Postdoctoral fellow

The ‘Centre for Research on Ecology, Cognition, and Behaviour of Birds (EcoBird’) at Ghent University is looking for two Postdoctoral fellows in the context of international academic mobility

The newly established Centre for Research on Ecology, Cognition, and Behaviour of Birds (EcoBird) at Ghent University is dedicated to advancing our understanding of avian life by integrating the disciplines of ecology, cognitive psychology, and behavioural biology. Our research spans diverse ecosystems, from the dense foliage of tropical forests to the dynamic environments of urban areas, focusing on how birds adapt, survive, and flourish across different habitats. Employing a combination of advanced tracking technologies, field studies, lab experiments, neurobiologiocal analyses, and theoretical modelling, we aim not only to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge but also to tackle pressing environmental issues impacting bird populations globally. EcoBird values collaboration with external non-academic entities and NGOs to amplify the impact of our research.

YOUR JOB
As part of our commitment to international academic mobility, EcoBird invites applications for two postdoctoral researcher positions. We are especially interested in researchers with a background in avian cognition (in the lab or the wild) and/or movement ecology. This position is ideal for individuals who wish to advance their research career in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities:
The selected candidates will primarily contribute to one or more of our ongoing research ECoBird projects. Examples of such projects include

• the neurocognitive mechanisms that support flexible behaviour in the laboratory and in the wild
• the development of such mechanisms and associated behaviours in different pre- and post-natal environments (e.g. the effects of social interactions, maternal diet or pollutants)
• the (fitness) consequences of individual differences in cognition and behaviour (e.g. using large-scale tracking), also in the context of animal welfare and conservation.

For these projects, we work mainly with Galliformes (chickens, quails) and Laridae (herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls), but there may be opportunities to work with other species through collaborations with our research partners (e.g. waxbills or vultures).

Other responsibilities:

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team within EcoBird and engage with external partners, including non-academic stakeholders and NGOs.
• Contribute to the development and execution of research projects, including the design of experiments and the publication of findings in scientific journals.
• Participate in ECoBird's academic activities, including seminars, workshops, and conferences, to disseminate research outcomes, and foster scholarly exchange.
• Contribute to the supervision of student research projects (at BA, MSc and PhD level) and potentially delivering guest lectures on topics related to the ongoing research.

JOB PROFILE:

• You have a strong background in animal cognition, comparative psychology, behavioral biology, or movement ecology.
• You hold a doctoral degree or a diploma or certificate recognized as equivalent by law or in application of the guidelines of the European Union or a bilateral agreement.
• In exceptional circumstances and based on detailed scientific justification, researchers who do not hold such a degree may also be considered, provided they have demonstrated exceptional scientific merit.
• Exceptional scientific merit is defined as having excelled in scientific research and publications at a level at least equivalent to a doctoral degree.
• The grant can only be awarded within the framework of international scientific mobility. This is the case if:
  
  • the researcher has resided abroad for at least 24 months out of the 3 years prior to the start date of the postdoctoral fellowship and has not worked or studied in Belgium during that period. However, short-term stays in Belgium are allowed during 24 months, such as holidays, participation in conferences or a short stay to prepare for the period as a postdoctoral researcher
  • the researcher is funded by the Marie- Sklodovska-Curie Action (MSCA) and thus meets the associated mobility conditions.
  • Only for postdoctoral researchers in international mobility
• Excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory
• Previous experience in handling birds is mandatory. A (FELASA) certificate for animal work is a plus.
• You have good data analysis skills. Knowledge of R is required. Experience in handling large data sets and the analysis of fine-scale biologging data (GPS, ultra-wide band, ...) is a plus.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

We offer a full time positions as a postdoctoral fellow, with a minimum period of 12 months which can be extended twice taking into account the maximum period of 36 months.

In deviation the above, an EEA national, who has previously received a postdoctoral grant in the 12 months prior to an MSCA grant, can exceed the maximum term of 36 months under this MSCA grant provided that the entire term does not exceed 48 months.

Your contract will start on September 16 2024 at the earliest.

The grant amount is equal to the net salary of a doctoral assistant (AAP 5) with the same level of education and seniority and based on the same family situation as the doctoral assistant. The supervisor may deviate from this and assign a higher level based on acquired experience, professional career and demonstrated competences. The grant amount will not be revised in the current year except in case of indexation. Click here for more information about our salary scales

All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to [email protected] .
We do not accept late applications.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Frederick Verbruggen ([email protected] , +32(0)9/2646441)