The International Max Planck Research School for Organismal Biology is a joint cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology and the Department of Biology at the University of Konstanz. The research group Evolutionary Physiology headed by Prof. Michaela Hau at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen invites applications for a
Our
goal is to unravel evolutionary patterns in flexible physiological
traits such as circulating hormone concentrations. Unlike stable traits
like morphology, the evolution of highly flexible traits like hormones
is still hardly understood. Since hormones regulate a wide range of
fitness-relevant traits, it is important to understand their scope for
plastic or micro-evolutionary changes to understand the potential of
populations to adapt to the rapid ongoing changes in environmental
conditions world-wide. We are currently focusing on the ‘stress’ hormone
corticosterone, assessing circulating concentrations as well as
responses to environmental and social conditions in wild populations of
great tits (Parus major). We are assembling a growing data base
of hormone concentrations of individuals taken at multiple times of
year, together with measures of fitness and genetic pedigree. We
routinely collect correlative data on hormone variation relative to
environmental and social variation and have embarked on experimental
approaches to establish hormonal reaction norms.
Your profile: We
are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to continue and expand
the field and data base work to quantify the plasticity and heritability
of corticosterone traits. We welcome the use of experimental approaches
such as reaction norms to quantify hormonal responses of individuals.
We are also able to conduct experiments in captivity. Experience in work
with birds, hormones or data bases are advantageous but not required. A
driver’s licence is required for field work. Applicants should hold a
MSc or equivalent degree in biology or a related discipline at the point
of enrollment.
Our offer: The
PhD project is fully funded for at least 3 years. The salary will be
paid according to the collective agreement for civil service employees
(TVöD). The program offers a dedicated teaching program, high quality
research experience, and outstanding research facilities in an inspiring
research and living environment. The working language is English. Each
PhD student receives individual supervision and mentoring and is guided
in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee.
Application: Please apply exclusively on our online application portal on no later than Jan 15, 2017. Interviews with the applicants are scheduled for Mid‐March. Candidates accepted into the program may start latest October 2017.
The
Max Planck Society and the University of Konstanz are equal opportunity
employers and are committed to increasing the participation of women in
its research activities and to employing more individuals with
disabilities and especially encourages them to apply.
Interested? For further information and discussion of ideas please contact Prof. Michaela Hau mhau@orn.mpg.de. More information at www.orn.mpg.de/IMPRS and www.facebook.com/OrganismalBiology.