Postdoc en ecología microbiana de aves limícolas (Hungría)

Postdoc en ecología microbiana de aves playeras y resistencia antimicrobiana - Universidad de Debrecen, Hungría - Salario hasta 2.200 EUR/mes - Deadline 18 julio 2026

Location: Debrecen, Hungary

Organization: University of Debrecen, Department of Evolutionary Zoology (collaborative project with the University of Oxford and HUN-REN)

Contract Type: Postdoctoral position

Main Description:
This postdoctoral position focuses on investigating the role of migratory birds in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The successful candidate will conduct field research on breeding and non-breeding shorebirds, combined with microbial sampling. The project is part of a collaborative initiative between the University of Debrecen, HUN-REN, and the University of Oxford.

Requirements:

• PhD in animal ecology, behavioural ecology, population demography, or a related field
• Strong background in behavioural ecology, population ecology, field biology, wildlife conservation, disease ecology, and microbiology
• Experience in quantitative analyses
• Knowledge of programming languages such as R
• Experience with biostatistics or demography (desirable)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in English
• Field experience
• Bird ringing licence
• Full driving licence

Benefits/Conditions:

• Gross salary up to 800,000 HUF per month (approximately 2,200 EUR)
• Social security and health contributions paid by the employer
• Substantially lower cost of living compared to Western Europe
• Affordable accommodation and food

How to Apply:
Send the following to Ms Rita Nagy at nagy.rita@science.unideb.hu using the subject line 'HU-RIZONT post-doc application':

• Cover letter explaining your research interests and suitability for the position
• CV including a list of scientific publications
• Contact details of two referees

Deadline: 18 July 2026.

🌍 ¿Te interesan ofertas como ésta?

Cada semana (a no ser que esté por ahí perdido de expedición) envío una selección de las mejores oportunidades en biología, medio ambiente y conservación directamente a tu correo. Además, estrategias profesionales, cursos y noticias del sector para que estés al día.

Apúntate a las Biotapas

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Postdoc muy campero para trabajar en comportamiento animal en Hungría

 RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP IN BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY / POPULATION BIOLOGY

POSITION OVERVIEW. We are seeking a highly motivated and talented field biologist to join our team. The Research Fellow will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and executing projects using field biology, behavioural investigations and population demography. While the focus will be primarily on writing up existing data, there will also be new opportunities to contribute to field work, experimental work and/or demographic modelling. The Fellow will have the opportunity to develop her/his own project related to the main research focus. The position is part of a large collaborative project “Sex roles and sex ratios in a changing world” which aims to promote interdisciplinary collaboration between research groups working on interactions among wild bird populations and their changing environment with funding from the HUN-REN programme of Hungarian Ministry of Innovation.


ABOUT US: Our international team of four PIs (see below) is investigating behaviour and ecology of shorebirds (sandpipers, plovers and allies) since the 1990’s and we have produced over 400 peer-reviewed publications on sexual selection, breeding systems, parental care, sex ratios and population demography. Our publications often have been published in high impact research journals. Beyond evolutionary significance, our research has direct implications for biodiversity conservation by preserving species and by working with local communities to protect shorebird habitats. We work globally using an international network of scientists, conservationists and students (see links below).


FURTHER DETAILS. The Research Fellow will focus on understanding the impacts of Anthropogenic effects on shorebird populations. How do sexual selection, mate choice and parenting help or hinder adaptation to environmental changes? How can we make future predictions from ongoing ecological processes? How can we apply this knowledge to best practices in biodiversity conservation to benefit wild populations and their habitats?


We seek applicants with strong research background in one (or more) of the following fields: behavioural ecology, population demography, wildlife conservation and evolutionary genomics. The Fellow will have four main tasks: (i) lead a new research initiative to uncover the causes and implications of changing planet especially in regard to mating systems and sex ratios using shorebirds as model organisms, (ii) assist with coordinating our numerous field study sites in Europe and abroad, (iii) contribute to supervision of MSc and PhD students, and (iv) help our team mentoring exceptionally talented and motivated early career scientists and conservationists globally. Feel free contacting one of the PIs if you are unsure about your fit to the position.



Applicants should have a Ph.D. in animal ecology, behavioural ecology, population demography or a related field, and a strong background in quantitative analyses. Knowledge of programming languages such as R is required, and experience with biostatistics or demography is desirable. Proficiency in English is essential as is research track record matching the career stage of the applicant.



DURATION: Two years (ideally from 1 May 2024 to 30 April, 2026), with the possibility of extension for further two years, depending on the candidate's performance. Longer terms are negotiable for exceptional candidates.



SALARY: The gross salary is 950,000 HuF per month (approx 2,469 euros per month; the average gross salary in Hungary is 1,272 euros). The net salary per month is at least 600,000 HuF, an equivalent of Hungarian professorial salary. Social and health insurance contributions are independent of salary and are also paid by the employer.



ENVIRONMENT: The position is based in Debrecen: a vibrant and liveable city in eastern Hungary with large international student community. Debrecen has good public services and rental housing and food are affordable. The Fellowship is based of Debrecen Biodiversity Centre - a recently created institute at the University of Debrecen that carries out cutting edge research and conservation focused on climate change, water management and biodiversity.  Our research team works closely with Hortobagy National Park – a UNESCO Heritage Site just outside Debrecen.



HOW TO APPLY: If you are interested in this position, please send i) a cover letter explaining your research interests and suitability for the position, ii) a copy of your CV with a list of scientific publications, and iii) contact information of two referees to szeman.karola@gmail.com

Please use the subject line "DBK Fellowship application." Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Application deadline: 15 March 2024.



For further information on the project and participants please see: 

ELVONAL SHOREBIRD SCIENCE    https://elvonalshorebirds.com/

PROF TAMAS SZEKELY (University of Bath / Debrecen)   https://www.szekelylab.com/

PROF ROBERT FRECKLETON (University of Sheffield)  https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/rob-freckleton

PROF BRETT SANDERCOCK  (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research)  https://www.nina.no/english/About-NINA/Contact/Employees/CV.aspx?ansattid=14268

PROFESSOR OLIVIER GILG (University of Bourgonge)   https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Olivier-Gilg



Selected recent publications. For our complete track record, please see GoogleScholar and ResearchGate

Alfaro, M.,, B.K. Sandercock …. 2020.  Habitat selection and space use of Upland Sandpipers at the nonbreeding grounds.  Avian Conservation and Ecology 14:18.

Amano, T., T. Szekely, ….2018. Successful conservation of global waterbird populations depends on effective governance. Nature 553: 199-202

Bulla, M…. O. Gilg…2017. Flexible parental care: Uniparental incubation in biparentally incubating shorebirds. Scientific Reports 7:12851

Gilg, O…..2023. Flyways and migratory behaviour of the Vega gull (Larus vegae), a little-known Arctic endemic. PLoS ONE, 18: e0281827.

Jones, W., …..B.K. Sandercock….T. Szekely.  2022.  Exceptionally high apparent adult survival in three tropical species of plovers in Madagascar.  Journal of Avian Biology 22:e02911.

Kubelka, V…R. Freckleton, T. Szekely. 2018. Global pattern of nest predation is disrupted by climate change in shorebirds. Science 362: 680-683.

Kubelka, V, B. K. Sandercock, T. Szekely, R. P. Freckleton 2021. Animal migration to northern latitudes: environmental changes and increasing threats. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 37: 30-41.

McDonald, G. C., …T. Szekely….2023. Remating opportunities and low costs underlie maternal desertion. Evolution 77: 97-109.

Mills, S. C., …R. P. Freckleton … 2023. High sensitivity of tropical forest birds to deforestation at lower altitudes. Ecology, 104: e3867.

Moreau, J….O. Gilg. 2018. Discriminating uni- versus biparental parental care strategy at nest by monitoring nest temperature. Ibis 160:13-22.

Sandercock, B.K.  2020.  Mark-recapture models for estimation of demographic parameters.  In: Murray, D.L., and B.K. Sandercock (editors), Population Ecology in Practice (pp. 157-190). Wiley-Blackwell, Hoboken NJ, USA.

Sandercock, B.K.  2020.  Population fitness has a concave relationship with migration distance in Sanderlings.  Journal of Animal Ecology 89:674-677.

Szekely, T. 2019. Why study plovers? The significance of non-model organisms in avian ecology, behaviour and evolution. Journal of Ornithology 160: 923-933.

Szekely, T….. 2023. The causes and implications of sex role diversity in shorebird breeding systems. Ibis (accepted).

Varah, A…. R. P. Freckleton 2020. The costs of human-induced evolution in an agricultural system. Nature Sustainability, 3, 63-71.

Vagi, B…. R. P. Freckleton, T. Szekely 2022. The evolution of parental care in salamanders. Scientific Reports, 12, 16655.





T.Szekely@bath.ac.uk

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Estudia especies invasoras en Hungría y desarrolla modelos predictivos con este postdoc

Oferta compartida por Nuria

Climate change combined with a significant increase in international trade and tourism constitute the main causes behind the emergence of invasive species in Europe, which raise several ecological, epidemiological and economic problems. To understand the biological basis of this threat, we need to uncover the spatial and temporal patterns in association with the introduction and spread of invasive species, and to identify the underlying ecological factors. The fulfilment of these tasks requires the continuous monitoring of invasive species as well as their role in ecological interactions, for which many European country has organised surveillance programs. The Hungarian program run by the Centre for Ecological Research (CER, https://ecolres.hu/en) since 2019 targets three invasive species currently present in the country, and consists of a survey based on citizen science that is combined with subsequent field sampling and laboratory screens for parasites (http://mosquitosurveillance.hu). Based on the accumulated data, we are able to generate reliable and distribution maps in real time, and now an important part of our mission is to identify the environmental factors determining the spread of the focal species, for which we hope to attract a post-doc providing theoretical/statistical inputs. We expect the young researcher to help us effectively obtain and investigate as many predictor variables as possible, create an ecological profile each invasive species, and derive reliable estimates for future distribution dynamics. The new colleague would be in charge of collecting spatially and temporally structured data regarding the potential environmental predictors (e. g. climate, urbanization, demography, road network, habitat type, mosquito control programs, etc.), assigning these data to the available species-distribution patterns by multivariate models (ideally including machine learning), and then using the resulting information to build prediction models.

The post-doc project is founded by the main Hungarian funding body (National Research, Development and Innovation Office). The period of employment is one year, but the position could potentially be extended by an extra year in case of success. Given the covid situation and the theoretical aspects of the project, we offer high flexibility with regard to the working routine and allow remote contribution (while we also welcome group members who can physically join the research team at CER). The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union,
the starting date is flexible (but ideally as soon as possible).

As a formal qualification, the candidate must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). Furthermore, we are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• Background in ecology or in evolution with considerable expertise in statistics;
• Experience in data mining and handling big data;
• Experience in performing sophisticated statistical analyses (bioinformatics, machine learning, GIS, networks, phylogenetic models) and/or programming;
• Experience in building prediction models;
• Record of an excellent publication output.

Further information may be obtained from László Zsolt Garamszegi, garamszegi.laszlo@ecolres.hu .

Application procedure
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration as an e-mail package to nagy.adrienn@ecolres.hu. Please, attach all your materials in English in one file, which includes:

• Application (motivation letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• List of publications
• List of potential references

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

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Prácticas de grado o máster con aves en Hungría, con posibilidad de campo en Madagascar

 I am looking for up to 2 internship students, at either the BSc or MSc

level, to work with me on my project on mating systems biology and ecology
in Plovers in Madagascar. Since 2002, the breeding systems of three species
(Madagascan Plover, White-fronted Plover, Kittlitz’s Plover) have been
studied intensively across Madagascar.

The positions will span a period of up to 6 months, with some flexibility
in the time period. Ideally, the students will be based in Debrecen,
however, given current global circumstances, I am also happy to consider
working remotely. If students do come to Hungary, the project will cover
some of their living costs. For highly motivated students and/or those with
the appropriate experience, I am willing to consider the possibility of
extending their projects and covering the costs for them to visit and work
at our field site in SW Madagascar in spring 2021. This project is in
collaboration with Tamás Székely (University of Bath; University of
Debrecen) and Sama Zefania (University of Toliara).

I would particularly welcome students who have their own ideas and
questions that they would like to explore and develop using the Plover
system. Potential topics include habitat choice, mating system evolution,
nesting success, incubation behaviours and dispersal. This is an excellent
opportunity for students to learn how to manage and drive an independent
project.

Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and has a lively university
community. The University of Debrecen was established in 1538, and it is
one of the prestigious universities in Central Europe. The university has
over 4000 students – many are from abroad. The Dept. of Evolutionary
Zoology and Human Biology is one of the leading departments in natural
sciences. Debrecen Airport has connections with some of the main European
airports. Debrecen is located close to Hortobagy National Park, a
UNESCO-recognised protected area and an excellent location for wildlife.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Email: wjonesdebrecen”at”gmail.com
Twitter: @jacanajones
Website: https://elvonalshorebirds.com/
Website: https://williamjonesresearch.wordpress.com/
Video of the Madagascar field site: https://youtu.be/fOMDSNK38eY

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Postdoc en ecología del comportamiento y evolución de limícolas

POST-DOC POSITION IN BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF SHOREBIRDS
UNIVERSITY OF PANNONIA, Veszprém, Hungary

Social interactions are among the most fascinating aspects of animal
behaviour. This project will focus on the demographic drivers of sex role
reversal in shorebirds (plovers, sandpipers and allies), when females
compete for mates and males provide parental care. Results from cutting
edge research carried out by our team (see references below & on our
websites)suggest that role reversal occur in species where males are the
more common sex. However, solid field data on sex ratios are scarce and the
processes generating skewed sex ratios are largely unknown.

The successful candidate will join an international team of scientists
working on shorebird ecology, behaviour and conservation, and will carry
out a field study on a sex role reversed, polyandrous species. Most likely
target species include the Bronze-winged and/or Pheasant-tailed Jacana,
with potential field sites in India or Taiwan. This exciting project will
collect data on breeding behaviour, offspring sex ratio, and survival of
males and females in a closely monitored population. We will use
demographic modelling to estimate adult sex ratio and to identify its most
important determinants. The project will also contribute to our largescale
comparative studies in shorebirds worldwide (see
https://elvonalshorebirds.com/).

The project is led by Prof András Liker (Univiversity of Pannonia,
Veszprém, Hungary, see http://ornithology.limnologia.hu/), and is part of a
collaboration with Dr Vojtěch Kubelka (Univiversity of Debrecen, Hungary),
Prof Tamás Székely (University of Bath, UK), and Dr András Kosztolanyi
(University of Veterinary Science, Budapest, Hungary) to understand
breeding system evolution using shorebirds as model organisms. The research
group uses English as the communication language.

This job offers an opportunity for an early-stage post-doc who wants to
combine fieldwork with cutting-edge evolutionary and behavioural science.
The main tasks of the post-doc are to organize, carry out and supervise
field studies. We seek candidates with experience in behavioural ecology
and field biology preferable with birds/shorebirds. Publications in
high-quality peer-reviewed journals, excellent communication skills, and
solid skills in data handling are essential. See further specifications
below.

This is a full-time position and the salary will be above the normal
Hungarian level (up to 1200 EUR, depending on experience). Note that the
cost of living in Hungary is substantially less than in Western Europe and
in the US. The current position is for 22 months (subject to probation
period), with possibility of extension (pending on the availability of
further funding).

Application deadline is 31 January 2019, although the screening of
candidates may start earlier. The application should include (1) a max two
pages cover letter, (2) a CV with list of publications, and (3) the name
and contact details of four referees preferably from research, academia or
conservation. The applications should be emailed to Prof András Liker (
andras.liker@gmail.com).

The position is available from 1st March 2019.

Selected publications:

Liker, A., Freckleton, R. P., & Székely, T. 2013. The evolution of sex
roles in birds is related to adult sex ratio. Nature Communications 4: 1587.

Pipoly, I., Bókony, V., Kirkpatrick, M., Donald, P. F. Székely, T. & Liker,
A. 2015. The genetic sex determination system predicts the adult sex ratio
in tetrapods. Nature 527: 91–94.

Schacht, R., Kramer, K.L., Székely, T. & Kappeler, P.M. 2017. Adult sex
ratios and reproductive strategies: a critical re-examination of sex
differences in human and animal societies. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 372:
20160309.

Eberhart-Phillips, L. J. et al. 2018. Demographic causes of adult sex ratio
variation and their consequences for parental cooperation. Nature
Communications 9: 1651

Kubelka V., Šálek M., Tomkovich P., Végvári Z., Freckleton R. P. & Székely
T. 2018: Global pattern of nest predation is disrupted by climate change in
shorebirds. Science 362: 680–683.

Job description:

The post-doc will organize and carry out field work in a foreign country,

Supervise PhD students and research assistants, coordinate research with
external collaborators,

Coordinate data collection and analyses, and preparation of publications,

Present and promote the results at conferences and research seminars,

Assist administration associated with the project,

Carry out other scientific and/or academic activities that are deemed
necessary for the success of the project.



Requirements:

PhD in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, zoology, or relevant
field of life sciences,

Solid knowledge of evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, and/or
ornithology,

Experience in carrying out or supervising international research projects,

At least 2 years experience in field work related to avian ecology or
behavioural ecology,

Good skills in statistical modelling, advanced level in using R,

At least 5 published (or accepted) research papers in peer-reviewed
journals,

Experience in bird ringing, and preferably a ringing licence,

Valid driving licence.


Fanni Takács

RA of ÉLVONAL Project – Sex role evolution: testing the impacts of ecology,
demography and genes
Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen,
Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1., 4032, Hungary
email: fancsi_t@hotmail.com | fanitakacs.94@gmail.com  |
https://elvonalshorebirds.com

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Asistente de investigación en ornitología (Hungría)

Research Assistant Position

University of Debrecen, Hungary

ELVONAL (cutting edge) – Breeding system evolution in shorebirds

The Hungarian government recently opened up a new funding stream to support cutting edge research across all scientific fields (Nature 551: 425), and our team was one of the 12 winners. This will be a 5-year project focusing on testing key hypotheses of breeding system evolution through the use of genomic, immunological, and demographic approaches. The project focuses on shorebirds (i.e., plovers, sandpipers, and allies) that exhibit an unusual diversity of mating systems and parental care (see references).

This job offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an ambitious research assictant who wants to combine fieldwork with coordinating practical aspects of field research across numerous field sites. The main tasks of the Research Assistant are to carry out field studies in Madagascar, Cape Verde, Mexio, Russia or China, possibly in other countries, and coordinate practical aspect of the field projects that include securing permits, ensuring standardized data collection, availablity of research tools and equioment. We seek candidates with experience in behavioural ecology and field biology preferable with birds. Excellent communication skills and database handling are essential.

This is a full-time position and the salary will be above the normal Hungarian level (up to 1200 EUR, depending on experience). Note that the cost of living in Hungary is substantially less than in the US or in Western Europe. This position is available for 3 years (subject to probation period) with the possibility of extension for the duration of the ELVONAL project (5 years). See further specifications below.

Application deadline is 28 February 2018. The application should include a (1) max two pages cover letter, (2) CV with list of publications, and (3) the name and contact details of three refereespreferably from research, academia or conservation. The applications should be emailed to Ms Emese Kapczar kapczar.emese@science.unideb.hu Interviews will be in early March and the position is available from 1 April 2018. Applications from women and minority candidates are especially welcome.

Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and has a lively university community. The University of Debrecen was established in 1538, and it is one of the prestigious universities in Central Europe The university has over 4000 students – many are from abroad. The Dept. of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology is one of the leading departments in natural sciences Debrecen Airport has connections with some of the main European airports. Debrecen’s surrounding has impressive wildlife and landscape that include Hortobagy National Park, a UNESCO-recognised protected area. See details at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Debrecen http://zoology.unideb.hu/home/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortob%C3%A1gy_National_Park



For further information please contact Ms Emese Kapczar kapczar.emese@science.unideb.hu



Selected publications

Bulla, M. et al. 2016. Defying the 24‐h 1 day: Unexpected diversity in socially synchronized rhythms of shorebirds. Nature 540: 109-1013.

Eberhart-Phillips, L. J. et al. 2017. Adult sex ratio bias in snowy plovers is driven by sex-specific early survival: implications for mating systems and population growth. Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 114: E5474-E5481.

Liker, A., R. P. Freckleton & T. Szekely. 2013. The evolution of sex roles in birds is related to adult sex ratio. Nature Communications 4: 1587.

Rosa, M. E. et al. 2017. The effects of adult sex ratio and density on parental care in Lethrus apterus (Coleoptera, Geotrupidae). Animal Behaviour 132: 181-188.


Vincze, O. et al. 2016. Parental cooperation in a changing climate: fluctuating environments predict shifts in care division. Global Ecology and Biogeography 26: 347-358.





Further specifications of the position

Employer: University of Debrecen, Dept of Evolutionary Zoology & Human Biology, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Egyetem ter 1, Hungary



Job description:

• The Research Assistant will carry out research in shorebird populations included in the ELVONAL project eg Madagascar, China, Russia or South Africa in regards to mating system and parental care

• coordinate practical aspects of research associated with the ELVONAL project: preparations of fieldwork, data collection, field notes, reports, permits, and field equipment and coordinate research with external collaborators

• assist administration associated with the project

• carry out other scientific, academic or practical activities that are deemed necessary for the a success of the project



Requirements:

• BSc or MSc in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, zoology or in any relevant field

• solid knowledge in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology and/or ornithology

• experience in avian field ecology, behavioural ecology or a relevant field

• knowledge of R programming environment and database handling skills

• international field experience in studying wild bird populations, preferably shorebirds

• experience in bird ringing and preferably ringing licence

• valid driving licence

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Postdoc/Scientific coordinator position in ornithology with lots of fieldwork everywhere

Scientific Coordinator/ Post-doc Position

University of Debrecen, Hungary

ELVONAL (cutting edge) – Breeding system evolution in shorebirds

The Hungarian government recently opened up a new funding stream to support cutting edge research across all scientific fields (Nature 551: 425), and our team was one of the 12 winners. This will be a 5-year project focusing on testing key hypotheses of breeding system evolution through the use of genomic, immunological, and demographic approaches. The project focuses on shorebirds (i.e., plovers, sandpipers, and allies) that exhibit an unusual diversity of mating systems and parental care (see references).

This job offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an experienced post-doc who wants to combine fieldwork with cutting-edge evolutionary and behavioural science. The main tasks of the Scientific Coordinator are to carry out and supervise field studies in Madagascar, Cape Verde, Mexico, Russia, and/or China, possibly in other countries. We seek candidates with experience in behavioural ecology and field biology (preferable with birds), and skills in one of the following fields: behavioural analyses, demography, immunology, epidemiology or comparative genomics. Publications in top peer-reviewed journals, excellent communication skills, and database handling are essential.

This is a full-time position and the salary will be above the normal Hungarian level (up to 2000 EUR, depending on experience). Note that the cost of living in Hungary is substantially less than in the US or Western Europe. The position is initially for 3 years (subject to probation period) with the possibility of extension until the lifetime of the ELVONAL project (5 years). See further specifications below.

Application deadline is 28 February 2018. The application should include a (1) max two pages cover letter, (2) CV with list of publications, and (3) the name and contact details of four refereepreferably from research, academia or conservation. The applications should be emailed to Ms. Emese Kapczar (kapczar.emese@science.unideb.hu). Interviews will be in early March and the position is available from 1 April 2018. Applications from women and minority candidates are especially welcome.

Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and has a lively university community. The University of Debrecen was established in 1538, and it is one of the prestigious universities in Central Europe The university has over 4000 students – many are from abroad. The Dept. of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology is one of the leading departments in natural sciences Debrecen Airport has connections with some of the main European airports. Debrecen’s surrounding has impressive wildlife and landscape that include Hortobagy National Park, a UNESCO-recognised protected area. See details at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Debrecen http://zoology.unideb.hu/home/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortob%C3%A1gy_National_Park



For further information please contact Ms Emese Kapczar kapczar.emese@science.unideb.hu



Selected publications

Bulla, M. et al. 2016. Defying the 24‐h 1 day: Unexpected diversity in socially synchronized rhythms of shorebirds. Nature 540: 109-1013.

Eberhart-Phillips, L. J. et al. 2017. Adult sex ratio bias in snowy plovers is driven by sex-specific early survival: implications for mating systems and population growth. Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 114: E5474-E5481.

Liker, A., R. P. Freckleton & T. Szekely. 2013. The evolution of sex roles in birds is related to adult sex ratio. Nature Communications 4: 1587.

Rosa, M. E. et al. 2017. The effects of adult sex ratio and density on parental care in Lethrus apterus (Coleoptera, Geotrupidae). Animal Behaviour 132: 181-188.

Vincze, O. et al. 2016. Parental cooperation in a changing climate: fluctuating environments predict shifts in care division. Global Ecology and Biogeography 26: 347-358.



Further specifications of the position

Employer: University of Debrecen, Dept. of Evolutionary Zoology & Human Biology, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Egyetem ter 1, Hungary



Job description:

• The scientific coordinator/post-doc will carry out research in shorebird populations included in the ELVONAL project (e.g., Madagascar, China, Russia, and South Africa) in regards to mating system and parental care

• coordinate research associated with the ELVONAL project: supervise PhD students and research assictants, and coordinate research with external collaborators

• coordinate sampling, behavioural recording, data analyses, and preparations of manuscripts for publication

• present the results at conferences and research seminars, and promote the results of the ELVONAL project

• assist administration associated with the project

• carry out other scientific and/or academic activities that are deemed necessary for the success of the project



Requirements:

• PhD in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, zoology, or relevant field of life sciences

• solid knowledge of evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, and/or ornithology

• experience carrying out or supervising large-scale research projects

• at least 2 years post-doctoral experience in avian field ecology, behavioural ecology or a relevant field

• skills in statistical modelling (e.g., mixed-effects regression, mark-recapture analysis, population matrix modelling)

• at least 10 published (or accepted) research papers in peer-reviewed journals

• advanced knowledge of R programming, database management, and data wrangling

• international field experience studying wild populations (preferably birds)

• experience in bird ringing and preferably ringing licence


• valid driving licence

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Workshop in sex-role evolution (Hungary)

WORKSHOP INVITATION

SEX-ROLE EVOLUTION: INTEGRATING NEURAL, BEHAVIOURAL AND PHYLOGENETIC APPROACHES

We are glad to invite you to our Workshop that will take place between 6th April 2017 and 9th April 2017 in Tihany, Hungary. The event will start with wine-tasting on Thursday 6 April, will include 2 full days for research talks by top scientists, post-docs and students, and an optional excursion on Sunday to a hot spa (Heviz) and/or the historic Festetics Palace in Keszthely.

Theoretical, experimental, phylogenetic, demographic and neuro-genomic studies of sexual selection, mating systems, pair-bonding, parenting and reproductive behaviours are rapidly advancing. The objectives of the workshop are to overview recent developments in sex roles and associated behaviours, and allow scientists and students to develop new ideas. The Workshop will take place at the guesthouse of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences at Lake Balaton. The guesthouse offers a great venue for up to 60 participants, see www.blki.hu/vendeghaz/index_en.html

Balaton is a major tourist destination in Central Europe (see http://balaton.gotohungary.com/), and the Workshop will be before the peak tourist season; so we’ll have all the scenery, folklore and tradition without the crowd. Balaton is one of the best wine-growing regions in Hungary famous for white wines including the Szurkebarat and Juhfark.

The Workshop will focus on three main themes:

(i) behavioural variations in sex roles and their ecological and demographic causes,

(ii) phylogenetic analyses of sex role variations, and

(iii) neuro-genomic regulation of sex roles.

In each theme there will be seminars by invited speakers and contributions by young scientists, post-docs and PhD students. We will also discuss the future of sex role research: what are the outstanding questions, what techniques will need to be developed, and how should the field as such develop. The combination of different research skills and variety of model organisms will provide outstanding opportunities to synthesize major research directions.

Confirmed invited speakers include:



1. Variations in sex roles


Professor Franjo Weissing

University of Groningen, Groningen


Dr Franziska Lemmel-Schadelin

University of Veterinarian Medicine, Vienna


Dr Lutz Fromhage

University of Jyvaskyla, Jyveskyla


Professor Wolfgang Goymann

Max Planck Institute, Radolfzell


Professor Jan Komdeur

University of Groningen, Groningen



2. Phylogenetic approach to sex roles


Dr Laszlo Garamszegi

Donana Biological Station, Sevilla


Dr Elina Immonen

University of Uppsala, Uppsala


Professor Jean-Michael Gaillard

CNRS-University of Lyon, Lyon


Dr Veronika Bokony

Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest



3. Neuro-genomic regularion of sex roles


Dr Dora Zelena

Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest


Dr Araxi Urrutia

University of Bath, Bath


Dr Clemens Kupper

Max Planck Institute, Seewiesen


Professor Hans Hofmann

University of Texas, Austin


Registration fee that includes the welcome wine-tasting on Thursday and the farewell dinner on Saturday will be 80 EUR for students and 125 EUR for non-students. Accommodation will be around 25 EUR per night in shared rooms, and 30-40 EUR per night in single rooms or apartments. Lunch and dinner will be around 10-15 EUR per meal.

Spaces are limited to 60 and we will give priority to students offering a talk. This will be an excellent training opportunity for young scientists, and we encourage senior scientists to bring along their students and post-docs. We recommend registering early, since spaces will rapidly fill up.

Application deadline: Friday, 17 February 2017. Registration will be available soon on the workshop website. For scientific details feel free contacting one of the organisers. For administrative questions and further information on the venue, please, contact Bea Golovanova, CongressLine Ltd. Address: Revay koz 2, H-1065 Budapest, Hungary. Phone: + 36 1 429 0146. E-mail: golob@congressline.hu

This will be a family-friendly event so do consider bringing along your family. CongressLine Ltd will be glad to accommodate individual requests so that you’ll benefit from the off-season prices around Balaton.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,



Prof Arpad Dobolyi, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, dobolyia@caesar.elte.hu, dobolyi.arpad@med.semmelweis-univ.hu

Prof Andras Liker, University of Pannonia, andras.liker@gmail.com

Prof Tamas Szekely, University of Bath, T.Szekely@bath.ac.uk

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