mercredi 8 juillet 2015

Field Assistant Position: Tool use in New Caledonian crows

We are looking for a highly motivated assistant to help with field work in New Caledonia, South Pacific. New Caledonian crows habitually manufacture different types of tools from various plant materials and use them to extract embedded prey. We use a range of approaches (including detailed field observations of wild, free-ranging subjects, and controlled experiments with birds in temporary captivity) to improve our understanding of the species’ tool-oriented behaviour.
The field assistant will help with camp maintenance, building equipment, trapping and handling birds, and data collection. This position is a great opportunity to visit an interesting corner of the world, to work with one of the world’s most charismatic birds, and to gain field research experience in behavioural ecology.
You will ideally have a background in science (degree or expected degree in biology or a related area). Previous experience working or living in a tropical country and French language skills are advantageous, but not required. You are expected to be in good physical health, have a committed and positive attitude and do well with early morning starts, long working days and are comfortable living under basic, hot and humid conditions. The time period is 07th August 2015 to 15th October 2015 (exact dates negotiable) and travel costs and basic accommodation are paid for.
To apply, please send an up-to-date CV (with contact details of referees) and a brief letter of interest to Barbara Klump at bck3@st-andrews.ac.uk. I am also happy to answer any further questions you may have.