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2 PhD positions: Olfactory kin recognition in zebra finches : Bielefeld, Germany
Two PhD positions (E13/65%, 36 months) are available at the Department of Animal Behaviour at Bielefeld University, Germany, starting in November 2014 or as soon as possible thereafter. The two positions are part of the Freigeist Research Group (Function and Mechanism of Olfactory kin recognition in an Avian model System), funded by the VollkswagenStiftung.
The aim is to study the role of olfactory cues in kin recognition and the evolution of kin odours in zebra finches. In a series of studies, we have shown that zebra finches are able to recognise relatives based on olfactory cues. This project aims to understand the underlying mechanism of how relatedness is encoded in body odours. It will use a combination of behavioural experiments, chemical – , genetic – and skin microbe community analysis.
The two PhD positions will be part of a multi-disciplinary research group. The Freigeist-Research Group is embedded in the Department of Animal Behaviour at Bielefeld University. The department is the oldest of its kind in Germany and currently hosts six principal investigators, five postdocs and twenty PhD students. It offers a stimulating international environment and an excellent research infrastructure with access to state-of-the-art techniques. The working language of the Department is English.
Position 1: Function and structure of body odours in zebra finches
This part will mainly investigate the structure of body odours in zebra finches, using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. Furthermore the function of body odours will be investigated by conducting non-invasive behavioural experiments. Therefore we are seeking a candidate with a background in behavioural and/or chemical ecology.
Position 2: Influence of skin microbes on odour production
Based on culture-independent genetic tools, such as high throughput sequencing 16s rRNA genes, this project aims to investigate the role of skin microbes on individual specific odour profiles. This project involves bioinformatic analysis of generated data, therefore a background in genetics, microbiology and/or bioinformatics is advantageous.
The successful candidates must hold an excellent MSc degree (or German Diploma degree) in biology, biochemistry or a related subject. The international nature of the project and the department requires fluency in spoken and written English. The successful candidate will be embedded in the ‘Freigeist-Research’ team but is expected to work on this project independently.
Both positions are funded for three years, starting in November 2014 or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications should include a concise statement of research interests and work experiences relevant to the preferred project, curriculum vitae and contact details of 2-3 academic referees and should be submitted before September 30th 2014. Please send your application as a single file (Word or pdf) to Barbara.caspers@uni-bielefeld.de. For further information please contact Dr. Barbara Caspers at barbara.caspers@uni-bielefeld.de.
Bielefeld University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from severely handicapped people. We particularly welcome applications from women. Given equal suitability, qualifications and professional achievement, women will be given preference, unless particular circumstances pertaining to a male applicant predominate….
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Job details
Employer:Bielefeld University
Location:Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Expires:September 30, 2014
Job type:PhD Studentship
Salary:Unspecified
Qualifications:Postgraduate - Master's degree
Employment type:Contract
Job hours:Full-time