Intraspecific variation in fish movement, belgium

Job (4 year PhD position): intraspecific variation in fish movement
behaviour



A 4 year PhD position for a biologist, specialised in behavioural and/or
molecular ecology, is immediately vacant at the research group of Prof.
Marcel Eens (Laboratory of Ethology, University of Antwerp, Belgium) to
study "intraspecific variation in the movement behaviour of small
benthic fish species: integrating behavioural, ecological,
endocrinological and molecular data".



The aim of this project is to address gaps in our understanding of
intraspecific variation in animal behaviour, especially the movement
behaviour of small benthic freshwater fish species (e.g. Cottus gobio).
To achieve this, the successful candidate will integrate two
closely-linked research components: (1) describing the movement of
benthic fish using both direct and indirect methods and (2) experimental
investigation of the importance of both extrinsic and intrinsic
variables for benthic movement behaviour. Besides abiotic and biotic
variables, also behavioural (personality traits), endocrinological
(hormones) and molecular (relatedness, gene expression) variables and
mechanisms will be investigated. The project is supervised by Prof.
Marcel Eens and Dr. Guy Knaepkens and is also in cooperation with the
research group of Prof. Filip Volckaert (Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology,
Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium).



Candidates should have a strong background in behavioural ecology,
endocrinology, population genetics and/or molecular ecology.
Furthermore, they are required to have research experience in basic
behavioural, ecological and/or molecular techniques (e.g. animal
tagging, telemetry, electrofishing, genotyping, qPCR, 2D-DIGE,...).
Finally, experience in field and/or laboratory based experimental
research is strongly recommended. The candidate is also expected to
apply for national fellowships (FWO, IWT).



To apply, please e-mail a letter of motivation and C.V. (including
scientific background and study results) to Prof. Marcel Eens
(marcel.eens@ua.ac.be) by 20 August 2007.



Contact:

Prof. Dr. Marcel Eens

University of Antwerp

Campus Drie Eiken / Department Biology - Ethology

Building C - Room 1.26

Universiteitsplein 1

B - 2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk) - Belgium

Tel. : +32 3 820.22.84 - Fax : +32 3 820.22.71

E-mail: marcel.eens@ua.ac.be <mailto:marcel.eens@ua.ac.be>