Stress, song and transgenerational epigenetic

inheritance

Ph.D. scholarship available

Deakin University; Centre for Integrative Ecology

Geelong, Vic Australia

A supervisory team of ARC Future Fellow Professor Kate Buchanan, Professor Andy TD
Bennett & Dr Ondi Crino are seeking an outstanding, highly motivated PhD candidate to work
on the ARC funded research project Stress, song and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
Previous work has demonstrated the fundamental impact of early life stressors on vocal learning
in songbirds. The aim of this PhD research is to assess the extent to which such effects occur
across generations and test the possible mechanisms for transgenerational effects using Zebra
Finches as a model systems.
The PhD student will be in a vibrant and productive research team. They will test the role of
early developmental stress for song learning, neural development and behaviour. They will
conduct behavioural tests, bioacoustics analyses, neural sectioning and image brain sections for
gene expression to assess vocal learning. Opportunities for field work are included.

Start date: from March 2017 onwards

Stipend: AUD$26,000 p.a. (tax exempt) for 3 years

(for non-Australian/NZ citizens waivers to overseas tuition fee are potentially available)
It will build on our recent research, featured in the international leading journal Science, (and
reported widely including The ABC Science Show, BBC, Smithsonian, New York Times) which
showed transgenerational effects in zebra finches of singing to eggs. Check out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDg67kUPAcc

PhD Project content: The student will join a productive ARC-funded team testing the effect of early life stress on

vocal learning, neural development and behaviour. The student will have responsibility for carrying out behavioural
playback experiments, recording and analysing avian song, collecting neural tissue and imaging the brain for gene
expression. They will receive training in all these aspects, and as the research will involve collaboration with the
Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany, travel there may be possible. Although the project has clear aims
to meet the project objectives, we seek a student who is keen to develop their own interests and so find their own
individual niche within the project.
For further description of the research groups see the following sites:
http://www.deakin.edu.au/profiles/kate-buchanan
http://www.deakin.edu.au/profiles/andy-bennett
http://cie-deakin.com/
Recent relevant publications by the group include:
Mariette M.M. & Buchanan K.L. (2016) Prenatal acoustic communication programs offspring for high
posthatching temperatures in a songbird. Science 353: 812-814 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf7049
Buchanan, KL, J. Grindstaff and V.V. Pravosudov (2013) Condition-dependence, developmental plasticity and
cognition: implications for ecology and evolution. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 28, 290-296.
Crino, O.L., K. L Buchanan, L.A Trompf, M. C Mainwaring, S. C Griffith (2016) Stress reactivity, condition, and
foraging behavior in zebra finches: effects on boldness, exploration, and sociality. General and
Comparative Endocrinology doi 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.01.014.
Woodgate, J.L, K.L. Buchanan, A.T.D. Bennett, C.K .Catchpole, R. Brighton & S. Leitner. (2013) Environmental
and genetic control of brain and song structure in the zebra finch. Evolution 68, 230- 240.
The Research Environment: The PhD student will be based in the Centre for Integrative Ecology (CIE) at Deakin
Universitys Geelong campus. This is 50 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and 20 minutes from Bells Beach and
the Great Ocean Road. Deakin hosts one of the largest ornithological research groups in the southern hemisphere,
and in the recent ARC Research Assessment exercise received the highest possible rating (of 5) in Zoology. Excellent
facilities are available including a 300m2 new aviary, modern lab and offices, well equipped 4WDs for fieldwork,
excellent statistical support and established sites for fieldwork on zebra finches. The CIE has over 60 postdoctoral
researchers and PhD students, many from overseas; we have multiple weekly seminars and paper discussion
sessions, and the research group has 6+ postdocs and regular lab group meetings fostering a lively research culture.
We strongly encourage PhD students to present at national and international conferences, and Deakin provides
over $3000 for international conference attendance for each PhD.
Who should apply? The project would suit a highly motivated and able student with strong interests in avian
evolution, ecology, behaviour or neurobiology. Essential requirements include: Masters or first class honours (or
equivalent in a relevant field); excellent written communication skills; high levels of enthusiasm, motivation; an
ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team; and a drivers licence (as field work may be
required). After training, the student needs to be able to take on the collection and analyses of neural tissue.
Experience in field work with birds and/or bioacoustics or neural analyses is desirable but not essential. Selection
will be based on academic merit and prior experience.

Application deadline is 31st January 2017. For further information or to apply contact
Professor Kate Buchanan (kate.buchanan@deakin.edu.au). To apply, please send a statement of
your interest in the project, a detailed CV and contact details for two referees. Previous
applicants need not reapply.