Two Postdoctoral positions in Evolutionary Ecology/Animal Behaviour

 Two 3-year postdoctoral positions at IISER Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India, in the Vanasiri Evolutionary Ecology Group of Ullasa Kodandaramaiah (www.vanasiri.in)

We have two postdoctoral openings in our group (www.vanasiri.in) in the broad field of evolutionary ecology/animal behaviour. The first position is currently accepting applications and the second one is expected to open up soon. We are based at IISER Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala, India; www.iisertvm.ac.in). There is a degree of flexibility in terms of the research questions We work on various aspects of evolutionary ecology and behaviour. The preferred research themes are listed below. However, the postdoc(s) will have the flexibility of designing projects that complement existing research areas in the lab, or work on something new that enriches research in our group (see www.vanasiri/research).

- Anti-predatory strategies

- Life-history trait evolution

- Insect-plant interactions

- Phenotypic plasticity

We have used multiple model organisms, including insects, plants and reptiles. We do both field-based and lab-based research. However, butterflies are the main model system in the lab and the lab has good facilities for butterfly experimental work.

The IISER Thiruvananthapuram Vithura campus is an excellent place for many kinds of studies in ecology and evolution (http://icreee.org/#facilities).  Our campus includes, and is contiguous with, some of the best tropical rainforest areas in India, which translates to an abundance of study subjects and opportunities for field studies.

SALARY: Rs.47,000/- per month + Housing Rent Allowance

TENURE: Initial contract for one year, extendable to 3 years

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates can write to Ullasa (ullasa@iisertvm.ac.in) with your CV to discuss how you could fit in, and for details of the formal application procedure.

DEADLINE: The deadline for the first position is 25 January 2024. The second position will be open for applications soon

LIFE IN KERALA AND THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram is about 40 km from the campus, and many staff/faculty members commute from the there on a daily basis. Thiruvananthapuram is a coastal city and the capital of Kerala, with a rich cultural heritage. It is within a stone's throw away from world famous beaches such as Kovalam and Varkala, and stunning backwater tourism areas such as Poovar. Being a major medical tourism destination, the city has excellent medical care facilities. Thiruvananthapuram is a relatively small city, and the cost of living tends to be considerably lower than in other Indian cities. A 2-bedroom apartment can be rented for Rs 10,000 to 15,000 per month. There are plenty of options for dining out - a meal at a decent local restaurant can start from Rs 100, but one can dine even in five-star hotels for less than Rs 2000. Costs for groceries and other daily needs can be looked up here: www.bigbasket.com. Taxis can be hired at ca. Rs 18 per km (with a minimum fare of ca. Rs 200). Fuel (petrol/diesel) costs about Rs 95-105/litre.

Limited accommodation is also available in Vithura, ca. 5km from the campus. Vithura is a small town set in at the foothills of the Western Ghats. Hill stations (e.g Ponmudi) and wildlife sanctuaries are close by.