Oferta de doctorado en Suiza sobre comportamiento animal y genética

PhD position (3 years) in animal behaviour and behavioural genetics

At the Division of Animal Welfare, University of Bern, Switzerland, we are seeking a PhD student who is eager to investigate causes of variation in animal research. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF); its ultimate goal is to develop experimental designs for improving the external validity and reproducibility of animal research. The successful candidate will work in a small team together with faculty, two postdocs, and a lab technician and will participate in the training and mentoring of undergraduate students.

The PhD project will include single and multi-laboratory studies using laboratory mice to investigate how different sources of biological variation affect variation within and between studies, and to test whether systematic heterogenization of study populations improves the external validity and reproducibility of animal research. Outcome variables will include behavioural, physiological, and epigenetic measures.

Candidates need a University degree in biology or biomedical sciences. Since the project involves multiple approaches covering a diverse array of techniques, students with various skill sets are encouraged to apply. A background in animal behaviour or behavioural genetics will be essential. Experience in working with laboratory rodents and familiarity with rodent behavioural testing, as well as sound knowledge in experimental design and statistics are desirable. Some wet-lab experience will be beneficial.

Proficiency in German language is not required but a willingness to learn basic German will facilitate living in Bern and positively affect social life. We offer an attractive academic environment, opportunities to develop the own academic career, a 3-year contract, and a competitive salary based on the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) scheme.

Please send your application letter together with a motivation statement, your CV, copies of relevant study certificates, and contact details of one or two reference persons (reference letters are not required at this stage) in a single pdf-file to: hanno.wuerbel@vetsuisse.unibe.ch.

The deadline for application is June 20, 2018. The intended project start is September 2018 (negotiable). Please indicate your preferred and earliest possible start date in the application letter. For informal enquiries, please contact Prof. Hanno Würbel: hanno.wuerbel@vetsuisse.unibe.ch.