Job announcement
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University of Bielefeld, Department of Animal Behaviour

Application deadline: December 31st 2011
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[printable version .pdf]

PhD position (E13/50%, 36 months): Wind power and birds of prey

A phd position (funded by the German Ministry for the Environment, BMU) is available at the Department of Animal Behaviour at the University of Bielefeld, Germany, starting in February 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter.The aim is to study the effects of wind farms on birds of prey with regard to mortality and population growth.

We seek a highly motivated student with a strong interest in population ecology, conservation biology and behavioural ecology. Ideal candidates should have experience in the fields of population ecology, behavioural ecology or evolutionary ecology. They should have experience with time series modelling, matrix models, mark-recapture survival analyses and generalized linear (mixed) models. Knowledge of computer programmes such as Matlab, Mark and R would be advantageous. Excellent writing skills are highly desirable. We expect the successful candidate to make a significant positive contribution to the research and social environment of the Department.

Our department has a main focus on the ecology and evolution of behaviour using a variety of model systems. The research on birds of prey is based on exceptional long-term population studies lasting over several decades. The main target species of this phd project will be white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetusalbicilla), red kite (Milvusmilvus) and common buzzard (Buteobuteo). Our aim is to understand the ecological and evolutionary factors influencing collision rates and how these collision rates influence population dynamics and demography. The work will involve time series analyses, survival rate estimation and matrix modelling.

The Department of Animal Behaviour at the University of Bielefeld 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.

The position is funded for three years, starting in February 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications should include a concise statement of research interests and work experiences relevant to the project, curriculum vitae, publication list and contact details of 2-3 academic referees and should be submitted before December 31st 2011. Please send your application as a single file (Word or pdf) to oliver.krueger@uni-bielefeld.de.For further information please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger at oliver.krueger@uni-bielefeld.de

The University of Bielefeld 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.