PhD position (3 years) in animal behaviour and behavioural genetics
At
the Division of Animal Welfare, University of Bern, Switzerland, we are
seeking a PhD student who is eager to investigate causes of variation
in animal research. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science
Foundation (SNSF); its ultimate goal is to develop experimental designs
for improving the external validity and reproducibility of animal
research. The successful candidate will work in a small team together
with faculty, two postdocs, and a lab technician and will participate in
the training and mentoring of undergraduate students.
The
PhD project will include single and multi-laboratory studies using
laboratory mice to investigate how different sources of biological
variation affect variation within and between studies, and to test
whether systematic heterogenization of study populations improves the
external validity and reproducibility of animal research. Outcome
variables will include behavioural, physiological, and epigenetic
measures.
Candidates
need a University degree in biology or biomedical sciences. Since the
project involves multiple approaches covering a diverse array of
techniques, students with various skill sets are encouraged to apply. A
background in animal behaviour or behavioural genetics will be
essential. Experience in working with laboratory rodents and familiarity
with rodent behavioural testing, as well as sound knowledge in
experimental design and statistics are desirable. Some wet-lab
experience will be beneficial.
Proficiency
in German language is not required but a willingness to learn basic
German will facilitate living in Bern and positively affect social life.
We offer an attractive academic environment, opportunities to develop
the own academic career, a 3-year contract, and a competitive salary
based on the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) scheme.
Please
send your application letter together with a motivation statement, your
CV, copies of relevant study certificates, and contact details of one
or two reference persons (reference letters are not required at this
stage) in a single pdf-file to: hanno.wuerbel@vetsuisse.unibe.ch.
The deadline for application is June 20, 2018.
The intended project start is September 2018 (negotiable). Please
indicate your preferred and earliest possible start date in the
application letter. For informal enquiries, please contact Prof. Hanno
Würbel: hanno.wuerbel@vetsuisse.unibe.ch.