2 PhD positions: behavioural and evolutionary genetics
At the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Department of Behavioural Ecology & Evolutionary Genetics, Seewiesen (close to Munich/Starnberg), Germany.
We are looking for PhD candidates to work on two projects about the genetic basis of fitness trait variation in a wild bird population.
The first project is about the genetic architecture of heterozygosity – fitness correlations. Current hypotheses on locus-specific balancing selection, inbreeding avoidance, mate choice and variable environments will be tested, using data from a 7-year field study on blue tits, Cyanistes caeruleus. This project mainly involves genotyping in the lab and evolutionary / population genetic analyses.
The aim of the second project is to investigate genotype – phenotype associations between clock genes and circadian behaviour in blue tits. Circadian activity traits under different natural conditions and under standardized experimental conditions will be measured and tested for genetic associations. This project combines intensive fieldwork with molecular genetic lab work.
We are seeking two highly motivated candidates interested in behavioural ecology in combination with evolutionary or population genetics (first position) or ornithology and genome analysis (second position). The successful candidates will join an international research group at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology with up-to-date molecular lab facilities and long-standing experience in avian behavioural ecology. The working language is English. Salary will be according to TvöD 13/2 (formerly BAT IIa/2).
The Max Planck Society is a equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons with comparable qualifications receive preferential status.
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. For informal inquiries contact Prof. Bart Kempenaers or Dr. Jakob Mueller (see http://www.orn.mpg.de/staffall.html).
To apply, please send a cover letter describing your research interests, a complete CV and names of two referees by email to PHD.EvolGen@orn.mpg.de. Address: Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Dept. Behavioural Ecology & Evolutionary Genetics, Att.: Heike Gorny-Leimpeters, D-82305 Starnberg (Seewiesen), Germany. Tel: +49 8157 932 232; fax: +49 8157 932 400; internet: www.orn.mpg.de.
