Research Assistant In The Project: Disentangling Effects Of High Temperatures In Birds, An Ecop...

Job Offer

Organisation/Company: Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales

Department: Department of Evolutionary Ecology

Research Field: Biological sciences » Zoology, Biological sciences » Laboratory animal science, Biological sciences » Biology

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country: Spain

Application Deadline: 18 Apr 2025 - 19:00 (Europe/Madrid)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Offer Starting Date: 1 May 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The detrimental effects of high temperatures on individuals are widely acknowledged. This project explores the impact of high temperatures on physiological stress and ageing in developing birds, focusing on effects that are often underestimated due to their non-lethal nature (at least in the short-term) and lack of direct perceptibility.

The main objectives are to disentangle the effects generated during the prenatal period (incubation and embryo development) and during the postnatal period (after hatching and nestling development), and to quantify the intergenerational impacts of early thermal stress, identifying when, how, and through which parent (the mother or the father) these effects are transmitted.

The candidate will undertake different tasks including aviary maintenance activities, experimental procedures such as bird handling, blood sampling, and data processing, as well as laboratory work. Laboratory assays will involve quantifying telomere length and oxidative stress markers using HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography), qPCR, and other laboratory equipment. The role also includes bioinformatics-related tasks.

Although training in laboratory techniques will be provided, previous experience in aviary and laboratory work will be positively evaluated, as the position entails a substantial workload in both areas. The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic, creative, and hardworking.

Where to apply

E-mail: ******

Research Field

Biological sciences » Zoology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications:

A degree in Biology and a Master's Degree in relevant fields (i.e., zoology, ecology, etc.) is required.

Specific Requirements:

Experience as a research or laboratory technician in relevant fields will be positively evaluated.

Languages:

SPANISH: Good

ENGLISH: Good

Years of Research Experience:

1 - 4

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria:

1. Laboratory experience in HPLC and/or qPCR
2. Experience working with birds
3. Writing and oral skills as evidenced by oral communications at symposiums or conferences.

If you are interested in this position, send your updated CV and motivation letter to the above-mentioned email address.