The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) in Berlin
is Germany’s premier wildlife research institute and funded by the
federal government of Germany and the state government of Berlin. The
IZW focuses on the life histories and mechanisms of evolutionary
adaptations of mammals and birds and their conservation in natural and
anthropogenically influenced environments. The institute operates within
the fields of evolutionary ecology and genetics, wildlife diseases and
reproduction biology and management, has excellent facilities and is
currently expanding its research programme (http://www.izw-berlin.de).
The institute has received funding for a major network project on
“olfactory mate choice - immune system, olfactory receptors and their
adaptive value” under the leadership of Prof Dr Simone Sommer. Olfaction
plays a central role for mate choice in mammals, but there is a lack
of understanding of the underlying proximate and ultimate aspects of
olfactory signal evolution. Recent studies highlighted the importance of
the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) for female choice which raises
the question how volatiles, olfactory receptors and the MHC co-evolved in
mammalian mating systems. The overall project will use a broad genomic
and immunological approach to analyse this question, thereby combining
state-of-the-art transcriptome analyses with detailed immunological
studies and extensive field work in long-term projects on two species with
contrasting social and mating systems, the greater sac-winged bat in Costa
Rica and the spotted hyena in Tanzania. The network consists of the IZW
(olfactory mate choice, Prof Dr Simone Sommer, PD Dr Christian Voigt,
Dr Marion East, Prof Dr Heribert Hofer), the Leibniz Institute for Age
Research in Jena (transcriptome analysis, PD Dr Matthias Platzer),
the Charité in Berlin (immunogenetics, Prof Dr Andreas Ziegler,
Dr. Barbara Uchanska-Ziegler) and the University of Geneva, Switzerland
(olfactory receptor genes, Prof Dr Michel Milinkovitch). Currently we
seek applications for
1 Postdoc: evolutionary immune genetics of mate choice (ref: 13/2009)
The postdoc will co-ordinate the network, study the MHC of both study
species and co-ordinate lab and field work in Berlin. The successful
candidate will have a PhD in evolutionary genetics, zoology or related
disciplines, a strong background in behavioural ecology, genetics and
evolution, excellent knowledge of statistics, organisational skills, and
a strong publication record. Experience in evolutionary immune genetics,
particularly MHC, olfaction, and mammalian mating systems will be an
advantage.
1 Phd: mate choice and olfaction in bats (ref: 14/2009)
This project will focus on mate choice mechanisms in the harem-polygynous
social system of the greater sac-winged bat (Saccopteryx bilineata) by
combining behavioural, immunological and genetic work. In colonies of
Saccopteryx bilineata territorial males each defend a group of females,
despite their incapability to monopolise the reproductive success
with harem females. During courtship, males display scent compounds
from pouches in their wing membranes in front of females and females
probably base their mate choice decision mostly on volatiles. Field
work will include odour collection, tissue collection and behavioural
observations including choice experiments. Laboratory work includes
chemical, immunological and/or genetic work. The successful candidate
will have a diploma or MSc in Biology, Zoology or related disciplines,
a strong background in behavioural ecology, genetics and evolution,
above average achievements in undergraduate studies, excellent knowledge
of statistics, organisational skills, ability to work under difficult
conditions in a team and profound knowledge of English (speaking and
writing). Experience in field work, immunological or molecular genetic
lab work and knowledge of Spanish will be an advantage.
1 Phd: mate choice and olfaction in spotted hyenas (ref: 15/2009)
This project will integrate genetic, chemical and behavioural aspects
of olfaction to investigate the importance of olfactory cues in mate
choice in the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta); a social carnivore that
exhibits strong female mate choice. The candidate will conduct field
work for approximately six months per year on a well studied population
of individually known spotted hyenas in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Field
work will entail both the collection of detailed behaviour data and odour
and genetic samples from known individuals. Laboratory work will involve
olfactory analyses, immunological and/or genetic work. The successful
candidate will have a diploma or MSc in Biology, Zoology or related
disciplines, require experience of behavioural research, above average
achievements in undergraduate studies, excellent knowledge of statistics,
organisational skills, a proven ability in the lab, a driving licence,
good spoken and written English, and an ability to work independently
in challenging field situations in Africa.
For an introduction to the publications of the participating groups see:
the role of MHC in mate choice - Sommer (2005) Frontiers in Zool; Ziegler
et al (2005) Trends Immunol; Schwensow et al (2008) Proc R Soc Lond B;
Schwensow et al (2008) Evol Ecol; spotted hyenas - East et al (2001)
PNAS; East et al (2003) Proc Roy Soc Lond B; Höner et al (2007) Nature;
Burgener et al (2009) Anim Behav; bats - Voigt & von Helversen (1998)
Behav Ecol Sociobiol; Nagy et al. (2007) Proc R Soc Lond B; Voigt et al
(2008) J Mammal; Caspers et al. (2009) Behav Ecol Sociobiol.
All positions are limited to three years - starting dates are at the
earliest on 1st September 2009. The IZW is determined to increase the
proportion of women in successful scientific careers and particularly
encourages female scientists to apply. For further information please
contact Prof Dr Simone Sommer (immune genetics, +49-30-5168-315,
sommer[at]izw-berlin.de), PD Dr Christian Voigt (bats, +49-30-5168-517,
voigt[at]izw-berlin.de), Dr Marion East or Prof Dr Heribert Hofer (hyenas,
+49-30-5168-512, east[at] izw-berlin.de). Candidates should submit an
electronic application with a letter clearly indicating which position
they apply for, explain their interests in it and particular skills
for it, enclose a CV, a summary of their PhD thesis (postdoc position),
Diploma or Master Thesis (PhD positions), copies of relevant degrees,
two letters of recommendation and publication list (if available)
preferentially before 15 July 2009 (PhD positions) and 15 August 2009
(Postdoc position). We will consider applications until the position is
filled and expect to hold an initial round of PhD candidate interviews on
Friday 24 July 2009. Applications should be sent to the Leibniz-Institut
für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung im Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V.,
Stephanie Vollberg, vollberg[at]izw-berlin.de, Postfach 60 11 03, D-10252
Berlin, Germany.
Prof Dr Simone Sommer
Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo- and Wildlife Research
& Evolutionary Ecology, University of Potsdam
Leibniz-Institute for Zoo- and Wildlife Research (IZW)
Alfred-Kowalke Str. 17
D-10315 Berlin
Tel. +49 30 5168 315
Fax +49 30 5126 104
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