(1) One study is on parent-offspring conflict by focussing on nestling begging behaviour and sib-sib communication (i.e. so-called sibling negotiation). This project will be based on recent unpublished results suggesting that nestlings produce nest-specific vocal signals to indicate their level of need. The project will also deal with several original issues including the role of individual recognition and punishment on sib-sib communication as well as the evolution of proto-language. This study will be carried out in wild barn owls. One or two PhD-positions depending on the applicants.
(2) The second project investigates the proximate and ultimate mechanisms of the adaptive function of melanin-based colour traits. Although the expression of melanic pigments is often non-condition-dependent, darker wild vertebrates are more aggressive, sexually active and resistant to stress than lighter individuals. We recently identified a candidate gene that could account for covariation between the degree of melanin-based coloration and other physiological and behavioural traits. The aim of PhD-projects is to (i) determine whether variation in the products of the candidate gene is due to a polymorphism at that gene, differential gene expression or post-translational modification of the gene product, (ii) assess the adaptive function of variants of this candidate gene, and (iii) identify the adaptive function of melanin-based coloration by analysing long-term datasets and by performing experimental studies with wild animals. This study will be carried out in wild barn owls and tawny owls. One or two PhD-positions depending on the applicants.
Applicants should have a master’s degree (or Diplom) in biology and research experience in evolutionary biology with a strong theoretical background as well as a good experimental approach. For the project on the candidate gene applicants should have a good expertise in molecular biology and lab work. Practical skills in the work with birds (raptors) is helpful but not compulsory. The successful candidates will be collaborating with the other members of the group, which will include approximately 4 advanced research staff (3 post-docs and a professor), 5 PhD-students and a varying number of master students. We are located in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. The Department provides a pleasant and exciting research environment and a strong PhD program (21 group leaders, 41 post-docs and 45 PhD-students working on many different fields).
Besides research, PhD students are expected to assist in undergraduate teaching and supervision, with a training load not exceeding 10 percent of working time.
Closing date: Open until filled, but all application materials, including CV, a short summary of research experience, copies of any published or in-press papers if applicable, a letter of motivation and name of two reference persons by email to Alexandre Roulin, Biophore, Dept of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Email: Alexandre.Roulin@unil.ch tel: +41 21 692 41 89
More details on the group at http://www.unil.ch/dee/page7006.html
(2) The second project investigates the proximate and ultimate mechanisms of the adaptive function of melanin-based colour traits. Although the expression of melanic pigments is often non-condition-dependent, darker wild vertebrates are more aggressive, sexually active and resistant to stress than lighter individuals. We recently identified a candidate gene that could account for covariation between the degree of melanin-based coloration and other physiological and behavioural traits. The aim of PhD-projects is to (i) determine whether variation in the products of the candidate gene is due to a polymorphism at that gene, differential gene expression or post-translational modification of the gene product, (ii) assess the adaptive function of variants of this candidate gene, and (iii) identify the adaptive function of melanin-based coloration by analysing long-term datasets and by performing experimental studies with wild animals. This study will be carried out in wild barn owls and tawny owls. One or two PhD-positions depending on the applicants.
Applicants should have a master’s degree (or Diplom) in biology and research experience in evolutionary biology with a strong theoretical background as well as a good experimental approach. For the project on the candidate gene applicants should have a good expertise in molecular biology and lab work. Practical skills in the work with birds (raptors) is helpful but not compulsory. The successful candidates will be collaborating with the other members of the group, which will include approximately 4 advanced research staff (3 post-docs and a professor), 5 PhD-students and a varying number of master students. We are located in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. The Department provides a pleasant and exciting research environment and a strong PhD program (21 group leaders, 41 post-docs and 45 PhD-students working on many different fields).
Besides research, PhD students are expected to assist in undergraduate teaching and supervision, with a training load not exceeding 10 percent of working time.
Closing date: Open until filled, but all application materials, including CV, a short summary of research experience, copies of any published or in-press papers if applicable, a letter of motivation and name of two reference persons by email to Alexandre Roulin, Biophore, Dept of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Email: Alexandre.Roulin@unil.ch tel: +41 21 692 41 89
More details on the group at http://www.unil.ch/dee/page7006.html