POST-DOC AND PhD-POSITIONS IN THEORETICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOG

Dept. Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Zoology, University of Berne,
Switzerland.

1) POST-DOC: Theoreticians are invited to apply for a postdoctoral research
position to study evolutionary mechanisms of conflict and cooperation, with
particular emphasis on reciprocity. Applicants must be experienced in
modeling
and should have a sound background in theoretical issues in evolutionary
biology. The position is initially for two years and can be prolonged.
Supervisor: Michael Taborsky.

2) PhD THEORETICAL ECOLOGY: We investigate how environmental conditions
experienced early in life may cause ontogenetic changes on life histories
through phenotypic plasticity. The successful applicant will develop and
study
general evolutionary models, as well as models parameterized with
experimental
lab and field data of African mouthbrooding cichlids. Eligible candidates
will
have a master's degree (or Diplom) in Biology, Mathematics, or Theoretical
Physics and dispose of a sound background in theoretical and evolutionary
biology. Research experience in evolutionary modeling is highly welcome. The
successful candidate will work part-time at the International Institute for
Applied Systems Analyses (IIASA) in Laxenburg (Austria), where the thesis
project will be co-supervised by PD Dr. Ulf Dieckmann. The collaboration
between
IIASA and the University of Bern will provide extensive guidance in
Mathematical
Biology and Behavioural Ecology. Duration three years; supervisor: Barbara
Taborsky.

3) PhD BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY: This PhD-study will investigate (i) proximate
and
ultimate causes of maternal effects on offspring size and (ii) physiological
responses to the environment during early ontogeny, in African mouthbrooding
cichlids. The study will involve experimental manipulation of ecological
conditions and behavioural observations in the lab, ecological surveys and
collection of samples in the field for genetic analysis. Eligible candidates
will have a master´s degree (or Diplom) in Biology and research experience
in
animal behaviour, a genuine understanding of evolutionary theory and a
strong
commitment to basic science. Practical skills in the work with fish, both in
the
lab and field and/or the measurement of physiological parameters will be
very
helpful. Duration three years; supervisor: Barbara Taborsky.

The successful candidates will join an active research group consisting
currently of 5 advanced research staff, 6 PhD-students and a varying number
of
guest scientists and master´s students. Besides the Behavioural Ecology
group,
the ecologically oriented Zoological Institute of the University of Bern
consists of research groups on Aquatic Ecology (Ole Seehausen), Conservation
Biology (Raphael Arlettaz), Evolutionary Ecology (Heinz Richner), Population
Genetics (Laurent Excoffier) and Synecology (Wolfgang Nentwig). Salaries
will
follow the schemes of the national funding organizations of Switzerland and
Austria. Besides research, Post-docs and PhD students assist in
undergraduate
teaching and supervision.

Closing date: Open until filled, but all application materials, including
CV, a
summary of research experience, copies of any published or in-press papers,
and
two letters of recommendation should be received by April 15, 2006 to ensure
full consideration. The positions will start at the earliest possible date.
Candidates should indicate in a cover letter for which of the three
positions
they apply and when they could take up the position. Please send all
application
material to the secretary´s office, c/o Marlis Gerteis, Dept. Behavioural
Ecology, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50A, CH-3032 Bern, Switzerland;
or as
e-mail attachments to marlis.gerteis@esh.unibe.ch. For inquiries please
contact
barbara.taborsky@esh.unibe.ch.