A fully-funded PhD studentship on New Caledonian crows is available in
Prof. Christian Rutz's group at the University of St Andrews (deadline: 1
December). A summary is provided below, and the full advert can be
found here on FindAPhD:
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PHD STUDENTSHIP: TOOL CRAFTING IN NEW CALEDONIAN CROWS
SUMMARY
New Caledonian crows are renowned
for their ability to manufacture
complex foraging tools from plant materials. For example, using an
elaborate sequence of actions, they craft hooked stick tools from
branching vegetation, and using a completely different technique, they
cut tapered leaf tools from the barbed edges of screw-pine
leaves. Professor Christian Rutz’s research group has been studying the
behavioural ecology of New Caledonian crows since 2005, focussing on a
suite of seven established study sites, including some with marked crow
populations. Building on some of the group’s
recent advances, this PhD project will provide a detailed investigation
of the tool-manufacture behaviour of wild crows. There is considerable
flexibility with regards to specific study objectives, but the
successful candidate is likely to conduct both field
observations and aviary-based experiments with temporarily-captive
subjects, with excellent scope for collaboration with other group
members and external project partners. This fully-funded PhD project
offers exciting opportunities for a highly motivated student
to join a dynamic research group, to conduct topical research on the
behavioural ecology of one of the most accomplished non-human tool
users, and to receive training in state-of-the-art field-ornithological
research methodologies.
CENTRE FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The
Centre for Biological Diversity (CBD) at the University of St Andrews
provides a highly interactive and stimulating environment for doctoral
students, with
particular strengths in animal behaviour and evolution. The successful
candidate would benefit from frequent interactions with postgraduates,
postdocs and PIs, including lab chats, seminars, and discussion groups.
CONTACT
Informal enquiries (with CV) can be addressed to Professor Rutz (christian.rutz@st-andrews.ac.uk), but all applications must be submitted via the School’s online
portal.
FUNDING NOTES
Eligibility requirements: Upper second-class degree in Biology or a related area.
Funding: Fees and stipend is provided for 3.5 years.
SELECTION CRITERIA
+ excellent academic track record
+ excellent analytical, writing and communication skills
+ demonstrable skill and enthusiasm for behavioural research and fieldwork
+ high degree of self-motivation and independence
+
ability and willingness to live and work overseas, for extended periods
of time and sometimes under challenging field conditions
+ clean driving licence
+ prior research experience is an advantage