Hormones, Metabolism and Behavior:

Interactions and Causal Relationships

 

We are looking for a PhD candidate to study causal influences of hormones on alternative male reproductive tactics in the African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio). The main aim of our research group is to understand the evolved physiological mechanisms that allow animals to behave adaptively in a changing environment. In the proposed study we want to test for a causal influence of hormones on social behavior while taking into account interactions between the different hormones and resting metabolic rate. The study will be based at the University of Zurich and experiments will be conducted with a captive colony. The study will use methods of hormone manipulations via implants, hormone measurements, measurements of oxygen consumption (RMR) and behavioral observations. A summary of the proposed PhD project can be found below.

 

We are seeking a highly-motivated, independent candidate with excellent organizational skills. The ideal candidate has a background in animal behavior, behavioral endocrinology, physiology or ecology and evolution, some experience with animal handling, lab work, and experience in experimental design and statistical analysis of data. A degree equivalent to a diploma or MSc in Biology is required. Good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential. The working language in our group is English. Some knowledge of German would be beneficial for living in Switzerland but is not necessary.

 

The student will be supervised by Dr. Carsten Schradin and be part of the research group studying striped mice (see www.stripedmouse.com). The student will be based at the Department of Animal Behavior at the Zoological Institute of the University of Zurich (www.zool.uzh.ch). Zurich is a highly attractive city in beautiful surroundings, with a multinational population, and many educational and recreational opportunities (http://www.zuerich.com)

 

The position is funded for two years by a grant from the FAN at the University of Zurich, and the salary follows the Swiss National Science Foundation scale (CHF 39 600 for the first year, CHF 42 600 for the second year). The student is expected to apply for funding for a third year from other foundations, for example from the Forschungskredit, a foundation based at the University of Zurich (http://www.researchers.uzh.ch/promotion/forschungskredit.html). The student will get full support from Dr. Carsten Schradin when applying for additional grants.

 

The earliest starting date is July 2009, but can be negotiated.

 

Deadline for application is the 20th of May, and interviews will take place at the end of May. If not enough suitable applicants applied by this deadline, a second call will be released and interviews will then take place at the start of July.

 

Please send your application including a CV (as PDF), PDFs of publications (published, in press or in preparation), PDF of your diploma or master thesis, a letter outlining your past research and particular motivation for this position (max. 2 pages), as well as contact details of 2 referees to carsten.schradin@zool.uzh.ch.

 

__________________________________________________________

PD Dr. Carsten Schradin

Research Associate, Zoological Institute, Department of Animal Behavior,

University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.

Tel: +41 - (0)44 635 5486

Fax: +41 - (0)44 635 5490

(Tel. secretary: +41 - (0)44 635 5271)

Honorary Researcher at the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

 

Succulent Karoo Research Station, Goegap Nature Reserve, Private Bag X1, 8240 Springbok, South Africa.

 

visit http://www.stripedmouse.com