vendredi 22 décembre 2017

Optimistic and pessimistic decision-making under ambiguity 2 PhD positions in Behavioural Biology

The Department of Behavioural Biology at the University of Münster invites applications for  two  PhD
positions from February 1
st
2018 or soon thereafter. The positions are available for three years and are
funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) within the recently approved collaborative research
centre (SFB/TRR 212) entitled:  A Novel Synthesis of Individualisation across Behaviour, Ecology and
Evolution: Niche Choice, Niche Conformance, Niche Construction (NC
3
).
Thematic background & profile
Humans differ in the way they perceive the world with some being more optimistic and some being
more pessimistic. Using laboratory mice as a model organism, the project aims to apply the concept of
optimism/pessimism  to  behavioral  ecology  for  the  first  time.  Two  main  research  questions  will  be
addressed: How does one become an optimist/pessimist and what are the fitness consequences?
We seek bright and highly motivated students who have a proven record in behavioural biology. A very
good Master degree or  equivalent in a relevant topic  is  expected. 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  successful  candidates  will  be  based  at  the  Department  of  Behavioural
Biology  at the University of Münster.  The department 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.
To apply, please  provide: (i) a letter of  motivation including a  statement of your research experience;
(ii)  a  CV  including  publication  list;  (iii)  names  and  contact  details  of  two  referees  willing  to  write
confidential  letters  of  recommendation.  All  materials  should  be  emailed  as  a  single  PDF  file  to:
richterh@uni-muenster.de.
The application deadline is January 7th 2018  and  interviews will take place shortly thereafter. The
preferred start date is February 1
st
2018  but is flexible.  For further information  on the project and the
Department of Behavioural Biology in Münster, please see www.ethologie.de or contact Helene Richter
(richterh@uni-muenster.de)  or  Norbert  Sachser  (sachser@uni-muenster.de)  with  any  informal
inquiries.
The University of Münster  is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly welcome applications from
women and handicapped people. Given equal suitability, qualifications and professional achievement,
women or handicapped people will be given preference, unless particular circumstances apply.