PhD Avian Neurobiology

The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a:

PhD candidate in Avian Neurobiology: Auditory and motor circuits for vocal interactions.
Vacancy number:15734

Project Description:  
Vocal communication is a fundamental aspect of social interactions for a wide variety of species. In particular, humans and songbirds have evolved specialized neural circuits to finely perceive and adaptably produce a variety of vocal signals. This project aims to increase our understanding of how these circuits and vocal behavior are shaped by social experience. To do so, we will employ state-of-the art electrophysiological and behavioral recording methods as birds freely engage in dynamic vocal interactions. This neuroethological approach will reveal how complex streams of acoustic input are processed to produce context-dependent vocal responses and socially coordinated behavior. The successful candidate will carry out this work as part of a diverse international research team, supervised by Dr. Jonathan Benichov.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct research with songbirds (zebra finches).
• Write manuscripts for publication, resulting in a thesis.
• Present research at local and international conferences.
• Co-supervise undergraduate and graduate student projects.
• Participate in undergraduate teaching.

Selection Criteria:

• MSc degree (or considerable post-BSc research involvment) in Behavioral/Systems Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
• Experience designing and performing behavioral and/or electrophysiological experiments.
• Ability to independently generate creative solutions to technical and theoretical problems.
• Good computational/programming skills in Matlab or Python
• High proficiency in written and spoken English

Research at our Faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. 

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2300 staff and almost 5000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. 
For more information, see  www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  https://workingat.leiden.edu/

The Institute for Biology
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.   

Terms and conditions  
We offer a full-time position, for an initial term of one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from € 2.901,- to € 3.707,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). 

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year (8.3 %) bonuses, training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information 
Enquiries can be made to j.i.benichov@biology.leidenuniv.nl . If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman (HR@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications 
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• CV (including relevant coursework and research output).
• Research Statement (describing experience and interests, max. 2 pages).
• 2 Letters of Recommendation.

Only applications received before 8st of July, 2025 can be considered.