Fully funded PhD position at the LEEC/USPN on "Paternities and spatial kinship structure in a population of South African bush Karoo rats"
Location
- Main location: Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée (LEEC), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord (Campus Villetaneuse), France
- Field work: Succulent Karoo Research Station, South Africa
Organization
Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée (LEEC), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
Contract Type
- Fully funded PhD position
- 3-year duration
- Start date: Between April and July 2025
Main Description The PhD project focuses on studying paternities and spatial kinship structure in a population of South African bush Karoo rats (Otomys unisulcatus). The research will investigate:
- Seasonal and sex differences in spacing behavior
- Male dispersal patterns and their drivers
- How spatial distribution of paternities affects relatedness among and within matrilines
- Population genetics or behavioral ecology (third chapter to be defined based on student preferences)
The candidate will:
- Collect field data on male bush Karoo rat spacing behavior in South Africa
- Analyze existing long-term dataset in France
- Work with individual-based information on life histories
- Conduct genetic analysis of tissue samples
- Apply multilevel statistical modeling
Requirements Essential:
- Master's degree in behavioral sciences (ethology, behavioral ecology) or related field
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Capability to handle wild small mammals
- Good English communication skills (minimum B2 level)
Desirable:
- Experience in animal field studies
- Background in molecular techniques
- Knowledge of applied statistics (preferably R)
- Database management skills (Excel)
- French language proficiency not required
Benefits/Conditions
- Fully funded position
- Training and supervision in all applied methods
- Work as part of an international research team
- Access to fully-equipped genetics lab
- Opportunity for field work in South Africa
How to Apply
- Submit CV and motivation letter in a single PDF file
- Include names and contact details of two references in the CV
- Send application to: rodel@univ-paris13.fr
- Deadline: March 15, 2025
- Later applications may be considered until position is filled
Supervision Team
- Director: Dr. Heiko G. Rödel, Professor
- Co-supervisor: Dr. Chantal Poteaux, Associate Professor
- Collaborators: Dr. Carsten Schradin (Research Director) and Dr. Lindelani Makuya (Post-doctoral researcher)
For more information:
- LEEC website: http://leec.univ-paris13.fr
- Field station website: https://www.stripedmouse.com
