About the employer
The University of Turku has a unique, creative and inspirational work environment. Here you will work with top experts, pedagogues and researchers.
Visit the employer pageThe University of Turku has a unique, creative and inspirational work environment. Here you will work with top experts, pedagogues and researchers.
Visit the employer pageThe Faculty of Science, Department of Biology at the University of Turku invites applications for contract-based, fixed term postdoctoral researcher position for 30 months. Employment starts on 1.3.2024 or as agreed.
Our ability to quantify and predict the magnitude of environmental global changes effects represents one of the major challenges of the 21st century. These changes are characterised by a gradual increase of ambient temperature through time, but also leading to an increased frequency of climate anomalies, such as heat waves. Habitat urbanisation, in particular, is a key driver of the increase of ambient temperature. The magnitude of such ambient temperature alterations also depends on latitudinal gradients. These temperature changes can drastically modify the phenology of species, their geographic distribution, food webs, interspecific interactions, but also life history trajectories, behaviour and physiology of individuals. Evidence suggests a central role of plasticity and local adaptation in species’ responses to temperature changes. Yet, plasticity will be constrained by environmental gradients, and endotherms capacities to adapt to thermal stress remain poorly understood. In an urbanisation context along a latitudinal gradient, the aim of this project is to evaluate the harmful repercussions of pre and post-natal effects of thermal stress on the physiology of organisms, behaviour and on their life history trajectories (reproduction and survival). Using a multidisciplinary and integrative approach on Great tits, this project aims to assess effects of thermal stress on different molecular and physiological mechanisms (metabolic rates, mitochondrial function, markers of ageing, stress, Hsp expression) by manipulating temperature under common garden conditions, during development and growth period and follow various life history traits such as growth and survival patterns.
This project will take place at the University of Turku, Finland, and the University of Strasbourg France. The postdoc researcher will be supervised by Dr Sophie Reichert, and closely collaborate with Dr Antoine Stier, Pr Sylvie Massemin and Dr Suvi Ruuskanen. Starting date: 03-04/2024
Main activities will include:
- Conducting experiments on birds in aviaries and in the wild.
- Participating in field work in and around Strasbourg (France), Turku and Jyväskylä (Finland)
- Lab work (ageing markers, stress markers analyses).
- Analysing data and writing publications
- Contributing to the research and social environment of the University of Turku and University of Strasbourg (DEPE-IPHC).
In the Department of Biology, we explore life and biological evolution in a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Empirical experimentation in the field and laboratory is widely applied when digging into the structure and function of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The Department of Biology is one of the scientifically most productive units of the University and successfully educates experts at all degree levels. It also harbors the Center of Evolutionary Applications that supports academic research and provides molecular genetic analyses for conservation needs outside the University.
In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.
The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.
The University of Turku has a unique, creative and inspirational work environment. Here you will work with top experts, pedagogues and researchers.
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