Post-doc Position at University of Debrecen, Hungary ÉLVONAL (cutting edge) – Breeding system evolution in shorebirds

Our team is carrying out a 5-year project focusing on breeding system evolution through the use of behavioural, genomic and demographic approaches. The project uses shorebirds (i.e., plovers, sandpipers, and allies) as model organisms since they exhibit an unusual diversity of mating systems and parental care (see references). The need recently emerged for a post-doctoral position.

This job offers a great opportunity for a post-doc who wants to combine fieldwork with cutting-edge evolutionary and behavioural science, and establish herself/himself in an emerging field of organismal biology. The main tasks are to carry out and supervise field studies, primarily in Madagascar and elsewhere (see https://elvonalshorebirds.com/). We seek candidates with experience in sexual selection, mating systems and reproductive strategies and field biology (preferable with birds), and skills in behavioural analyses and population demography. Publications in top peer-reviewed journals,excellent communication skills, and database handling are essential. The position will be based in Debrecen and the data analyses will be carried out jointly with Prof Robert Freckleton (University of Sheffield), Prof Oliver Kruger (University of Bielefeld) and Dr Brett Sandercock (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research).

This is a full-time position and the salary will be above the normal Hungarian level (up to 1500 EUR, depending on experience). Note that the cost of living in Hungary is substantially less than in the US or Western Europe. The position is initially for 1 year (subject to probation period) with the possibility of extension. See further specifications below.

Application deadline is 29 February 2020.

The application should include a (1) max two pages cover letter, (2) CV with list of publications, and (3) the name and contact details of two academic referees. French speakers are especially encouraged to apply. The applications should be emailed to Ms Fanni Takacs fannitakacs.94@gmail.com Interviews will be in early March and the position is available from 1 April 2020. Applications from women and minority candidates are welcome.

Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and has a lively university community. The University of Debrecen was established in 1538, and it is one of the prestigious universities in Central Europe The university has over 4000 students – many are from abroad. The Dept. of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology is one of the leading departments in natural sciences Debrecen Airport has connections with some of the main European airports. Debrecen’s surrounding has impressive wildlife and landscape that include Hortobagy National Park, a UNESCO-recognised protected area. See details at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Debrecen http://zoology.unideb.hu/home/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortob%C3%A1gy_National_Park

Selected publications
Eberhart-Phillips, L. J. et al. 2017. Adult sex ratio bias in snowy plovers is driven by sex-specific early survival: implications for mating systems and population growth. Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 114: E5474-E5481.
Kubelka, V., M. Šálek, P. Tomkovich, Zs. Végvári, R. Freckleton & T. Székely. 2018. Global pattern of nest predation is disrupted by climate change in shorebirds. Science 362: 680-683.
Liker, A., R. P. Freckleton & T. Székely. 2013. The evolution of sex roles in birds is related to adult sex ratio. Nature Communications 4: 1587.
Vincze, O. et al. 2016. Parental cooperation in a changing climate: fluctuating environments predict shifts in care division. Global Ecology and Biogeography 26: 347-358.

Further specifications of the position
Employer: University of Debrecen, Dept. of Evolutionary Zoology & Human Biology, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Egyetem ter 1, Hungary

Job description
• The post-doc will carry out research in shorebird populations included in the ELVONAL project (Madagascar and possibly elsewhere) in regards to mating system and parental care
• coordinate research associated with the ELVONAL project: supervise PhD students and research assistants, and coordinate research with external collaborators
• coordinate behavioural recording, data analyses, and preparations of manuscripts for publication within the broad fields of sexual selection, mating systems and/or evolutionary demography
• present the results at conferences and research seminars, and promote the results of the ELVONAL project
• assist administration associated with the project
• carry out other scientific and/or academic activities that are deemed necessary for the success of the project

Requirements:
• PhD in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, zoology, or relevant field of life sciences
• extensive knowledge in sex roles, mating systems, parental care and/or evolutionary demography
• at least 2 years post-doctoral experience in avian field ecology, behavioural ecology or a relevant field
• skills in statistical modelling (e.g., mixed-effects regression, mark-recapture analysis, population matrix modelling)
• at least 5 published (or accepted) research papers in peer-reviewed journals
• advanced knowledge of R programming, database management, and data wrangling
• international field experience studying wild populations (preferably birds)
• experience in bird ringing and preferably ringing licence
• valid driving licence

For further information please contact Ms Fanni Takacs fannitakacs.94@gmail.com