2 MSc positions for spring 2020

Call for 2 masters students, Department of Biology, University of Turku

TOPIC 1. Comparative analysis of blood thyroid hormones and life histories in vertebrates

Life-history variation (e.g. age of maturity, rates of reproduction) constitutes a large part of biodiversity within and across species. Yet the underlying physiological correlates and mediators are not yet well understood. We are seeking master student to join our project where we study the associations between for blood thyroid hormones (THs) and life histories in vertebrates at the University of Turku. The project aims to collect population-level data of blood TH concentrations across all vertebrates from the past studies in the literature by conducting a systematic literature review, and apply phylogenetic comparative analysis to test the potential relationships between THs and life-history variation. Currently, we have identified ~12000 studies that may or may not contain relevant data. The master student is expected to help to screen abstracts and further full-text screening for inclusion and exclusion, extracting data from the included studies, and eventually participation in the phylogenetic comparative analysis.

We expect:

  • Advanced English communicating skills (CEFR B2 or higher) to ease the daily communication with supervisors
  • Prior experience with advanced statistical methods, such as general and generalized linear mixed models, using the software R are required.
  • Relevant education in biology (e.g. ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology) to understand the content of the identified scientific papers.

We offer:

  • The master student will be jointly supervised by Dr. Bin-Yan Hsu and Dr. Suvi Ruuskanen at Department of Biology, University of Turku, and have a close collaboration with Dr. Hsu on a daily basis.
  • Supportive environment in an active research group at an international department.
  • For international students, travel costs to Finland will be covered.

The recruited student is expected to start as soon as possible, in Jan/Feb 2020. For international applicants working remotely part of the time is also possible.

Questions and applications should be addressed directly via email to Dr. Hsu and Dr. Ruuskanen.

Contact asap: Dr. Bin-Yan Hsu, biyahs@utu.fi, Department of Biology, University of Turku

Topic 2: Effect of prenatal thyroid hormones on behaviour

Fetal exposure to altered thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy is known to influence brain development and behaviour in mammals, including humans. We are seeking a master student to join our project on how prenatal THs (ie via eggs) might influence various behavioural and personality traits in a bird model, the Japanese quail. We have experimentally manipulated prenatal hormones, and conducted various behavioural assays (e.g. exploration, fearfulness, reproductive behavior). The student is expected to analyse videos of behavioural trials and run statistical analyses.

The topic suitable also for a BSc or a project course.

We expect:

  • Advanced English communicating skills (CEFR B2 or higher) to ease the daily communication with supervisors.
  • Some prior experience with advanced statistical methods, such as general and generalized linear mixed models, using the software R/SAS.
  • Relevant education in biology (e.g. ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology)

We offer:

  • The master student will be jointly supervised by Dr. Suvi Ruuskanen at Department of Biology, University of Turku, and Tom Sarraude (Uni Groningen, NL)
  • Supportive environment in an active research group at an international department.
  • For international students, travel costs to Finland will be covered.

The recruited student can start asap, but anytime during spring 2020 is fine. For international applicants working remotely part of the time is also possible.

Questions and applications should be addressed directly via email to Dr. Ruuskanen

Dr. Suvi Ruuskanen, skruus@utu.fi, Department of Biology, University of Turku