Hormones, Metabolism and Behavior:
Interactions and Causal Relationships
We are looking for a PhD candidate to study causal influences of hormones on alternative male reproductive tactics in the African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio). The main aim of our research group is to understand the evolved physiological mechanisms that allow animals to behave adaptively in a changing environment. In the proposed study we want to test for a causal influence of hormones on social behavior while taking into account interactions between the different hormones and resting metabolic rate. The study will be based at the University of Zurich
We are seeking a highly-motivated, independent candidate with excellent organizational skills. The ideal candidate has a background in animal behavior, behavioral endocrinology, or physiology, some experience with animal handling, laboratory work, and experience in experimental design and statistical analysis of data. A degree equivalent to a diploma or MSc in Biology is required. Good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential. The working language in our group is English. Some knowledge of German would be beneficial for living in Switzerland
The PhD student will be responsible for the captive colony of striped mice (1 room), including cleaning of cages and all other aspects of animal care. Management of a captive colony of rodents includes euthanizing striped mice to keep the size of the colony down and after experiments. The student will have to visit of course of laboratory animal care at the University of Zurich
The student will be supervised by Dr. Carsten Schradin and be part of the research group studying striped mice (seewww.stripedmouse.com). The student will be based at the Department of Animal Behavior at the Zoological Institute of the University of Zurich Zurich
The position is funded for two years, and the salary follows the Swiss National Science Foundation scale (CHF 39 600 for the first year, CHF 42 600 for the second year). The student is expected to apply for funding for a third year and for research expenses from other foundations, for example from the Forschungskredit, a foundation based at theUniversity of Zurich
The earliest starting date is January 2010.
Deadline for application is the 8th of October, and interviews will take place at the end of October. If not enough suitable applicants applied by this deadline, a second call will be released and interviews will then take place January 2010.
Please send your application including a CV (as PDF), PDFs of publications (published, in press or in preparation), PDF of your diploma or master thesis, a letter outlining your past research and particular motivation for this position (max. 2 pages), as well as contact details of 2 referees to carsten.schradin@zool.uzh.ch.
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PD Dr. Carsten Schradin
Research Associate, Zoological Institute, Department of Animal Behavior,
University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Tel: +41 - (0)44 635 5486
Fax: +41 - (0)44 635 5490
(Tel. secretary: +41 - (0)44 635 5271)
Honorary Researcher at the School of Animal , Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand,South Africa
Succulent Karoo Research Station, Goegap Nature Reserve, Private Bag X1, 8240 Springbok, South Africa.
Summary
The newly established field of endocrine ecology has increased our knowledge about how physiological mechanisms enable animals to be successful and survive in challenging environments. However, so far most studies are correlative, especially in mammals. If experiments are conducted, interactions between hormones are normally not taken into account, nor are the possible effects of hormones on other important physiological parameters such as metabolic rate. Since 2001 we have conducted field studies on the African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio) in the Succulent Karoo desert. The striped mouse is now one of the best studied mammal species in the field of endocrine ecology, enabling the planning of experiments under controlled laboratory conditions. It is a useful example to study the influence of hormones on social behavior because it shows extraordinary social flexibility. Males have three different social tactics that differ physiologically: (i) philopatric group-living males have low testosterone and prolactin levels, high corticosterone levels and high resting metabolic rate (RMR), (ii) solitary living roamers have high testosterone, low prolactin and corticosterone levels and low RMR, while (iii) dominant but sociable group-living territorial breeders have intermediate testosterone levels, low corticosterone but high prolactin levels and high RMR. In the proposed study we want to test for a causal influence of hormones on social behavior while taking into account interactions between the different hormones and RMR. Testosterone and corticosterone levels will be increased by implants and prolactin levels decreased via the drug Cabergoline. Based on my field studies it is predicted that testosterone influences care-giving behavior negatively, risky behavior positively, and aggressive behavior moderately, while possibly influencing prolactin levels positively, corticosterone levels negatively and RMR negatively. Corticosterone is predicted to have a negative influence on testosterone but increases RMR. Prolactin is predicted to have a positive effect on care-giving behavior while reducing the motivation to visit additional females for mating, reducing testosterone levels and possibly increasing RMR. The study will follow an integrative approach, using the results from field studies to plan experiments under controlled laboratory conditions, while taking possible interactions between different hormones and between hormones and metabolic rate into account.