PhD position on song learning in birds
- Disentangling early life experience and genetics in song learning
- Based at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University
- Application deadline: 2021-11-05 (opens 2021-10-15)
Project description
A 4-year PhD position, funded by the European Research Council, is available in the research group of David Wheatcroft (https://wheatcroftlab.com/). We utilize an inter-discplinary approach to disentangle the roles of early life experience and genetics in song learning in pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca), collared flycatchers (F. albicollis), and their hybrids. These approaches include long-term field monitoring, behavioral experiments in the field and laboratory (including operant conditioning), acoustic analysis, neuroscience, and genomics.
Within this framework, the exact focus of the project is flexible and depends on the specific interests and skills of the applicant. Among other topics, the project could focus on the proximate mechansims underlying responses to songs in juvenile birds and connecting these responses to subsequent learning, utilizing behavioral and/or neuroscientific approaches to assess auditory-vocal development, and exploring how early life conditions influence subsequent behavioral traits, including song.
An important focus of the research would be on groups of juvenile pied flycatchers, kept at Tovetorp research station, around 1.5 hour from Stockholm University (https://www.tovetorp.com/). Captive-rearing allows us to manipulate song experience and track the development of auditory ability and song production. In addition, we study wild flycatchers during the breeding season, allowing for projects connecting the lab with the field.
Research environment
A vibrant, international, and collaborative research environment in the Department of Zoology at Stockholm University (https://www.su.se/zoologi/english/). The Department of Zoology consists of five divisions: Ecology, Ethology, Functional Morphology, Population Genetics, and Systematics and Evolution. At present the department accommodates 45–50 staff and a similar number of PhD students. The advertised position will be part of the Division of Ethology. There is a long-standing tradition for researchers at the Division of Ethology to collaborate with researchers from other fields, such as evolutionary ecology, theoretical evolutionary biology, and the study of cultural evolution.
Selection criteria
Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge and skills in evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and/or neurobiology. An ideal candidate would have significant experience conducting research on song birds or utilizing similar approaches in other systems. Additional advantageous skills would be handling and keeping birds in captivity, acoustic analysis, and/or field experience.
How to apply
The application must be submitted using Stockholm University’s recruitment system and consists of a cover letter, CV, research proposal, contact information for 2-3 references, along with some official documents. On October 15, the complete application details and link will be available at:
Contact
For more information, please contact David Wheatcroft, david.wheatcroft@zoologi.su.se