Hiring Organization:
University of Oxford, UK
Date Posted:
2010-07-17
Position Description:
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Tool use in New Caledonian crows
A three-year postdoctoral position is available, from August 2010 onwards, to work on the ecological and social context of tool use in New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides). The post is funded as part of a 5-year BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship to Dr Christian Rutz, and will be based at the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK. The post-holder will be responsible for coordinating and conducting fieldwork in New Caledonia, South Pacific. The research project will chart the ecology and behaviour of wild, free-ranging crows, using detailed field observations, systematic surveys, and novel biologging technologies. In addition, specific hypotheses will be examined in controlled experiments with wild and captive subjects. This is an exceptional opportunity to conduct topical field research on animal tool use and culture in a high-profile study system, and to take a leading role in a prolific and expanding research project.
Informal inquiries (with CV) should be addressed directly to Dr Christian Rutz (christian.rutz@zoo.ox.ac.uk).
Further particulars and application forms are available from http://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk/jobs or from the Personnel Office of the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford (Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK; phone: +44(0) 1865 271190; email: recruit@zoo.ox.ac.uk). Quoting reference number AT10013, applicants should send to the above address: (i) a completed application form; (ii) a CV with contact details of three referees; and (iii) a cover letter explaining point-by-point how they meet the selection criteria for the post (as specified in the further particulars) and why they wish to conduct research on New Caledonian crows.
The closing date for applications is 30 July 2010, and interviews with short-listed candidates are scheduled for 10 August 2010 (or will take place soon thereafter). This is a re-advertisement, and applicants from the previous round do not need to re-apply.
Qualifications/Experience:
The successful candidate will have a PhD in behavioural ecology, ecology, evolutionary biology or a related subject, and experience in conducting independent field research, preferably in remote study locations. Proven skills in writing and publishing papers in leading scientific journals are essential. Experience of supervision in a research context, and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team are desirable. Previous field-ornithological experience, or a background in animal-cognition research, are not essential.
Salary/funding:
salary range: 28,983 -- 35,646 GBP p.a. (incl. discretionary range to 38,951 GBP p.a.)
Application Deadline:
30 July 2010
Contact Information:
Dr Christian Rutz
Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road
Oxford, none OX1 3PS
United Kingdom
Website:
http://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk
E-mail Address:
C.Rutz@gmx.net