A full-time postdoc position is available in the Group
of Molecular Ecology at the Institute of Biology of the
University of Graz, Austria. The position is available
for 24 month starting January - February 2026. PI is
Dr. Holger Zimmermann, in the lab of Prof. Kristina Sefc
(https://biologie.uni-graz.at/en/institute-of-biology/our-research/ag-molecular-ecology-kristina-sefc/).

We are looking for a highly motivated behavioural ecologist interested in
reproductive behaviour and physiology to work on a project investigating
the adaptations to brood parasitism in the Lake Tanganyika cuckoo
catfish. The cuckoo catfish is the only verified non-avian obligate brood
parasite among vertebrates and exploits several species of maternal
mouthbrooders in Lake Tanganyika for its reproduction. The project is
particularly interested in the adaptations in colour and surface structure
of cuckoo catfish eggs (project DOI: https//doi.org/10.55776/PAT1680024)
and includes extended field work at Lake Tanganyika, Zambia, as well as
lab-based experiments and analytical work.

Ideal candidates have experience in colour pigment biology (especially
carotenoids), skills in microscopy (including TEM & REM), and are
experienced in experimental work both in the lab and in the field. A
basic SCUBA licence (allowing dives down to 20m) is a must to conduct
the field work. Candidates should have experience in conducting
field work independently, have a good foundation in data curation
and analysis, and excellent writing skills.  The research team is
based at the Institute of Biology at the University of Graz, Austria
(https://biologie.uni-graz.at/en/institute-of-biology/). Graz is a
beautiful mid-sized city in the south-east of Austria, which offers
high standard yet affordable living, and offers lots of possibilities
for outdoor and cultural activities.

To apply, please email a cover letter, summarising your relevant
experience, and your CV (including a list of publications)
to holger.zimmermann@uni-graz.at. Applications are welcome from now
on until November 15th, 2025. The starting date for the position is
between January 1st and February 1st, 2026. Gross salary (before tax)
is approx. 4,500 EUR per month.

If you have any questions or would like to have more information about
the project, please contact me (holger.zimmermann@uni-graz.at).

"Zimmermann, Holger (holger.zimmermann@uni-graz.at)" <holger.zimmermann@uni-graz.at>

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