Project description: Human impact in the global biosphere now controls many major facets of ecosystem function. One of the most striking man-made environmental changes is the existence and rapidly ongoing spread of urban areas. Human ecological impact has enormous evolutionary consequences as well and can greatly accelerate evolutionary change in the species around us. Anecdotal observations and recent studies suggest that urbanization does not only affect the overall species composition and certain aspects of the phenology but may also change the behaviour of individuals thriving in urban areas. The aim of this project is to investigate effects of urbanization on the behaviour of European blackbirds (Turdus merula) in their natural habitat. Fieldwork (including behavioral experiments and radio-telemetry) will be carried out in the areas of Munich and Raisting, in Bavaria.
Requirements: We are looking for an enthusiastic person, who is interested in behavioural ecology, physiology and evolution, with good organizational skills, able to work independently as well as in a team (field experience with birds is advantageous), who would like to take this unique opportunity to do field work at the well-equipped Max-Planck-Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell. During field work the applicant must be willing to spend most of the day in the field, sometimes with cold weather, and sometimes in weekends. Therefore, a strong attitude towards field work is essential.
Appointment: Starting date is Mar 2011 or later. The field work should end in Jul 2011.
Information and Applications: Additional information about this study is available upon request to Catarina Miranda (see below).
More general information about the Max-Planck-Institute for Ornithology can be found on our website (URL: http://orn.mpg.de/). Please send us your application until 15 Feb 2011. Interviews will take place in the last week of Feb. Contact: CATARINA MIRANDA (EM: miranda@orn.mpg.de), Department of Migration and Immuno-ecology, Max-Planck-Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Schlossallee 2, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany.