Two postdocs in marine visual ecology

The Animal Evolutionary Ecology unit studies the evolution of mechanisms used by marine fish
to modify ambient light by fluorescence or reflective structures. We study the adaptive function
and underlying mechanisms of these processes using state-of-the-art spectrometry. Our focus is
on co-evolutionary interactions between light-radiating fish species and the optical properties of
their prey and predators as well as counter-adaptations in the latter. We have >150 saltwater
tanks in 4 rooms with controlled light conditions for individual performance assessment in
dedicated tasks.

The successful candidate has a PhD in any or all of the following: Visual ecology, comparative
analyses, theoretical and empirical analysis of light in natural environments, animal
pigmentation, colour vision, bio-optics or neuroanatomy. A good background in statistics and
experimental design is required. She/he is expected to develop a high-profile research
programme, teach in marine/visual ecology and supervise students at the BSc, MSc and PhD
level (120 h/year). Teaching is in English. Experience with diving is an asset.

Formal employment procedures will be carried out by the University’s Central Administration.
The position is fulltime and limited to three years, with optional prolongation. The pay grade
classification E13 refers to the German federal public service scale (TV-L).

Disabled candidates will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants. The
University seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore urges
qualified women to apply.

Please send a single PDF to office.michiels@biologie.uni-tuebingen.de including a motivation
letter as well as a full CV. Please include details on research interests and accomplishments,
teaching experience, external funding plus names and email addresses of at least two referees.
Screening will commence on 15 May 2015, and will continue until suitable candidates have been
identified. Earliest appointment is 1 July 2015.

Prof. Dr. N. Michiels, University of Tübingen, Department of Biology, Institute of Evolution and
Ecology, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany (nico.michiels@uni-tuebingen.de).
Faculty of Science
Department of Biology
Institute of Evolution and Ecology
Animal Evolutionary Ecology