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Post Doctoral position in behaviour and microbial ecology of shorebirds - University of Debrecen, Hungary

Position overview
We are seeking a motivated and talented field biologist to join our team. The post-doc will carry out field investigations of breeding and non-breeding shorebirds and combine this with microbial sampling. We seek applicants with strong background in evolutionary biology, animal behaviour or ecology, and willingness to learn microbial ecology. The position is part of a collaborative project "The role of migratory birds in spreading antimicrobial resistance" funded by the Hungarian Research agency (HUN-REN). This is a joint project with Prof Sam Sheppard (Oxford University).

About us
The position is based at University of Debrecen (Hungary) where our team has approximately dozen PhD students, postdocs and collaborating academics. The post-doc will be mentored by an international team of scientists. We continue to aim high profile publications (see below). Beyond significance in ecology, animal behaviour and evolution, our research has direct implications for biodiversity conservation by preserving species and by working with local communities to protect shorebird habitats. We work globally using an international network of scientists and conservationists, see www.szekelylab.com

Further details
The main task of the post-doc is to carry out field investigations of both breeding and non-breeding shorebirds, use efficient microbiological sampling protocols in the field, carry out data analyses and publish papers. In addition, s/he will advise research of MSc and PhD students and possibly contribute at modest level to postgraduate teaching (all in English).

We seek applicants with strong research background in one (or more) of the following fields: behavioural ecology, population ecology, field biology, wildlife conservation, disease ecology and microbiology. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in animal ecology, behavioural ecology, population demography or a related field, and background in quantitative analyses. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Knowledge of programming languages such as R is required, and experience with biostatistics or demography is desirable. Proficiency in English is essential as is research track matching the career stage of the applicant. Field experience, bird ringing licence and full driving licence are essential.

Duration
The position is available immediately and the contract will be offered until 31 December 2027.

Salary
The gross salary is up to 800,000 HuF per month (approx 2,200 EURO). Living in Hungary is substantially cheaper than in Western Europe, and the salary we offer is equivalent of an assistant professorial salary in Hungary. Social and health insurance contributions are independent of salary and paid by the employer.

Environment
The position is based in Debrecen: a vibrant and liveable city in eastern Hungary with large international student community. Debrecen has good public services, and rental housing and food are affordable. The post-doc will be based at the Department of Evolutionary Zoology. Our research team works closely with Hortobagy National Park – a UNESCO Heritage Site just outside Debrecen.

How to apply
Please send:

cover letter explaining your research interests and suitability for the position
your CV with a list of scientific publications
contact information of two referees

to Ms Rita Nagy nagy.rita@science.unideb.hu

Interested applicants should contact Prof Székely T.Szekely@bath.ac.uk

Postdoctoral Scholar to Develop Theory on the Evolution of Plasticity, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)

Full details on this position and how to apply are here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yiwE90QLE2IZtdPnMDNjD3K_-BLozPcq/view?usp=sharing

Description: Professor Suzanne Alonzo, in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Evolutionary Theory on Plasticity. The Postdoctoral Scholar will develop evolutionary theory on transgenerational and phenotypic plasticity in response to parental cues, collaborate with empiricists testing the theory’s predictions in the threespine stickleback, and train undergraduate researchers involved in these projects. Applicants must have a doctoral degree in evolution, animal behavior, or a related field and prior experience with mathematical modeling or related quantitative methods. Strong applicants will have prior experience studying sexual selection, parental effects, and/or plasticity. Prior experience conducting relevant empirical research or collaborating with empiricists to test theory is desired but not required. The Postdoctoral Scholar will join an NSF-funded project that is a collaboration between Professor Suzanne Alonzo’s research team and Professor Jennifer Hellman’s research team at the Ohio State University. This project also involves training and supervising undergraduate research opportunities and contributing to undergraduate professional development programs at both institutions. Prior experience working with students is therefore also required for this postdoctoral scholar position. Applicants with expertise in developing evolutionary models of plasticity and/or the evolution of reproductive traits are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay based on the individual’s Experience Level, which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. See the salary scale titled Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee/Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow/Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct - Fiscal Year. A reasonable estimate for this position is $71,491-$79,727.

Anticipated start date: Between September 1, 2026 and January 15, 2027.

Application Window: Full consideration will be given to applications completed by September 7, 2026. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled.

Assistant Professor - Arid Land Herpetologist, University of Texas

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position for an Arid Land Herpetologist. We are seeking highly collaborative candidates with expertise in the ecology of arid land amphibians and reptiles, including research that bridges ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. The Indio Mountains Research Station (IMRS), a 41,000-acre natural environment in the Chihuahuan Desert in Hudspeth County, Texas, offers unique opportunities for teaching and research at UTEP. The department also has excellent biodiversity collections offering significant opportunities for individuals who wish to serve in a curatorial role.

The anticipated appointment date is fall 2026 or earlier. The successful candidate is expected to (1) establish an extramurally-funded research program; (2) teach and mentor undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students; and (3) have a strong potential for collaboration across ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB).

Postdoc