2 PhD in migration ecology | Switzerland

[Michael Schaub]

We are seeking two highly motivated PhD students to join our research team at the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach, Switzerland. The PhD projects are embedded in the Swiss National Science Foundation funded project “Towards a comprehensive understanding of the annual cycle in long-distance migrants: individual migration strategies and their population-level consequences”.

PhD project 1: Variability in migration routes and timing within the annual cycle.
This project aims at identifying migration routes and timing, their environmental determinants and at revealing individual differences in migration behaviour. We will combine information obtained from geolocators with predictions from dynamic migration models such that we yield a mechanistic understanding of migration.

PhD project 2: Consequences of individual migration strategies on population dynamics.
In this project, we will investigate how an individual’s migration strategy affects fitness components. In particular, we will consider several aspects of breeding behaviour and reproductive success and relate them to the migration behaviour. We will integrate these findings on the individual level to population dynamics using integrated population models.

As the major part of both projects is theoretical, the ideal candidates have a strong background and previous experience in theoretical ecology, migration and population ecology and can work both independently and as part of a team. Proficiency of a programming language such as R, WinBUGS or C++ would be an advantage. Both projects also include some field work, e.g. monitoring nest boxes, ringing, equipping individuals with and retrieving geolocators. A driving license is compulsory.

Further information on project 1 can be obtained from Silke Bauer (Silke.Bauer@vogelwarte.ch) and on project 2 from Michael Schaub (Michael.Schaub@vogelwarte.ch).

The positions are for three years with an intended starting date in January 2012. Salary is according to rules of the Swiss Science Foundation and approx. 3400 CHF per month (pre-tax) in the first year.

Applications should be submitted to Silke Bauer (Silke.Bauer@vogelwarte.ch), Swiss Ornithological Institute, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland, before 15 November 2011 and include a letter of motivation detailing research interests and experiences, stating the position applied for, a current CV and contact information of three academic referees. Interviews will tentatively take place early December 2011.