The Department of Behavioral Ecology studies behavioral interactions between individuals in relation to ecological influences, in particular the function and mechanism of chemical communication, the effect of skin bacteria on body odor, the function of preen gland secretions, behavioral adaptation to human-induced environmental changes, the causes and consequences of individual variation in the gut microbiome, and niche choice and conformance to the environment. The species we are studying are mainly vertebrates such as passerines (Taeniopygia guttata, Parus major, Cyanistes caeruleus, Charadriidae), salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) or bats.
Although long unknown, birds are very good at smelling and previous studies could show that e.g. zebra finches, but also other finches, can recognize relatives from unrelated conspecifics by smell. In the reserach project, the candidate will address the question still unanswered to which extent this behavior is influenced by familiarity and/or genetic similarity.
- research tasks (75 %):
- planning, conducting and evaluating behavioral experiments on the importance of social and genetic factors in sibling rivalry and kin recognition
- analysis of body odors of adult zebra finches: sampling, processing, chemical analysis, evaluation
- publication of research results on conferences or by way of publications
- teaching tasks (20 %):
- support durig teaching activities of the department
- other tasks (5 %):
- participation in the organization of the department
Employment is conducive to scientific qualification.
- salary according to remuneration level 13 TV-L
- fixed-term (3 years) (§ 2 (1) sentence 1 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
- part-time 65 %
- internal and external training opportunities
- variety of health, consulting and prevention services
- reconcilability of family and work
- flexible working hours
- good transport connection
- supplementary company pension
- collegial working environment
- open and pleasant working atmosphere
- exciting, varied tasks
- completed scientific university degree (e. g. Master or equivalent) in a relevant field (e. g. biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, behavioral biology)
- interest in behavioral ecology issues
- very good written and spoken Englisch language skills
- independent and self-reliant style of work
- high level of organizational, communication and teamwork skills
- experiences in conducting behavioral experiments and/or chemical analyses
- experience with statistical analyses, preferably with the software R
- experience with ethograms and video analyses of behavioral experiments
- proof of animal experimentation, such as a ringing license or attendance of an animal experimentation course (Felasa or similar)
We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.
application deadline: 24.05.2024