I am looking for a PhD student to join my long-term study on
rock hyrax vocalization. Our main aim is to focus on vocal elements in the hyrax
songs that reflect on male quality. Our data, generated by years of field
observations and vocal, social and hormonal analyses showed that indeed male
vocalization in this species correctly reflect male quality and status. Currently,
we are conducting playback experiments, using modified and unmodified male
songs, in order to determine what information is extracted from songs by the
listening individuals (males and females). In conjunction, we study related
issues like dynamic changes in social organization using social networks, audience
effect, the role of syntax and chaotic behavior s on song composition, and the
effect of elevated androgens on sex ratio. All these topics involve field
manipulations, and require extensive investment both in the field and in the
lab. The Israel Science Foundation (ISF) is currently funding this project.
Our study site is located at the Ein Gedi reserve, a
spectacular canyon land on the western shores of the Dead Sea, Israel. Each
year, we spent about 5-6 months in the field, watching hyrax behavior. During
the off season, we run various lab procedures and analyze the data collected in
Tel Aviv University.
If you are interested in applying for this Ph.D. position,
please send me an email (gef...@post.tau.ac.il)
that contains your CV, BSc grades, and a brief description outlining your
research interests and also why you would be interested in joining my research
group. For more information on our project you may inspect our recent
publications on hyrax vocalization
(http://www.tau.ac.il/lifesci/departments/zoology/members/geffen/geffen.html)
Prof. Eli Geffen, Dept. of Zoology, Tel Aviv
University
