Spatial cognition in free-ranging urbanized gulls Project: The selected candidate will measure spatial cognition and problem-solving ability in a captive setting in wild-caught ring-billed gulls. Cognitive performance will be examined in the context of: a) fine-scale free-ranging movements using state-of-the-art GPS tracking technology b) environmental contaminant exposure
Key points: • MSc-level stipend provided for 2 years • Cognitive testing in a captive setting (primary focus) and fieldwork (secondary) • The student will have the opportunity to conduct collaborative work with professors Mélanie Guigueno (McGill U.), Jonathan Verreault (U. du Québec à Montréal), and David Wilson (Memorial U. of Newfoundland). • Intensive field seasons (two expected) involving long hours every day for several weeks. Long hours will be compensated with extra vacation time after each field season. Requirements: • BSc in biology, biochemistry or a related discipline completed by Dec. 2023 • Driver’s licence (minimum Class 5) Assets: • Research experience involving animals • Knowledge in spatial ecology (e.g., telemetry, ArcGIS) and ecotoxicology • Wet lab skills (e.g., pipetting, immunocytochemistry, stereology)
Interested candidates, please send your cover letter, CV, and BSc transcripts by October 27, 2023 to: Prof. Mélanie Guigueno Department of Biology McGill University E-mail: melanie.guigueno@mcgill.ca