We are
looking for field trainees to help monitoring and catching breeding passerines
at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, in the research group
‘Evolutionary Ecology of Variation’.
Website:
http://www.orn.mpg.de/159079/Research_Group_Dingemanse Location: Seewiesen,
Bayern, Germany.
Job
description:
The field
trainees will help collect breeding and behavioural data on Great Tits (Parus
major) from approximately end of March to mid/end of July 2015. The research
focuses primarily on identifying how natural and sexual selection act on animal
personalities and behavioural plasticity. Trainees will work closely with an
international team consisting of several post-docs, PhD and Master students, as
well as other assistants. Field work is physically demanding, and involves
walking over hilly terrain for long days outdoors in all weather conditions.
The breeding season is intense and with
typically only 1 day off per week. Duties include behavioural observations,
nest monitoring, bird handling and data entry.
Qualifications/Experience:
Candidates
preferably study Biology or a related field. Having experience handling birds
(preferably small passerines), including ringing and measuring, is a plus but
not a requirement. Ideal candidates are highly motivated, well organized, able
to work both independently and as part of a group. Applicants must have a valid
driver’s license and be experienced in operating vehicles with manual
transmission.
Non-EU
candidates are not eligible for this position (UK and Swiss citizens are
eligible). A small financial compensation and housing in shared accommodation
will be provided. Accepted trainees should be vaccinated against Tick Borne
Encephalitis (TBE or FSME) before arriving in Seewiesen. Applicants should also
be aware that Lyme disease (carried by ticks) is prevalent in the area and
should inform themselves about this disease beforehand.
In an
effort to employ more people with disabilities, the Max-Planck-Society
specifically encourages people with disabilities to apply for the
position.
Applications:
Review of the applications will begin mid-January and continue until the
positions are filled. To apply, please send (1) a statement of relevant
experience, (2) a short resume or CV, and (3) contact information of two
references to Alexia Mouchet (eMail: amouchet@orn.mpg.de).