PhD position in Behavioural Ecology, Wageningen, The Netherlands

Location:  Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University, The Netherlands Deadline: 1 October We offer a PhD Position (1.0 FTE) to undertake research on female mate choice, male song, and reproductive investment in great tits within the Behavioural Ecology chair group at the Animal Science Department of Wageningen University, the Netherlands. This position is financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The aim of this project is to determine the behavioural decisions underlying female choice, in wild great tits (Parus major). The project will quantify the relation between male singing and female song preference and movements. These will then be linked to personality traits and fitness-relevant genetic analyses. This project will apply an automatized radio-tracking system (Encounternet), combined with male song monitoring, genetic analyses, and integrated lab- and field female choice tests. The project is supervised by Prof. Marc Naguib and Dr. Camilla Hinde at Wageningen University in collaboration with Dr. Kees van Oers at the Animal Ecology Department of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and with Dr. Katharina Riebel (Institute of Biology, Leiden University). The field research will be conducted at a field site managed by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology with a population of personality-types great tits which has been monitored since many years. Indoor experiments will be conducted at the NIOO’s excellent indoor facilities.

Function Requirements

MSc-degree in Biology with specialization in Animal Behaviour / Behavioural Ecology or equivalent experience Strong experimental and analytical skills Good organizational and (written and spoken) communication skills in English Proven ability to collaborate with others. Willingness to conduct and organize extensive ornithological fieldwork. Willingness to travel internationally, to attend conferences and visit other institutes. A driving licence

Working conditions

As a PhD candidate, you will be offered a fulltime position (38 hours) for 4 years, after which you should have completed your PhD thesis and individual training plan. The salary for a PhD candidate starts at € 2.125,- gross per month in the first year and extends to a maximum of € 2.717,- gross per month in the fourth year (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Participation in the training program of the Graduate School WIAS at Wageningen University. Stimulating international research environment An excellent opportunity to develop an international scientific network.

Contact information

For further information, please contact Marc Naguib (marc.naguib@wur.nl). The application deadline is October 1 2015. Applications should include a letter of motivation, CV and names of three references. Please use the application button on http://www.wageningenur.nl/en/Jobs/Vacancies.htm  or Academic Transfer. Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.

Organization

Wageningen University and Research Centre delivers a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus – each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society – such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don’t do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on ‘the quality of life’, turning ideas into reality, on a global scale. Do you want to be one of these people? We give you the space you need. For further information about working at Wageningen UR, see www.jobsat.wur.nl. This project will be carried out in the Behavioural Ecology Group within the Department of Animal Sciences.