Funded project (NCN, DFG, and FWF): Landfill foraging in migratory birds: pain or gain
Background: Humane pressure is threatening many organisms to the edge of extinction. However, some species may even profit from human-induced environmental changes. For example, many birds and mammals regularly forage on food waste deposited in landfills. To which extent these anthropogenic food sources can have positive or negative impacts on animals´ life-history decisions and fitness outcomes remain relatively poorly investigated. Our international team aims to tackle this question by studying migratory white storks (Ciconia ciconia) breeding in Poland where we have recently observed a remarkable increase in the use of anthropogenic food sources. The project aims to advance our understanding of the impact of anthropogenic changes on wildlife population health and fitness and contribute to biological conservation.
We are seeking 3 PhD candidates to investigate the impact of anthropogenic food sources on various life-history traits of white storks. Using a comprehensive approach, integrating ecological, behavioural, and physiological measurements, the projects focus on one of three scientific subjects: How does parental foraging on landfills modulate 1) survival and fitness, 2) foraging and migration behaviour of juveniles, and 3) how these relate to metabolic and physiological changes during early life. Each PhD is individually supervised by a Project Supervisor from the Hosting Institution, who will concentrate their training on an individual research project (training-by-research) within one of the three main research subjects.
Detailed descriptions of the three projects are below.
This is a highly collaborative, internationally-based work. We are looking for passionate and motivated researchers who are strongly committed to the research. Regular, mutual interactions and exchanges across the PhD candidates and partner institutions are envisioned and wanted. These will ensure that all candidates will be involved in the research activities of the other projects ensuring a highly vibrant and stimulating environment for the growth and development of young researchers. The students will have the opportunity to work at the interface of several disciplines, spanning from ecology, ecophysiology, animal behaviour and movement ecology. Thus, good organisational and communication skills are required because the candidates must communicate well across the project partners.
Are you interested? Then we are looking forward to receiving your application until 22nd January 2024 through the applicant management system of theMPI-AB. Please include the following documents:
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Transcript of records (record of study) and degree certificate of bachelor (BSc) degree, Vordiplom or equivalent degree
• Transcript of records (record of study) and degree certificate of Master (MSc) degree, Diplom or equivalent degree (if applicable). If your degree programme is not yet completed, please provide temporary transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation will be required, one from your previous MSc supervisors
• Letter of Motivation, specifically addressing research interests and why you would like to choose the selected project(s)/research topic
Questions about the positions will be answered by Marcin Tobółka at PULS (marcin.tobolka@up.poznan.pl) for Project 1, Andrea Flack at MPI-AB (aflack@ab.mpg.de) for Project 2, and by Valeria Marasco at Vemeduni (valeria.marasco@vetmeduni.ac.at) for Project 3.
The candidate will be involved in fieldwork (field observations, bird handling and measuring, study system setting (trial cameras, iButton loggers, weather stations, UAVs, GPS-GPRS_ACC transmitters, tissue sampling), laboratory analyses (microbiological and immunological assays), different techniques of quantitative data analysis, and leading the writing of scientific articles and dissemination of the obtained results. The ideal candidate should be prepared to conduct research independently and be willing to learn and apply new skills (e.g. in programming (R) or laboratory analyses). Experience in fieldwork and basic skills for analysing spatial data are very welcome. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, animal behaviour, zoology, veterinary medicine or a related subject. Our working language is English. (Polish language skills are not a requirement). Good organisational and communication skills are required because the candidate must communicate well across scientific fields and project partners.
WE ASK
• Master’s or equivalent level degree in biology, ecology, veterinary medicine, animal behaviour, zoology or related field
• Proficiency in written and spoken English (B2 level – the minimum)
• Good organisational and communication skills are required
• Driving licence (cars up to 3.5 t) is required
• No fear of working at heights (up to 20 m) is required
• Willingness to learn R programming languages. Prior familiarity with these or other programming languages is preferred
• Basic experience in microbiological or physiological laboratory work is preferred
The candidate will be involved in different techniques of quantitative and statistical data analysis, leading to the publication of scientific articles. The ideal candidate should be willing to participate in fieldwork in Poland (1-2 months per year). The candidate should be prepared to conduct research independently and be willing to learn and apply new skills (e.g. in programming (R/Python) or computer vision algorithms). Experience and interest in fieldwork are very welcome. In addition, quantitative skills for analysing spatial and temporal data are required. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in ecology, animal behaviour, zoology, or a related subject. Our working language is English. Non-native speakers need to provide documentation of their English proficiency (C1level). (German language skills are not a requirement). Good organisational and communication skills are required because the candidate must communicate well across scientific fields and project partners.
WE ASK
• Willingness to learn R or Python programming languages. Prior familiarity with these or other programming languages is preferred
The candidate will perform laboratory eco-physiological analyses (including metabolic hormones, oxidative stress, and telomere dynamics), statistical analyses of collected data, and will lead the writing of scientific articles. The ideal candidate should be willing to participate in fieldwork in Poland (1-2 months per year). The candidate should be prepared to conduct research independently and be willing to learn and apply new skills (e.g. in the field of cellular and organismal physiology). In addition, knowledge of ecophysiology and related laboratory skills is required. Experience and interest in fieldwork are very welcome. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in ecology or ecophysiology, animal behaviour, zoology, or a related subject. Our working language is English. German language skills are not a requirement. Good organizational and communication skills are required because the candidate must communicate well across scientific fields and project partners.
WE ASK
• Experience in biological laboratory analyses in the field of ecophysiology or molecular biology are required
• Experience in data science and statistical analyses are required; prior experience with R or other programming languages is very welcome
• Strong organisation and record-keeping skills to store and analyse data are required
• Driving licence (cars up to 3.5 t) is preferred