PhD position: Behaviour, ecology and evolution of cichlid fish
University of Groningen, the Netherlands
Organisation
Research in the Behavioural Biology Group is aimed at understanding the mechanistic basis of animal behaviour in an ecological and evolutionary context, and integrates different levels of biological organisation: from genes and cells to whole organisms, populations and species. Our work addresses fundamental questions in behaviour, neuroscience and evolution, but also considers practical implications for e.g. animal welfare and human health. Specific research interests include behavioural development, including the role of (maternal) hormones and lateralization and its links with personality (Groothuis), ecology and evolution of senescence (Verhulst), sex allocation (Dijkstra), neurobiology of social behaviour (Billeter) and the behavioural ecology of species divergence (Maan). We work on a diversity of model organisms, including birds, fish, rodents, insects and humans.
The Behavioural Biology Group offers a lively, international and ambitious research environment. Currently, we have three tenured scientific staff, two tenure track assistant professors, one postdoc and eight PhD students. We are supported by a team of laboratory technicians and animal caretakers. We recently moved to a new building with state-of-the-art facilities for keeping a diversity of animal species, including tropical fish. The group is part of the Centre for Behaviour and Neurosciences (CBN). We also collaborate with members of the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies (CEES). The University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education and belongs to the top 100 universities of the world.
The Behavioural Biology Group at the University of Groningen offers a PhD position for a project on speciation mechanisms in African cichlid fish.
Job description
Within the Behavioural Biology Group, the prospective PhD student will be part of the new research team of Dr. Martine Maan. This team investigates how ecological selection and sexual selection interact during species divergence.
The PhD student will conduct a research project on Lake Victoria cichlid fish, investigating the genetic basis of visual adaptation to underwater light conditions and its consequences for the development and evolution of visually guided behaviours and sexual signals. Ultimately, we aim to understand how divergent adaptation translates into reproductive isolation. The project involves extensive behavioural experimentation, molecular analysis of visual pigments (sequencing, qPCR, HPLC) and perceptual modeling. The project may also include field work in East Africa.
Qualifications
- a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Biology, preferably with a strong interest in animal behaviour, ecology, evolution and biodiversity
- experience with both behavioural observation and molecular genetics techniques
- good communication and writing skills, also in English
- other helpful competences include statistical proficiency (e.g. in the R software environment), possession of a driving licence, and a license to perform animal experiments (art. 9 Wet op de dierproeven (the Dutch Experiments on Animal Act)) or the willingness to obtain these.
Conditions of employment
The university offers a salary of € 2,083 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum to € 2,664 gross in the final year. The position requires residence in Groningen and must result in a PhD thesis within the 4-year contract period. A PhD training program is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science. Objective of the temporary 4 years position is a number of research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, together comprising the PhD thesis leading to the granting of the PhD degree (Dr) at the University of Groningen. After the first year will be an evaluation for feasibility of successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next 3 years.
Applications
You may apply for this position before 11 November 2013 Dutch local time by means of the application form at the University website:
(vacancy number 213226)
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a one-page statement of research interests, and contact details for two professional references.
For more information, please contact:
Martine Maan, +31 50 3632196, m.e.maan [ chez ] rug.nl