The functions of sleep remain a topic of debate. The dominant venue for sleep research is the laboratory, with a clear
focus on the study of various strains of rodent. Moreover, most work on the role of sleep in memory processing and
performance is conducted with mazes and motor-vigilance tasks; however, (1) the laboratory is an overly simplified
environment that fails to capture the complexity of natural conditions, and (2) the tests used have limited ecological
relevance. Nothing is known about how animals use sleep for cognition in the wild.
The successful candidate will study sleep-related trade-offs in real-world, ecologically-relevant situations, using
innovative technologies that will realize a more thorough understanding of sleep functions and the fitness outcomes
of sleep disturbance. Systems studied may include sleep-dependent bower construction in male great bowerbirds;
relationship between brain state and brain temperature (including torpor) in kookaburras and/or trade-offs between
sleep-dependent memory and torpor-dependent energy savings in food-caching birds in North America.
This three-year PhD position will be funded by La Trobe University and the Australian Research Council (ARC). As this is
a behavioural and neurophysiological study, the successful candidate will become familiar with behavioural
observations, remote monitoring and electrophysiology to examine the activity patterns and electroencephalogram
(EEG) of free-living birds in the wild or naturalistic enclosures.
We seek a bright and highly motivated student who ideally holds an M.Sc. or equivalent in a relevant topic (e.g. sleep or
circadian rhythms, or more broadly in physiological ecology, evolutionary physiology). Applications are welcomed
irrespective of country. Australian and New Zealand applicants must have received first class Honours degrees. Please
include the mark obtained in your Masters or Honours and the % of time allocated to research in the pursuit of that
degree. Experience working independently and in the field is advantageous, and a high standard of spoken and written
English is required.
The student will be based at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution at La Trobe University in
Melbourne. A PhD stipend here provides approximately $1,000 AUD per fortnight. Melbourne is the second-largest city
in Australia, and offers a high standard of living, a culturally-rich environment, and easy access to outdoor pursuits.
Wild areas abound. The birding is fabulous.
To apply for the position, please provide: (i) a letter of motivation including a maximum 2-page statement of your
research interests, relevant skills and experience; (ii) a CV including publication list (up to five pages); and (iii) names and
contact details of three referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. Materials should be emailed
to [email protected] and [email protected] with SLEEP PHD APPLICATION in the subject line.
Closing date for applications is July 1st 2017, and interviews will take place shortly afterwards. The preferred start date
is flexible and will depend on the timeframe of the most qualified applicant.