vendredi 30 août 2019

Master’s project: Effect of early-life social environment on body condition senescence in Asian elephants

Supervisors: Dr Vérane Berger and Prof Virpi Lummaa
University of Turku (Finland)
Project details
What  factors  delay or accelerate senescence?  Recent studies have shown  that  climatic  conditions,  sexual selection  and  food  availability  can  shape  senescence.  Surprisingly,  the  influence  of  social  factors  on senescence  remain  little  known.  Yet,  theoretically,  as  an  individual’s  energetic  trade-off  between  growth, reproduction  and  somatic  maintenance  depends  on  its  early-life  social  environment,  social  factors  that modulate  these  trade-offs  should  also  alter  senescence.  Empirically  however,  few  studies  have  shown evidence for an association between  early-life  sociality  and late-life  senescence in highly social vertebrates (e.g. eusocial insects, naked mole rats, Seychelles warblers, or Alpine marmots). Here, we propose to fill this gap with a research project on the effect of early-life social factors on the senescence of body condition (i.e. body mass, body height) in the Asian elephant  (Elephas maximus).  The candidate  will use  in combination to longitudinal  demographic  (>1000 individuals),  morphological and sociality  data  (230  individuals)  on  one  of world’s largest  Asian elephant populations.  Research will take place in the wider  Myanmar Timber Elephant Project,  a multi-disciplinary research group, based at the University of Turku, investigating the  associations between health, survival and reproduction of Myanmar timber elephants.
Candidate requirements
We are looking for a  Master  student (e.g.  Erasmus) to work within the Myanmar Timber Elephant Project, undertaking research as (part of) a Master’s thesis. The candidate will be expected to work at the University of  Turku,  Finland,  for  approximately  6  months  between  January  and  June  2020  (starting  date  flexible).
Candidates should have at least  a  qualification  in Biology and a reasonably proficiency of the English language (incl. written English). Candidates with relevant statistical experience are particularly encouraged to apply.
The  candidate  will  gain  training  in  appropriate  statistical  analyses,  research  experience  in  an  exciting  and dynamic field  in  a multi-disciplinary and social academic group with international experts  on the  life-history evolution of  long-lived species.  Turku  is  a dynamic and  vibrant  international  city adjacent to a nature rich archipelago surrounded by sea and national parks.
Funding
The opportunity is self-funded,  and the  applicant will need to find funding to cover living expenses and, if coming from overseas, travel (e.g. as part of an Erasmus scheme).
Expression of interest
To  submit  an  expression  of  interest,  please  email  Dr  Vérane  Berger  (verber@utu.fi)  with  the  subject  line ‘Masters  Project  expression of interest’, providing a cover letter and CV, including details of your relevant work and/or research experience. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.