Switzerland University of Lausanne PhD Position

June 6, 2008

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Three PhD-positions in BEHAVIOURAL EVOLUTION are available at the
Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne,
Switzerland.(1) One study is on parent-offspring conflict by focussing on
nestling begging behaviour and sib-sib communication (i.e. so-called
sibling negotiation). This project will be based on recent
unpublished results suggesting that nestlings produce nest-specific
vocal signals to indicate their level of need. The project will also
deal with several original issues including the role of individual
recognition and punishment on sib-sib communication as well as the
evolution of proto-language. This study will be carried out in wild
barn owls. One or two PhD-positions depending on the applicants.

(2) The second project investigates the proximate and ultimate
mechanisms of the adaptive function of melanin-based colour traits.
Although the expression of melanic pigments is often non-condition-
dependent, darker wild vertebrates are more aggressive, sexually
active and resistant to stress than lighter individuals. We recently
identified a candidate gene that could account for covariation
between the degree of melanin-based coloration and other
physiological and behavioural traits. The aim of PhD-projects would
be to (i) determine whether variation in the products of the
candidate gene is due to a polymorphism at that gene, differential
gene expression or post-translational modification of the gene
product, (ii) assess the adaptive function of variants of this
candidate gene, and (iii) identify the adaptive function of melanin-
based coloration by analysing long-term datasets and by performing
experimental studies with wild animals. This study will be carried
out in wild barn owls and tawny owls. One or two PhD-positions
depending on the applicants.

Applicants should have a master’s degree (or Diplom) in biology and
research experience in evolutionary biology with a strong theoretical
background as well as a good experimental approach. For the project
on the candidate gene applicants should have a good expertise in
molecular biology and lab work. Practical skills in the work with
birds (raptors) is helpful but not compulsory. The successful
candidates will be collaborating with the other members of the group,
which will include approximately 4 advanced research staff (3 post-
docs and a professor), 5 PhD-students and a varying number of master
students. We are located in the Department of Ecology and Evolution
at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) situated on the shores of
Lake Geneva. The Department provides a pleasant and exciting research
environment and a strong PhD program (21 group leaders, 41 post-docs
and 45 PhD-students working on many different fields).

Besides research, PhD students are expected to assist in
undergraduate teaching and supervision, with a training load not
exceeding 10 percent of working time.

Closing date: Open until filled, but all application materials,
including CV, a short summary of research experience, copies of any
published or in-press papers if applicable, a letter of motivation
and name of two reference persons by email to Alexandre Roulin,
Biophore, Dept of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne,
Switzerland. Email: Alexandre.Roulin@unil.ch tel: +41 21 692 41 89
More details on the group at http://www.unil.ch/dee/page7006.html

Alexandre Roulin
Department of Ecology & Evolution
Biophore
University of Lausanne
CH-1015 Lausanne
Switzerland

Scholarship Tags: Lausanne, PhD, Position, Switzerland, University