PhD position: Linking singing exercise to vocal performance in songbirds
Role highlights
Full Time
Permanent
Entry
On-site
This PhD position requires a recent MSc degree in biology or a related field such as engineering, with a preference for candidates having a background in behavioral neuroscience or signal processing, particularly bioacoustics data analysis. The role involves investigating the effects of singing exercise on vocal muscle properties and vocal performance in songbirds using a combination of behavioral and physiological methods. Key technical competencies include programming skills in Python, R, or Matlab for advanced bioacoustics analysis, as well as experience or willingness to learn muscle physiology techniques, immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging. Candidates should be capable of developing and applying behavioral paradigms to control singing exercise and analyzing complex acoustic data. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, along with proficiency in spoken and written English. The position also involves teaching responsibilities at BSc and MSc levels in subjects such as Animal Physiology and Zoology, requiring an interest in interdisciplinary work and excellent social skills. Although not mandatory, education in laboratory animal science (Felasa A or B certificate) and experience with behavioral manipulations and animal physiology are advantageous. The role offers a supportive international research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and training opportunities, emphasizing both scientific and teaching development. Overall, the ideal candidate combines a solid foundation in biological sciences with computational proficiency and a collaborative, interdisciplinary mindset.
About the role
Role Summary
- Join the Vocal Neuromechanics Lab at the Research Group Sound and Behavior, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark
- Study the relationship between singing exercise and vocal performance in songbirds
- Position to be filled earliest by 1 March 2026
Project Description
- Investigate how singing exercise affects vocal muscle properties and vocal performance in songbirds
- Use behavioral and physiological methods
- Develop and use behavioral paradigms to control singing exercise
- Analyze song using advanced bioacoustics analysis methods
- Employ muscle physiology, immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging
- Work within a group studying sound communication across a wide range of animals
Requirements
- Recent MSc degree (or similar) in biology or relevant field (e.g., engineering)
- Preferably with background in behavioral neuroscience or signal processing (especially bioacoustics data)
- Programming experience (e.g., Python, R, Matlab)
- Strong communication and collaborative skills
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Willingness to contribute to Biology teaching at BSc and MSc levels, especially in Animal Physiology and Zoology
- Interest in interdisciplinary work and excellent social skills
- Education in laboratory animal science (Felasa A or B certificate) is advantageous, but not required
- Experience with behavioral manipulations and animal physiology is advantageous, but not required
Benefits
- Three-year PhD position in an international, supportive research team
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure
- Excellent training in all aspects of the project
- Opportunity to work with an extensive network of international collaborators
- Competitive salary and social benefits (health coverage, parental leave, social security, etc.)
How to Apply
- Application deadline: 22 December 2025 at 23:59 local Danish time
- See the full call and application instructions at www.sdu.dk
- Please mention in your application that you found the job at Jobindex
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