The Department of Behavioural Biology at the University of Münster invites applications for a PhD position in Behavioural Biology with a main focus on Refinement of Animal Experimentation.
Background and tasks
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with interest in behavioural biology, refinement of animal experimentation, experimental design and advanced data analysis. Using mice as model species, the aim of the PhD project is to develop and validate practicable and effective strategies that may serve to improve the reproducibility and translational value of research findings from animal experiments. Reproducibility of behavioural strain differences will be systematically investigated in several independent experiments within our own lab first, before the most promising experimental strategy will be transferred into practice by means of a multi-laboratory approach. The PhD candidate will be involved in all steps of scientific method, including the experimental design, project coordination, data collection and analysis, and delivery of results to the research community.
Requirements
MSc (or an equivalent degree) relevant for the respective project (e.g. Biology, Life Sciences, Biomedicine, Neuroscience, Bioinformatics, Animal Sciences, (Bio)statistics)
a strong interest or already existing expertise in statistics / data analysis
Furthermore, experience and interest in behavioural biology and animal welfare science are advantageous and programming skills are a plus. Very good knowledge of spoken and written English is mandatory. Finally, good organizational, writing and presentation skills as well as the ability to work well both independently and in a team environment are advantageous.
Research environment
The Department of Behavioural Biology at the University of Münster offers a mind-stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment. Current research projects deal with (1) stress, stress avoidance and animal welfare, (2) evolution and development of social behaviour, and (3) the role of gene/environment interactions in the control of emotional, cognitive, and social behaviour. The PhD student will be embedded in a graduate program.
The position will be located in Münster, but will involve several collaborators from inside and outside of Germany. It is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and limited to 3 years. The salary will be paid in accordance with the German “Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes” (TV-L E13, 65 %) and the starting date should not be later than autumn 2016.
The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women are particularly encouraged. Handicapped candidates with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. Applications may be written in German or English, including cover letter, CV, list of publications (if any), degree certificates, and two names of referees, and should be submitted by March, 15th 2016 by e-mail (all documents merged into one PDF file) to:
Dr. Helene Richter
University of Münster, Department of Behavioural Biology (www.ethology.de)
Badestraße 13, 48149 Münster, Germany
Email: richterh@uni-muenster.de
Phone: +49(0)251 8321014