Postdoctoral position to join the tinkerbird team at the University of Cyprus!

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We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join us and on the INTEGUMENTARY and ROBOTINK projects, starting in Spring 2026. The focus could be on any aspect of the two projects, including genomics and transcriptomics, epigenetics, metabarcoding, and/or ecology, animal behaviour, bioacoustics and fieldwork. Please get in touch to discuss further, including for salary and contract duration information.

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The INTEGUMENTARY project “Integration of the environment and genomics to understand the mechanism ensemble underpinning transcontinental avian reds and yellows” is in collaboration with Dr Evelina Charidemou at University of Nicosia, Professor Bridgett vonHoldt at Princeton University, Dr Matteo Sebastianelli at Uppsala University and Dr Reto Burri’s group at the Swiss Ornithological Institute. The ROBOTINK project “Robotic experiments to test genomic combinations for rhythm and feather colour in tinkerbird preference” involves a collaboration with Odysseas Economides, a local robotics expert and his colleagues at HardwareX, as well as Bridgett vonHoldt and Matteo Sebastianelli. See the latest update on the Research Projects page!

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Both projects focus on the tinkerbird study system from continental Africa, which we have been researching for over 20 years. We are keen to hear from applicants from a variety of backgrounds. You might be interested in focusing on factors affecting carotenoid-based feather colour, involving genomics, metabarcoding, epigenetics, physiology, and transcriptomics, and associating patterns of plumage coloration across the African continent, involving landscape scale patterns and analyses. Or you might like to investigate the perceptual importance of plumage and song variation in hybrid zones using robotic tinkerbird models.

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There is fieldwork planned from May 2026 in Uganda and November/December 2026 in South Africa and Eswatini, which would also involve tracking birds using radio telemetry and finding nests.

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Location: The position is based at the University of Cyprus, in Nicosia, fieldwork in Africa is optional, depending on skills and experience. The position is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

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How to apply:

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Applications for this position are due by 31st March 2026.

 

Applications and informal enquiries should be sent by email to:

Associate Professor Alexander Kirschel

Behavioural Ecology and Evolution Lab

Department of Biological Sciences

University of Cyprus

kirschel@ucy.ac.cy

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