Acoustic Communication in Pigs and between Pigs and Humans
The post-doc will work with Marek Špinka
(http://www.fhs.cuni.cz/etologie/spinka_main_eng.htm) and his colleagues, looking at the structure and function of calls that pigs produce during mutual interactions, during interactions with the housing environment, in reaction to husbandry practises and in the presence of humans. In particular, the position will include research work on how emotions are encoded in pig vocalizations and how they are decoded from the calls by conspecific and heterospecific listeners. Other specific topics could be worked out with the successful candidate. Overlaps and extensions into the neighbouring areas of pig social behaviour, human-animal relationships and general theory of communication and cognition are possible, depending on the ideas, interests and skills of the candidate.
A successful candidate must have her/his Ph.D. completed (or her/his thesis submitted with a clear perspective of defending it) by the time he takes the position. The candidate must have a record of conducting research in the field of animal behaviour and publishing results in refereed scientific journals. Experience in working with animal communication, especially acoustic communication, will be a bonus. Willingness to learn new methods in recording and analysing acoustic communication is a pre-requisite.
The successful candidate will work as a member of the friendly Department of Ethology team, an animal behaviour research group consisting of about 15 scientists, students and technicians. English will be the working language for the position, although candidates should be aware that communication with non-scientific staff at the Institute may often need help from your local colleagues.
The position is fully funded (research expenses, travel funds, salary) for two years with a perspective of 1-2 year prolongation depending on successful acquisition of external research funds for the third (and fourth) year of research.
The initial salary will be in the range of 22 000 – 27 000 Czech koruna gross (about 900-1100 Euro) per month with salary increases and yearly bonuses dependent on progress and results of the research work. Very affordable and nice accommodation directly in the Institute will be available. Candidates may note that costs of living in Prague (food, transport, leisure) may differ from their home country, in many cases being lower.
Send applications including your CV to Marek Špinka at spinka@vuzv.cz. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2008 or until the position is filled.