PhD position in genomics and behaviour at the University of Cyprus

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We have an opportunity for a PhD student to work on two projects in Alex Kirschel’s lab at the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cyprus. 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.

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Both projects focus on the tinkerbird study system from continental Africa, which we have been researching for over 20 years. For more information on our projects and research performed so far, please visit tinkerbirds.com. 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, and transcriptomics, and associating patterns of plumage coloration across the African continent. 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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Location: The position is based at the University of Cyprus, in Nicosia.

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How to apply:

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Applications for this position are due by 30th May 2025 on the University of Cyprus postgraduate application portal:

https://applications.ucy.ac.cy/postgraduate_appl/MNG_USER_en.login_frm

 

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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Postdoctoral position in genomics and behaviour at the University of Cyprus

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We are also looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join us on the above project, starting ideally in October 2025. 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.