Animal personality (i.e. consistent individual behavioural responses),
has recently received considerable research attention. Despite this,
fundamental questions remain unanswered, such as why variation in
personality arises, and how polymorphism is maintained?
The postdoc will have access to existing data on brain physiology, and
gene expression exploring the role of the brain monoaminergic systems
(i.e. serotonin and dopamine) underlying variation in personality. The
stickleback is a particularly suitable species to investigate personality
because of the potential to combine existing understanding of behaviour,
physiology and genetics, with the application of a strong experimental
design. However, the topic of the project is relatively flexible
and can be tailored to fit the skills and interests of the successful
candidate. The project is in collaboration with Professor Svante Winberg
(Uppsala University).
Requirements:
The successful applicant will be a highly motivated and well-merited
candidate with a PhD and potentially also postdoc experience
in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, neurobiology or
similar. Research experience in experimental animal behaviour, good
statistical knowledge and analytical ability are merits, as is strong
experience in scientific writing. Very good knowledge of written and
oral English is required. Both good cooperation skills and the ability
to work independently are emphasised. Experience of fish as model is
also beneficial.
What we offer:
Linköping University is a modern university with a vibrant and growing
biology division. A major research focus at the biology division is animal
behaviour, including behavioural genetics and genomics. Linköping is
located in central Sweden, only a couple of hours from several other
university cities, such as Stockholm, Uppsala and Lund.
Opportunities to gain experience in the supervision of students and
other teaching is possible, but not required.
Start date:
Suggested starting date is 1st of June 2016, but this is flexible.
Funding:
According to present rates at the university, postdoc stipends (where
no tax will be deduced) are 25 000 SEK per month. The stipend does not
give entitlement to sickness benefit, parental allowance, holiday pay or
pension. Funding is so far secured for the start up of the project and
50% of the stipend for a period of 2 years. The suitable candidate will
apply together with Dr Løvlie for the remaining funding, with suitable
opportunities available already from 15/4.
Application procedure:
The application should include a 1-2 page cover letter describing your
research experience and interests, and your interest in the project,
and a full CV (including name and contact details of 2 references who
are willing to provide letters of support). The application should be
sent as a single PDF to hanne.lovlie@liu.se. The position is open until
filled, and applications will be reviewed continuously, but for full
consideration please apply before 31st of March 2016.
Contact:
Associate professor Hanne Løvlie (hanne.lovlie@liu.se), tel +46 (0)
13-286681. https://www.liu.se/forskning/foass/hanne-lovlie?l=en&sc=true
Hanne Løvlie, Associate professor
IFM Biology
AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology Group
Linköping University
58183 Linköping
SWEDEN
http://www.liu.se/forskning/foass/hanne-lovlie?l=en
