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.
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.