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From: ECOLOG-L <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> on behalf of IMPRS for Organismal Biology <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Reply-To: IMPRS for Organismal Biology <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 4:46 AM
To: ECOLOG-L <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] PhD position on Active sensing and decision-making in insects
Resent-From: Jim Schneider <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Resent-Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 10:55 AM

The International Max Planck Research School for Organismal Biology is a joint cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Ornithologyand the Department of Biology at the University of Konstanz. The department of neurobiology<https://cms.uni-konstanz.de/neuro/member/?tx_mhkleineidam_pi1%5BpId%5D=5074> at the University of Konstanz invites applications for a
PhD position (f/m) on Active sensing and decision-making in insects<http://www.orn.mpg.de/3794242/einatcouzin-2017>
Active exploratory antennal movement is involved in a range of sensory guided behaviors. This project will employ computer vision to track the motion of antennae, and body posture, as cockroaches make movement decisions across a range of ecologically relevant contexts, and in the face of uncertainty, perceived risk and time constraints. In particular we will consider the multi-modal nature of decision-making (e.g. integrating olfactory and tactile cues) and the role of consistent inter-individual differences, previous experience and social context. Integrating behavioral experiments, electrophysiology and computer simulations, this project aims to reveal the neural basis of decision-making in cockroaches. Understanding how natural systems implement fast and robust active sensing and decision-making will offer direct inspiration for new implementations in autonomous robots.
Your profile:We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for a PhD project, studying active sensing strategies in cockroaches.We welcome candidates from a wide range of backgrounds (quantitative biology, engineering science, physics, computer science), but it is essential that candidates are motivated to understand biological phenomena. Candidates also ideally already hold a Masters or equivalent degree at the point of enrollment.
Our offer:The PhD project is fully funded for at least 3 years. The salary will be paid according to the collective agreement for civil service employees (TVöD). The program offers a dedicated teaching program, high quality research experience, and outstanding research facilities in an inspiring research and living environment. The working language is English. Each PhD student receives individual supervision and mentoring and is guided in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee.
The research will be undertaken in the department of Neurobiology, University of Konstanz and the Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology advised by Dr. Einat Couzin-Fuchs and Prof. Dr. Martin Wikelski. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will be part of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) of Organismal Biology, a competitive doctoral training program offering laboratory courses and workshops in the fields of behavior, ecology, evolution, physiology and neurobiology with other 64 Ph.D. international student fellows from 27 countries.
Application: Please apply exclusively on our online application portal<http://www.orn.mpg.de/2383/Application> on no later than Jan 15, 2017. Interviews with the applicants are scheduled for Mid‐March. Candidates accepted into the program may start latest October 2017. For further information about the position and the application procedure, please contact: Einat Couzin-Fuchs, [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
The Max Planck Society and the University of Konstanz are equal opportunity employers and are committed to increasing the participation of women in its research activities and to employing more individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. As family-friendly institutions, they are committed to further the compatibility of work and family life and prefer disabled applicants when qualification is equal.
More information at www.orn.mpg.de/IMPRS<http://www.orn.mpg.de/IMPRS>and www.facebook.com/OrganismalBiology<http://www.facebook.com/OrganismalBiology>.