Quiet threat or lure? Determining the function of low-amplitude signals used by birds during agonistic interactions
Amplitude is an inherent feature of every sound and one of the decisive parameters for successful signal transmission. Animals using acoustic signals for communication adjust their amplitude for different purposes, yet it is still unclear why selection has promoted the evolution of low-amplitude signals in so many distinct social contexts and why animals choose to communicate in this peculiar way. The proposed project will explain the function and reliability of soft songs used during agonistic interactions, show how selection shaped them in acoustically different environments and describe their acoustic structure. Answers gained within this study will lead to a better understanding of vocal signalling in birds, shed light on mechanisms ensuring signal reliability and the evolution of distinctive low-amplitude signalling observed in many taxa.
Requirements: - Doctoral degree in the field of biology or related fields obtained not earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project (not including maternity leaves); - Field experience in bird research, bioacoustic survey methods and analysis, conducting playback experiments; - High aptitude for fieldwork, sometimes in demanding conditions; - Ability to work in a team and independently; - At least two publications as first author in an international peer-reviewed journal from the JCR list, including at least one on bioacoustics; - Fluent written and oral communication in English; - The candidate fulfils the conditions set out in the annex to the Resolution of the NCN Council No. 60/2022 of 9 June 2022 on the amendment of the Regulations for granting funds for the implementation of tasks financed by the National Science Centre in the field of research projects (chapter 2.1.1): https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwalyrady/2022/uchwala60_2022-zal1.pdf
Job description: - Fieldwork conducted in natural ecosystems of north east Poland, including areas like the Biebrza Marshes and the Białowieża Primeval Forest (3-4 months each year); - Planning and conducting playback experiments in the field; - Measuring song characteristics in bioacoustic software; - Data analysis, participation in the writing of scientific articles and presentation of obtained results; - Cooperation with the research team;
Employment conditions: - Full-time 12 months contract with an intended extension for up to 36 months; - A position with 100% focus on research (no teaching obligations); - Work at the Department of Zoology and Genetics (Faculty of Biology, University of Białystok, Poland) offering academic support and opportunities for qualification and professional development; - Planned start of employment: February-March 2024; - A full-time salary for a post-doc position is planned within the research project funds of PLN 140,000 per year (gross plus employers fees). The net salary depends on the tax burden and social security contributions in Poland (i.e. depends, among others, on the candidate's country of origin); - Post-doc will not draw other remuneration from funds awarded as direct costs in other NCN projects during the period of remuneration; - Post-doc will not be employed under another employment contract during the period of drawing the remuneration;
Application procedure and deadline: The documents should be sent to k.deoniziak@uwb.edu.pl as a single PDF file composed of: - Cover letter briefly describing research interests and scientific achievements, - CV including the list of publications and other scientific achievements, - Contact details to at least 2 referees (including Ph.D. supervisor), - Copy of the PhD diploma, In the email subject include "Post-doc SONATA:" and your first and last name. Please provide also the statement that you grant us a permission to process your personal details for the recruitment process: “I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the job offer to be processed for the purposes of recruitment conducted by the University of Białystok”. Closing date for applications is 31.12.2023. Candidates will be notified individually by e-mail of the results of the application. Only selected candidates will be notified about the date of the possible interview at the email address included in their applications. Interviews will be conducted online. The application is the first stage of the employment procedure for the post-doc position and a successful outcome of the application is the basis for further proceedings. For more details regarding the project contact the principal investigator – Krzysztof Deoniziak, PhD – k.deoniziak@uwb.edu.pl