Postdoc Position: Evolution and genetics of brains and behaviour in Heliconius butterflies

We invite applications for an ERC funded postdoctoral research position to study divergence in brains and behaviour in Heliconius butterflies with Dr Richard Merrill’s research group at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich. The project will run in close collaboration with Dr Stephen Montgomery at the University of Bristol, with project partners at Universidad Regional Amazónica (Ecuador) and Universidad del Rosario (Colombia). The position is funded by an ERC starting grant awarded to Dr Merrill, and is initially available for 2 years, with a further 2 years of funding available dependent on progress and interests. The position would be available at the earliest from February 2020.

The postdoc will focus on the evolution and genetic basis of differences in neuroanatomy and associated behaviours between divergent Heliconius taxa. The major aims of the position are to:

a) develop and execute assays of olfactory and visual sensitivity and integration using behavioural experiments,
b) quantify heritable variation in neuroanatomy between populations,
c) determine the behavioural effects of intermediate traits in interspecific hybrids.

The postdoc will also determine whether divergent behavioural and neuroanatomical phenotypes are functionally linked by assaying interspecific hybrids. By combining these data with genomic techniques the researcher will then investigate the genetic basis of shifts in brain and behaviour. The successful candidate will be required to spend substantial periods in the tropics (predominantly Ecuador), which will require excellent project management skills and considerable self-motivation.

Applicants should have a PhD, completed or completion imminent, in evolutionary biology/genetics, sensory biology, neuroethology, animal behaviour, or a related field. Experience of managing animal stocks and conducting behavioural analyses in insects would be desirable. Candidates are expected to work collaboratively, within the group and across the community more generally, and to take an active role in the supervision of students and management of insectaries. Enthusiasm, determination and the capacity to work independently are essential.

LMU is recognized among Europe’s premier academic and research institutions, being consistently ranked among the top Universities worldwide. Within the Division of Evolutionary Biology (http://www.evol.bio.lmu.de), the postdoctoral researcher will be part of vibrant international communities of scientists. In addition, the researcher will join a collaborative and driven community of Heliconius biologists. The working language of the lab and the Division of Evolutionary Biology is English.

Further information can be found at (https://richmerrill.wordpress.com), and questions should be directed to Richard Merrill (merrill@bio.lmu.de). Applications, made up of a single pdf (file name = candidates surname), should include a current CV, letter of motivation and names and contact details of two referees. Please send applications by email (subject: ‘Brain postdoc’) to Richard Merrill (merrill@bio.lmu.de) before the deadline of 30 November 2019.

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