MSc degree internship

 Subject: Investigating the link between maternal serum prolactin and calf development in the Asian
elephant (Elephas maximus)
Prolactin is a peptide hormone which fulfils multiple roles. In mammals its most well-known function is
related to reproduction and lactation. This hormone stimulates milk production, regulates reproduction and
is related to immune functions and parental behaviour. Most studies on mammals and prolactin have been
performed in smaller species and often in captive settings, and hence we lack information on these
relationships from larger mammals outside fully-captive contexts. Using a unique dataset on female semi-
captive Asian elephants and their calves living in their natural habitat, the candidate will investigate the
association between maternal characteristics (e.g., age, body condition, health, parity), maternal serum
prolactin concentrations and calf development (e.g., survival, health later in life).
Internship: This project will take place at the University of Turku, Finland, within the Myanmar Timber
Elephant Project lead by Prof Virpi Lummaa. For this project, the student will be supervised by Dr Martin
Seltmann, Dr Axelle Delaunay, MSc Elisabeth Mikkonen and Prof Virpi Lummaa. The Myanmar Timber
Elephant Project is a multi-disciplinary and international research group, investigating the evolution, ecology
and behaviour of a semi-captive population of timber elephants in Myanmar (https://elephant-
project.science/). The internship will include a literature review, extensive lab work (~1.5 months) to measure
the hormone concentrations in blood samples, data analyses and the write-up of a thesis.
Preferable start, beginning of 2026 but the dates are flexible.
Note: This project is based on previously collected data and does not involve field work. Our group cannot
provide financial help, but you can ask for Erasmus grants and mobility grants (see the modalitie s with your
university).
Requirements:
We are looking for a motivated Master’s student who is interested in evolutionary biology , behavioural
ecology and physiology and who is willing to learn more about the endocrinal basis of parenting in a long-
lived mammal. This project requires basic knowledge of statistical analyses and previous experience with R
software. Experience with lab work is an advantage. Please, send a CV and a cover letter (1 page max) before
the Deadline 11/11/2025. Interviews will be held the following weeks.
Contact: Dr Martin Seltmann, martin.seltmann@utu.fi or Dr Axelle Delaunay, axelle.delaunay@utu.fi ,
Department of biology, University of Turku (FINLAND)