PhD position at AMU Poznan -- Song variation and interspecific communication in the fan-tailed gerygone from New Caledonia -- Project description The fan-tailed gerygone (Gerygone flavolateralis) from New Caledonia produces short stereotyped songs and calls that are used for territorial displays and intra-pair communication. Both types of vocalisation vary among populations, even across relatively short distances, strongly suggesting the presence of geographic variation in vocalisation structure and the existence of dialects in this species. The PhD candidate will quantify the variation in song and call structures at the individual and population levels and determine the ecological and behavioural factors underlying such variation. The main objectives of the research will be to 1) quantify the variation in vocalisation type across individuals and populations, 2) determine ecological and behavioural factors underlying song variation across populations and 3) conduct playback experiments to assess the behavioural responses of individual birds to vocalisations from same and other populations. The field season will last 4 months per year (until 2027) and overlaps with the breeding period of the fan-tailed gerygone in New Caledonia (September-January). The research will be conducted primarily at our two long-term research sites on the main island of Grande Terre, in habitats of tropical dry forest and tropical moist forest. However, short excursions on other smaller islands within the archipelago of New Caledonia to collect bioacoustics data are also possible. The candidate will also conduct behavioural experiments in the field to quantify the response of individual birds to known and foreign vocalisations. Depending on the candidate interests, it will be also possible to develop molecular work to link genetics and song variation. Additionally, the candidate will have ample possibilities to develop complementary research according to their own interests. We are looking for a student who would like to participate in a hybrid research project involving two institutions. The field portion of the research in New Caledonia will be funded by Dr. Alfredo Attisano's project (Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences), while the doctoral fellowship will be financed by the Doctoral School of Natural Sciences at Adam Mickiewicz University in Pozna??, under the supervision of Prof. Tomasz Osiejuk. AMU will also provide equipment and expertise for the bioacoustic aspect of the project. Based on the applications, we will select a student who will be prepared for recruitment at the Doctoral School, which will take place in the second half of July 2025. After successful admission to the Doctoral School, the student must be able to complete all formalities in the 1st half of October and then join for 2 months of research in New Caledonia. The fieldwork will run from September to December in following years. Requirements: - M.Sc. in Animal Behaviour, Biology, Zoology, Ecology or related field - good knowledge of bioacoustics techniques, analysis and management of large bioacoustics datasets - relevant ornithological fieldwork experience in mistnetting, bird handling and banding, blood sampling, behavioural observations, nest searching and nest monitoring - good knowledge of methodologies for statistical analysis. Proficiency in R and/or Python will be considered and asset - proficiency in English (spoken and written, level B2 and above), knowledge of French desirable - physical fitness, resilience and ability to work under challenging conditions (heat and UV exposure) - ability to withstand long-working hours (10-12 during the peak of the breeding season) - ability to work independently or as part of a team - category B driving license How to apply: Send the application (deadline 15/05/2025) to Alfredo Attisano (aattisano@miiz.waw.pl) and Tomasz Osiejuk (osiejuk@amu.edu.pl) with the subject "NCBioAcoustics_NameSurname". Please include in the application: (1) a cover letter describing research interests and motivation to join our research group (max 1 A4 page); (2) CV including publications lists and contact (email, phone) of at least 2 potential referees; (3) please include a statement of EU General Data Protection Regulation (https://gdpr.eu/privacy-notice/) in the CV. More info on our research: 1) Alfredo Attisano: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6675-4900 2) Tomasz Osiejuk: https://behaecol.web.amu.edu.pl/ Alfredo Attisano (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)