Job announcement
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Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen

application deadline: 1. 6. 2010
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[printable version .pdf]

PhD Position at MPI Ornithology:
Evolutionary Genetics of Zebra Finch Mating Behaviour

A PhD position is available at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology (MPIO) in Seewiesen (near Munich, Germany) starting around August 2010 to study the quantitative and molecular genetics of individual differences in traits related to sexual selection in zebra finches, such as promiscuity, ornamentation and morphology.

We seek a highly motivated individual who shares our fascination with the diversity of personalities found in animals and who has a background or strong interest in some of the following fields: behavioural ecology, evolution, quantitative genetics and molecular genetics. Our research group within the Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics at the MPIO is focussed on the study of mating behaviour and its genetic basis. We are interested in the study of trade-offs and antagonistic sexual selection by looking at genetic correlations. Moreover, we combine QTL-mapping with candidate gene approaches to identify the underlying mechanisms.

The work will involve measuring behaviour, ornamentation and morphology in our captive population of zebra finches that has been studied for 8 years, as well as in other captive populations and potentially also in the wild (Australia). Furthermore the work involves running quantitative genetic analyses (animal models), and creating and analysing molecular data. Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment will be more important than experience in those tasks listed. The PhD student will be expected to work independently as well as contributing to the research of the group.

Initial appointment will be for three years with a possible extension for another year subject to research progress. Payment will be through a Max Planck PhD stipend. The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and encourages disabled persons to apply. The Society aims at increasing the number of women in fields where they are underrepresented, and therefore encourages them to apply.

Applications should include a concise statement of research interests and work experiences relevant to the project, curriculum vitae and contact details for 2-3 academic references. Please send your application as a single file (Word-doc or pdf) before June 1st, 2010 (but late applications may be considered) to our secretary Carmen Dobus (cdobus@orn.mpg.de). For further information please do not hesitate to contact Wolfgang Forstmeier (forstmeier@orn.mpg.de).

http://www.orn.mpg.de/mitarbeiter/forstm.html

Max Planck Institute for Ornithology
Eberhard-Gwinner-Str.
82319 Seewiesen, Germany