Haz la tesis en Bélgica estudiando el comportamiento de lagartijas isleñas

*** PhD position in the field of Evolutionary Ecology and Animal Behaviour at the Functional Morphology Lab, University of Antwerp, Belgium ***

//*Project:*//

—The Evolution of Cognition and Personality in Island Lizards-

In this project we will compare aspects of cognition and personality
of mainland and island lizards, Podarcis siculus. Islands differ
considerably from mainland habitats in a series of biotic and abiotic
factors, and organisms often respond to this variation with striking
phenotypic change. Because populations on different islands evolve
independently, archipelagos offer unique opportunities for testing ideas
concerning phenotypic plasticity and genetic evolution. The effects
of insularisation on the morphology and life history of organisms
have been studied extensively in many species. Changes in cognition
and behavioural syndromes have received far less attention. Yet, such
changes seem plausible; as islands typically harbour less predators,
competitors and prey, we expect adjustments of cognitive capacity
(high-low intelligence), cognitive style (speed-accuracy), and personality
(fast-slow). By measuring these variables in individuals of several
mainland and island populations, and by raising individuals with varied
provenance in common garden set-ups, we hope to acquire insight into
the plasticity and evolutionary flexibility of cognition and personality.

//*Profile of the candidate:*//

- You hold a master degree in Biology.
- You can submit outstanding academic results (Students in the final
year of their degree can also apply.)
- Non-Belgian candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the
university’s policy.
- You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
- You have a strong background and interest in ecology and
evolutionary biology.
- You are acquainted with techniques for quantifying and analysing
animal behaviour and morphology.
- You are willing to carry out fieldwork abroad.

//*We offer:*//

- a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, with the possibility
of renewal for a further two-year period following a positive
evaluation; the starting date of the scholarship will be between
October 1st 2019 and October 1st 2020;
- a gross monthly grant ranging from 2.373,36EUR to 2.516,73EUR;
- a dynamic and stimulating work environment.

//*How to apply:*//

- Applications may only be submitted online, until the closing date
August 11th 2019 and should include a copy of your CV and a covering
letter of motivation.
- A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications.
The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position
and will be determined by the selection panel.
- The interviews of the candidates, preselected by a selection panel,
will take place between August 20th and September 12th 2019.
- More information about the online application form can be obtained
from vacatures[at]uantwerpen.be:
https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/jobs/vacancies/ap/2019bapdocproex219/
- For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please
contact Prof. Raoul Van Damme, raoul.vandamme[at]uantwerp.be, ++032 3
265 22 81.

//*About the Functional Morphology Lab:*//

In FunMorph, we investigate how complex organismal systems function
and evolve. Our focus is on systems that are integrated (-require
the integrated functioning of many bodily parts) and ecologically
relevant (-affect the individual’s chances for survival and
reproduction). Examples of functions under study include: locomotion,
feeding, fighting, communication, and thermoregulation. Some of
our projects take a mechanistic approach. We try to understand how
organismal systems work: precisely how body parts (primarily of the
movement apparatus) and processes interact to allow the individual
animal to move, eat, fight, communicate etcetera. Most of these
studies are lab-based and employ techniques such as RX-imaging,
micro-CT-scanning, EMG, 3D-reconstruction, high speed filming,
biomechanical modelling, kinematics, computational fluid dynamics and
finite element modelling. Other projects take an evolutionary approach:
here we try to examine if and how natural and sexual selection have
shaped organismal functions. This approach requires analyses in the lab
and in the field, including the measurement of whole-animal performance,
of selection gradients, parentage assessment, behavioural observations,
comparative analyses, etcetera. Vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles,
mammals) have traditionally been the main stars of our research, but
occasionally other groups have crept into sight.

Visit our website: https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/funmorph/