PhD position (AiO) in Animal Behaviour , Institute of Biology (IBL), Leiden University, the Netherlands

Graduate position:
Applications are invited for a research project funded by the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), entitled:
"Urban speciation: A study on habitat-dependent divergence in urban and forest populations of the European blackbird" to be conducted in the Behavioural Biology group. The Behavioural Biology group at Leiden University investigates various aspects of animal communication.
We are interested in proximate mechanisms underlying behaviour, but also in the evolution of signals and the impact of signals on evolution. One of our goals is to gain insight into the role of vocal divergence in the process of speciation, for which we study a variety of songbird species.
We are looking for a PhD-student to investigate the impact of urbanization on communication among male and female blackbirds (Turdus merula) and whether anthropogenic forces drive signal evolution in such a way that it could promote reproductive divergence. We offer facilities and relevant expertise to embark on this challenging project within our international group.
Profile: All candidates should have an MSc-degree (doctoraal) in Biology, preferably with a specialization in Animal Behaviour. We are especially looking for students that have experience with molecular techniques relevant to population genetics, bird netting in the field, or, to a lesser extent, bioacoustic methodologies. The appointment is for a maximum of 4 years and is expected to lead to the completion of a PhD-thesis. The gross monthly salary is 1813 in the first year and increases progressively each year to 2283 in the fourth year. Salary and fringe benefits are conform the Collective Employment Agreement for Dutch Universities.
A full description of the project is available and can be obtained from:
Dr. Hans Slabbekoorn, e-mail: Slabbekoorn@RULSFB.LeidenUniv.NL website Behavioral Biology Group: http://wwwbio.leidenuniv.nl/~eew/g6/s5.html
Those interested should apply not later than two weeks after publication of this advertisement. We need: curriculum vitae, a cover letter and names and addresses of three referees. Please send your application to:
Leiden University, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Ms. M.J.C.A. van Leeuwen, Human
Resource Adviser, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Dr. Hans Slabbekoorn
Behavioural Biology (IBL)
Leiden University
phone: 31 71 527 5049
fax:
31 71 527 4900
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http://wwwbio.leidenuniv.nl/~eew/G6/staff/slabbekoorn.html
slabbekoorn@rulsfb.leidenuniv.nl