We are looking for a student/intern to join our team at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biological Intelligence under the supervision of Dr. Clemens Küpper (team leader) and Dr. Giovanni Spezie (postdoc). The project focuses on the courtship behaviour of a captive population of ruffs (Calidris pugnax) held at our facilities. Ruffs are a unique and fascinating model system for the study of courtship behaviour, as male ruffs exhibit three morphs with distinct phenotypes and reproductive strategies (Independent, Satellite, Faeder males). The aim of the project is to investigate whether the social environment plays an important role in regulating the expression of courtship behaviours of the three male reproductive morphs in this species.
Duration: 2-3 months; start date should be no later than 25th-30th
April 2024.
Activities: the intern will participate in an
experiment that will take place between April and July 2024 at the Seewiesen
campus (Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße,
82319 Starnberg, Germania). The intern will be trained to handle the birds, release them into the
experimental units, operate the synchronized video-camera system to record
their courtship behaviour and social interactions in the aviaries. It is highly
recommended that the student stays at the guesthouse of the campus, as the
experiments start early in the day (6:00 am) in order to release the birds into
the experimental units, as connections via public transport is not available in
the early morning. Experimental activities are however limited to the morning
hours.
Costs: the expenses for travel and accommodation will have to
be covered by the intern. We do however encourage the candidate to apply for
funding through the Erasmus program.
Requirements: there are no particular
requirements; prior experience with bird handling is preferred.
In case of interest, please contact and send a brief
CV to: Giovanni Spezie; giovanni.spezie@vetmeduni.ac.at