Announcement

PARROT COGNITION (TENERIFE)

MASTER PROJECTS / VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANTS  

Comparative Cognition Research Group, Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Tenerife, Spain

The Max-Planck Comparative Cognition Research Group (CCRG) invites applications of Masters students and volunteer research assistants. The CCRG forms part of the collaboration between the Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany, and the Loro Parque Fundación (LPF), Tenerife, Spain. We are currently running various comparative research projects on social and physical cognition in parrots. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact us to enquire about the ongoing projects. Successful applicants can expect to gain a solid insight in the field of Animal Cognition/Experimental Psychology and gain experience in working with psittacids in a dynamic, international research environment. The research is carried out on captive parrots of the LPF, which holds the largest parrot collection and gene reserve in the world (ca. 350 subspecies) for conservation and research purposes.

Logistics:

Voluntary research assistant position /Master Project start and end dates are flexible but preference will be given to students who can start in January 2017. The position requires a minimum of 4 months, but ideally 6 months, continuous commitment at the research station in Tenerife, Spain. Free accommodation in a shared student apartment can be provided. Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research station (Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain).

Important skills/qualifications:

Successful candidates will have:

·        completed a degree in Biology or any related field

·        a strong interest in comparative cognition

·        high motivation and commitment to the project

·        reliability, efficiency and an ability to work independently

·        confidence to interact with animals

·        previous research experience

·        good verbal and written English skills

·        initiative to develop the project

·        good team work attitude and social skills (shared accommodation between 3 students)

To apply:

Please send your CV and a cover letter reporting any relevant experience you have and motivation to participate in the project to Dr. Auguste von Bayern (avbayern@orn.mpg.de ) or Dr. Anastasia Krasheninnikova  (akrashe@orn.mpg.de ). Contact details of 2 referees may be requested.