We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a solid background in animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and/or animal physiology.
Project description
The transition between solitary to social lifestyle is considered one of the most important evolutive transitions in animals. The evolutive pressures leading to the appearance and maintenance of social organizations have been deeply studied and discussed in the last decades, but the mechanisms behind these transformations in behavior and lifestyle are still poorly understood. The main aim of the Ph.D. thesis will be to investigate how changes in metabolic rate could be the basis for the appearance of sociality.
Qualifications
The candidate must have an MSc degree (or equivalent) in Biology/Ethology or another relevant field. A strong background in animal behavior and evolutionary biology are required.
Knowledge or experience in animal physiology (metabolic rates, hormonal measurements) would be an important asset, along with experience with invertebrates’ manipulation. Candidate must have a good oral and written English communication skills and have team-player qualities.
Work description
The project will be carried out at the Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw (Poland). Successful candidate will be under the supervision of Dr. Magdalena Witek and Dr. Violette Chiara and will receive guidance from them and the rest of the team and collaborators. The project is financed by the National Science Center, which ensures the PhD student of a monthly research stipend of about 4600PLN net for the first three years and 3600PLN net for the last year.
The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork in Poland and French Guyana, perform behavioral experiments in laboratory conditions and participate in all the processes associated with data analyses and article redaction. An internship in Italy is also planned as part of a between-laboratories collaboration. Candidate will also be encouraged and guided in developing her/his own ideas.
How to apply
To apply or get information, please contact Dr. Violette Chiara (violette.chiara@gmail.com).
The application must include: A) Letter of motivation, B) CV, C) Copy of MSc certificate, D) Names and contact details of two references, E) application form:
https://szkoladoktorska-bioplanet.pl/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Application_RODO_MIZ.pdf.
Candidates are encouraged to consult the doctoral school’s website to familiarise themselves with how it operates:
https://szkoladoktorska-bioplanet.pl/en/home/.
Deadline for application: 10 of August 2023.
Selection
Selected candidates will be contacted by e-mail to define a date for an interview which will take place at the Museum and Institute of Zoology of Warsaw, or by video call. The successful candidate will then join the BioPlanet Doctoral School (http://szkoladoktorska-bioplanet.pl/en/home/) for a starting date of 1st October 2023.