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Location
Košice
Košický kraj, Slovakia
Date Posted
22 May 2024

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Type
PhD Project
Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice

PhD in Animal Physiology

Košice
Košický kraj, Slovakia
22 May 2024

NOTE: this position listing has expired and may no longer be relevant!

Position Description


Convergent osteo-physiological patterns in the evolution of the flapping flight: Pterosaurs (Reptilia) versus bats (Mammalia)

Synopsis: There are three groups of vertebrates that colonized aerial environment: pterosaurs (Reptilia), avialan dinosaurs (Aves), and bats (Mammalia). Apart from distinct ancestry, bats and pterosaurs are the well-known example of functional convergence of forelimb in the evolution of flapping flight. In contrast to birds, the wing airfoil is formed by skin membrane called patagium in bats and pterosaurs. Patagial wings consists of the same bone elements, however, their active involvement into flying mechanics was specially modified in each group, respectively. Furthermore, pterosaurs and bats exhibit ability to employ the patagial wing in quadrupedal locomotion.
This doctoral project is centered for evaluation of adaptive changes of the wing bones of pterosaurs and bats at the microscopic scale. Bone tissue is considered here as a functional interface useful for correlation of osteonal bone patterns with growth dynamics, locomotor performance, metabolism and termoregulation. The main aim of the project is the reconstruction of physiological characteristics in the evolution of the first active flying vertebrates – pterosaurs.
We expect the applicants to be fluent in spoken and written English, to show high work engagement, to work along and in a team, in lab as well as in field, to handle correctly fixed biological material and fossils, and being interested in 3D imaging, phylogenetic and statistic methods.

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Martin Kundrát, PhD – Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
E-mail: martin.kundrat@upjs.sk

Co-supervisor: Prof. Lü Junchang – Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Biosciences, Beijing, China

Co-supervisor: Prof. RNDr. Beňadik Šmajda, DrSc. – Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia


How to Apply

https://www.upjs.sk/en/faculty-of-science/17989/ The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in the same or a related field of study. The applicants should apply via an electronic application form (the completed form has to be printed out and signed after having been submitted electronically). Alternatively the applicants can use a paper application (ŠEVT 49 400 2). The following annexes have to be enclosed to the printed out application form: Certified copy of a Masters Diploma (notary verified) CV with a list of published and unpublished works Documents regarding professional experience (if there was any) An academic transcript of Maters studies PhD project proposal The project proposal has to be submitted in the maximum length of 5 pages and in accordance with the template. Template for Phd. project proposal. Topics for PhD. study programs for the academic year 2018/2019 Deadline for applications: 31. 5. 2018 Admission procedure: 18. 6. 2017 - 29. 6. 2018 In case an applicant submits an application for two or more topics, he/she will be prompted to choose a preferred one. Application Fees: 50,- EUR paper application, 40,- EUR electronic application. The fee may only be payed via electronic bank transfer to the account no.: SK28 8180 0000 0070 0007 8491, Variable Symbol: 2996, Specific Symbol: social security number without the forward slash (/), Constant Symbol: 0308, Message to recipient: Name and Surname of applicant. A copy of the transaction needs to be attached to the application.

Position Category: Medical & Biological Sciences. Position Type: PhD Project. Salary: Less than €10'000.