PhD Position in Evolutionary Ecology, University of Zurich, Switzerland

A fully-funded 3-year PhD position is available in Barbara Tschirren’s group at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, to work on the genetic and epigenetic basis of maternal investment in birds.
In this project, we will establish breeding lines with Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) and use molecular techniques to tackle the genetic basis of maternal investment. Furthermore, by manipulating environmental conditions experienced by mothers before reproduction, we will measure long-term consequences of environmental maternal effects on the reproductive investment of the subsequent generations (i.e. daughters and grand-daughters). The studies on captive quails will be complemented by work on wild-living passerines that takes place in our group. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
The ideal candidate for this project is fascinated by evolutionary questions, highly motivated, independent and creative. She / he has a background in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, (epi-)genetics or animal breeding (or a related field). Previous experience with molecular techniques, experimental design, and / or statistics is a plus. A MSc (or equivalent) in Biology is required. The starting date is January 1 2012.
The successful applicant will be based at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies of the University of Zurich, providing ample opportunities for collaborations and interactions with researchers working in related and complementary fields (http://www.ieu.uzh.ch/index.html). The research groups are very international and the working language is English.
Applications should include 1) a cover letter outlining your motivation to work on this project as well as relevant experience, 2) a detailed curriculum vitae, 3) copies of academic qualifications, 4) the contact details of two academic referees, and 5) a 1-page description of your MSc project. Send the above as a single .pdf file to barbara.tschirren@ieu.uzh.ch

Review of applications will start on August 1 2011, but candidates will be considered until the position is filled. For more information, feel free to contact me!

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Barbara Tschirren, PhD
Assistant professor SNF
Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
University of Zurich
Winterthurerstrasse 190
8057 Zurich – Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 635 47 77
Fax: +41 44 635 68 18
Email: barbara.tschirren@ieu.uzh.ch
http://www.ieu.uzh.ch/staff/professors/tschirren.html