PhD Student in need of a field assistant forresearch investigating the mechanisms and consequences of avianinsectivore declines in Central America between 1 Jun - Aug 2009. I amseeking a highly motivated, reliable, and flexible assistant to workwith me at several field sites in northeastern Costa Rica, including LaSelva Biological Station and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. I aminvestigating the potential roles of two alternative mechanisms(food-limitation and microhabitat selection) in the declines ofrainforest understory insectivorous birds, including ruddy-tailedflycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus), golden-crowned spadebill(Platyrinchus coronatus), and several antwren species, in rainforestreserves. The field work will be varied, including bird foragingobservations and arthropod sampling, but the majority of the work willinvolve habitat structure data collection. Field work is intensive,involving fairly long days, long hikes and/or bicycle rides on oftenhilly and slippery terrain with backpacks full of water and field gear.Applicants should have significant progress towards a BS/BA (or higherdegree) in Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Previous experiencewith birds, arthropods, vegetation surveys, or other field work –especially tropical fieldwork - is preferable but not necessary. Astrong interest in fieldwork and the flexibility, durability, andtolerance to deal with occasionally difficult conditions (heat,humidity, biting and stinging insects, snakes, steep terrain) isessential. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not necessary, as we willmostly be at field stations with other English-speaking researchers;though a willingness to learn will greatly improve your experience. Theassistant must be detail-oriented and meticulous in data collection;experience with collecting systematic data in a scientific context ispreferred. In general, applicants should be in good physical and mentalcondition, and able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towardschallenging and tiring work. In exchange for this, applicants willobtain a variety of valuable research skills, and will work in gorgeouslocations with excellent birding opportunities. Room and board and alltravel within Central America will be covered, but no stipend will beprovided. I will cover at least half of the travel expenses to CostaRica, with the remainder possible, depending on funding. Please send aresume, letter of interest (describing background, experience, availabledates, and future goals), and the names and email addresses of 2-3references by email attachment to NICOLE MICHEL (EM: nmichel@tulane.edu).Please feel free to contact me for further information; seealso my website (URL: http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~nmichel) for moreinformation. Applications will be reviewed and applicants contacted asthey are received.