Investigating the link between maternal serum prolactin and calf development in the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

Prolactin is a peptide hormone which fulfils multiple roles. In mammals its most well-known function is related to reproduction and lactation. This hormone stimulates milk production, regulates reproduction and is related to immune functions and parental behaviour. Most studies on mammals and prolactin have been performed in smaller species and often in captive settings, and hence we lack information on these relationships from larger mammals outside fully-captive contexts. Using a unique dataset on female semi-captive Asian elephants and their calves living in their natural habitat, the candidate will investigate the association between maternal characteristics (e.g., age, body condition, health, parity), maternal serum prolactin concentrations and calf development (e.g., survival, health later in life).

Internship:

This project will take place at the University of Turku, Finland, within the Myanmar Timber Elephant Project lead by Prof Virpi Lummaa. For this project, the student will be supervised by Dr Martin Seltmann, Dr Axelle Delaunay, MSc Elisabeth Mikkonen and Prof Virpi Lummaa. The Myanmar Timber Elephant Project is a multi-disciplinary and international research group, investigating the evolution, ecology and behaviour of a semi-captive population of timber elephants in Myanmar (https://elephant-project.science/). The internship will include a literature review, extensive lab work (~1.5 months) to measure the hormone concentrations in blood samples, data analyses and the write-up of a thesis.

Preferable start, beginning of 2026 but the dates are flexible.

Note: This project is based on previously collected data and does not involve field work. Our group cannot provide financial help, but you can ask for Erasmus grants and mobility grants (see the modalities with your university).

Requirements:

We are looking for a motivated Master’s student who is interested in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology and physiology and who is willing to learn more about the endocrinal basis of parenting in a long-lived mammal. This project requires basic knowledge of statistical analyses and previous experience with R software. Experience with lab work is an advantage. Please, send a CV and a cover letter (1 page max) before the Deadline 11/11/2025. Interviews will be held the following weeks.

Contact:

Dr Martin Seltmann, martin.seltmann@utu.fi or Dr Axelle Delaunay, axelle.delaunay@utu.fi , Department of biology, University of Turku (FINLAND)