short summary of your current research, a statement on your reasons to pursue a PhD, and two letters of recommendation).

A more thorough description can be found here.

Contact

Prof. Kurt Kortschal, Dr. Claudia Wascher or Dr. Isabella Scheiber
office@klf.ac.at
For further information do not hesitate to call: ++43-7616-8510

 http://www.klf.ac.at

posted on 19th June 2010

We search for 2 field assistants for the field season of the University of Bern in autumn 2010. The field work will last 3 months and takes place near Mpulungu, Zambia, starting end of August/beginning of September.

Candidates must hold a SCUBA diving certificate (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) and should have diving experience (diving depth: 8-12m). Experience in conducting behavioral observations is considered an asset.

Accommodation at the field site is remote and very basic, but beautifully located on the shore of Lake Tanganyika. Fieldwork and diving is physically demanding. All expenses for travel, accommodation and medical precaution are covered, but no salary can be paid.

Candidates send a statement of scientific interests and their CV to Markus Zöttl:
markus.zoettl@iee.unibe.ch

Further information about the project can be found in the pdf-file, and additional information concerning the working group and our institute is available from the official website:

 http://behav.zoology.unibe.ch/

posted on 1st June 2010

University of Bielefeld, Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal Behaviour
Postdoc, m/f (DFG) - The genetics and genomics of behaviour
Closure date: 31. May 2010

There is currently an open Postdoctoral position (E 13 TV-L) within the newly established research group of Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger, Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld. The topic is "Genetics and genomics of behaviour". The position is funded by the DFG as part of the project "Behaviour as part of a life history: mechanisms and function". Using a candidate gene approach as well as next generation sequencing techniques, the project will make use of the long-term study on common buzzard (Buteo buteo) as well as the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) population in Bielefeld to investigate cosegregation between behaviour, life history traits and candidate genes.

The position is initially funded for three years. After this initial period, the position could be transformed into either a scientific assistant position (Akademischer Rat auf Zeit, m/w, A 13 TV-L) or a tenured position at the level of lecturer (Akademischer Rat, m/w, A 14 TV-L).

The successful applicant is expected to have a PhD in behavioural ecology or genetics and to be very experienced in genetic techniques across the spectrum from microsatellites to next generation sequencing and the interpretation of genetic data. The candidate will be expected to build up the behavioural genetics lab within the Department of Animal Behaviour. Previous postdoctoral experience is required. Fluency in written and spoken English and firm knowledge of statistics is expected.

Duties beside research include a small amount of teaching as well as participation in the overall running of the research group.

Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants who are equally qualified will be preferred.

Electronic applications, including Curriculum Vitae, research interests, degree certificates, list of publications, names and contact details of two academic referees should be sent as one pdf file to: Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger: oliver.krueger@uni-bielefeld.de
Deadline for applications: 31. May 2010.

posted on 14th May 2010

University of Bielefeld, Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal Behaviour
Scientist, m/f (DFG) - Determinants of behavioural variation in the zebra finch Closure date: 31. May 2010

There is currently an open PhD position (E 13 TV-L/2) within the newly established research group of Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger, Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld. The topic is "Genetic and environmental determinants of behavioural variation in the zebra finch". The position is funded by the DFG as part of the project "Behaviour as part of a life history: mechanisms and function". Using a large captive population of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), the project will try and partition behavioural variation into genetic and environmental components.

The successful applicant is expected to have a masters or diploma degree in biology or related fields, practical experience with handling animals in the lab and to be fluent in written and spoken English. Experience with genetic techniques and knowledge of statistics would be highly advantageous.

Duties beside research include a small amount of teaching as well as participation in the overall running of the research group.

Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Handicapped applicants who are equally qualified will be preferred.

Electronic applications, including Curriculum Vitae, research interests, degree certificates, list of publications, names and contact details of two academic referees should be sent as one pdf file to: Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger: oliver.krueger@uni-bielefeld.de
Deadline for applications: 31. May 2010

posted on 14th May 2010

The Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry (MPIP) in Munich advertises a position for a research technician (duration: 3 years) in the preclinical research group of Psychoneuroendocrinology.

The MPIP combines basic and clinical research and clinical services for psychiatry and neurology. Depression and anxiety disorders are the main topics of research and clinical care. Our research aims to identify the basis of depression to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic options. The interdisciplinary and patient-oriented organisation of all scientific and medical staff members in research groups promotes the direct exchange and communication of preclinical and clinical researchers. Clinical observations, which appear during diagnosis and therapy, will have direct impact on new questions and research concepts. They will be implemented in preclinical studies investigating the underlying causal mechanisms. Similarly, findings of basic researchers will enter into the conception of new clinical trials.

Applications for a position as research technician (e.g. MTA, BTA, CTA or equivalent) in Dr. Touma’s group at the MPIP are welcome. The recently established research group is interested in the behavioural neuroendocrinology of affective disorders with a focus on one of the most prominent endophenotypes of major depression, namely dysfunctions of the HPA axis. We generate and investigate clinically relevant animal models of extremes in stress reactivity (hyper- vs. hypo-reactivity of the HPA axis; see Touma et al., 2008, Psychoneuroendocrinology 33:839-862) and use state-of-the-art techniques to study the molecular-genetic and neuroendocrine basis of emotional behaviour, the mechanisms underlying altered function and regulation of the stress hormone systems, and the interaction of genetic predispositions with social and non-social environmental factors. It is only with deep insight into these mechanisms that novel treatment strategies and promising targets for therapeutic interventions can be developed in the future.

The applicants should have a strong interest in behavioural neuroscience and experience in animal experiments. Prior experience in techniques for behavioural phenotyping of mice, hormone analysis and gene expression profiling is of advantage. Good organization and communication skills, strong work ethics and proficiency in standard computer applications are required. For further information, please contact Dr. Chadi Touma (touma@mpipsykl.mpg.de).

Employment, payment and social benefits are determined by the Public Sector Collective Agreement (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst – TVöD-Bund). The job location is Munich, Germany.

The MPIP is committed to employing more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply.

Applications should be sent to Dr. Touma, preferably via e-mail.

Application deadline is 30th April 2010.

posted on the 14th of March 2010

Currently we are looking for a motivated student to join our goose research group at the Konrad Lorenz Research Station in Gruenau, Upper Austria, to investigate parasite burden and certain aspects of health as related to social context in goose families during the spring of 2010.

Position description

We are beginning to investigate parasite dynamics in goslings and adult geese. For this reason we are searching for a motivated student, who will monitor health related aspects in goose families. The work will include behavioural observations of goose families and faecal sampling for endoparasite monitoring.

Term of appointment

The project will start at the end of March and will last 3-5 month. If it is impossible to cover this whole time period, we intend to cover it with several students, who can commit to at least four weeks continuously. Overlap of two people simultaneously is possible. For one person this project can be expanded into a Master thesis. This person has to remain with the project over the complete five months.

Qualifications

• Spring is the most exhausting working season at the KLF, physically as well as emotionally. Daily working hours will be intense: the successful student will spend morning hours collecting faecal samples of the goose families, and will analyze these samples in the afternoon.
• Daily work includes 5km walks between Oberganslbach (OGB) and the research station through the Cumberland Game Park. At the station, students are free to use the Internet, shower, washing machine etc.
• Basic accommodation will be provided in simple huts in OGB, where the goose families raise their young. A limited amount of electricity is provided by solar panels on the huts, gas heaters and cookers are available, and water has to be taken from close by springs.
• Interest in animal/ bird behaviour; experience in working with free-living animals in an intact social environment would be a plus.
• Interest in parasitology and basic skills in handling a microscope. The student is expected to familiarize him/herself with the basic methodology in preparation for the project, in close collaboration with the KLF research group.

Funding and Application:

Room and a 10€ per day allowance are provided. To apply, please send a letter of motivation, CV and two letters of recommendation to: office@klf.ac.at. For further information do not hesitate to call: ++43-7616-8510

posted on the 17th of February 2010

Das Institut für Tierhaltung und Tierzüchtung, Fachgebiet Verhaltensphysiologie landwirtschaftlicher Nutztiere sucht baldmöglichst eine/n

wissenschaftliche/n Mitarbeiter/in ( Postdoc, W1)
(mit Schwerpunkt Immunologie)

vorerst für 3 Jahre, mit der Option einer Verlängerung um 3 Jahre. Einstellungsvoraussetzungen sind eine überdurchschnittliche Promotion in den Lebens-wissenschaften (Agrarwissenschaften, Biologie) oder Tiermedizin mit einem Bezug zur Immunologie, sowie ein Interesse an Verhaltensphysiologie, Hormon- oder Stressphysiologie. Frauen werden ausdrücklich zur Bewerbung aufgefordert.

Publikationen sowie Erfahrung bei der Einwerbung von Drittmitteln sind wünschenswert. Es wird erwartet, dass die/der Bewerber/in die Lehre und Forschung des Fachgebiets aktiv unterstützt und ein eigenes Forschungsprofil im Bereich der Verhaltensphysiologie entwickelt. Die Möglichkeit zur Habilitation ist gegeben.

Bei gleicher Eignung werden Schwerbehinderte bevorzugt eingestellt.

Kontakt

Für weitere Auskünfte steht Ihnen Herr Prof. Volker Stefanski unter der Telefonnummer (0711) 45922455 oder per E-Mail volker.stefanski@uni-hohenheim.de zur Verfügung.

Bewerbung mit den üblichen Unterlagen innerhalb von drei Wochen senden Sie bitte an:

Universität Hohenheim
Prof. Dr. Volker Stefanski
Verhaltensphysiologie landwirtschaftlicher Nutztiere
Garbenstr. 17
70599 Stuttgart

posted on 7th February 2010

20 study places and within this 10 Lichtenberg PhD scholarships to be awarded for the PhD programme "Biodiversity and Society" at the Georg-August-University Göttingen (effective as of 1 April 2010 and subject to final approval).

The Land of Lower Saxony sponsors excellent young PhD students in the course of their work towards a doctoral degree. These funds support the PhD programme "Biodiversity and Society – social dimensions of the protection and use of biological diversity" directed by the Göttingen Graduate School for Social Sciences (GGG), which will begin in April 2010 under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Rainer Marggraf from the Department for Agricultural Economics and Rural Development. Additionally, the programme is generously endowed with Lichtenberg scholarships (1.365 Euro per month plus 135 Euro material costs and if applicable allowances for families or studies abroad) for three years per scholar.

Application is asked to be send until 15. January 2010

More info (german)

More info (english)

Kontakt

Elke Schröder

posted on 6th December 2009

Am Biologischen Institut, Abteilung Tierphysiologie der Universität Stuttgart ist eine Promotionsstelle, ab dem 1. März 2010 der Entgeltgruppe 13/2 TV-L zu besetzen. Die Stelle ist zunächst auf zwei Jahre befristet.

Einen Schwerpunkt der Studie werden Experimente zu circadianen Rhythmen unter verschiedenen Bedingungen hinsichtlich des Habitats, der Artenzusammensetzung und den vorkommenden Ressourcen sein. In einem weiterführenden Ansatz sollen die physiologischen Anpassungen sowie die neuronale Reizverarbeitung untersucht werden.

Bewerbungsschluss: 10. Januar 2010

Mehr infos

Kontakt

Dr. Elke Scheibler

posted on 22nd November 2009

The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology offers several PhD student positions. The IMPRS is based in southern Germany and jointly organized by The Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen and Radolfzell and the University of Konstanz.

Outstanding students of all nationalities with a deep commitment to basic research in organismal biology are invited to apply.

Deadline for the application is January 15, 2010. Interviews with the applicants are scheduled in Seewiesen and Konstanz for mid February. Candidates accepted into the program may start as early as April 2010.

More information

Contact

Dr. Daniel Piechowski

For the application process visit  www.uni-konstanz.de/organismal-biology

posted on 8th November 2009