lundi 8 décembre 2014

FIELD TRAINEES, GREAT TITS, GERMANY

We are looking for field trainees to help monitoring and catching breeding passerines at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, in the research group ‘Evolutionary Ecology of Variation’.
Website: http://www.orn.mpg.de/159079/Research_Group_Dingemanse Location: Seewiesen, Bayern, Germany.

Job description:
The field trainees will help collect breeding and behavioural data on Great Tits (Parus major) from approximately end of March to mid/end of July 2015. The research focuses primarily on identifying how natural and sexual selection act on animal personalities and behavioural plasticity. Trainees will work closely with an international team consisting of several post-docs, PhD and Master students, as well as other assistants. Field work is physically demanding, and involves walking over hilly terrain for long days outdoors in all weather conditions. The breeding season is intense and  with typically only 1 day off per week. Duties include behavioural observations, nest monitoring, bird handling and data entry.

Qualifications/Experience:
Candidates preferably study Biology or a related field. Having experience handling birds (preferably small passerines), including ringing and measuring, is a plus but not a requirement. Ideal candidates are highly motivated, well organized, able to work both independently and as part of a group. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be experienced in operating vehicles with manual transmission.

Non-EU candidates are not eligible for this position (UK and Swiss citizens are eligible). A small financial compensation and housing in shared accommodation will be provided. Accepted trainees should be vaccinated against Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE or FSME) before arriving in Seewiesen. Applicants should also be aware that Lyme disease (carried by ticks) is prevalent in the area and should inform themselves about this disease beforehand.

In an effort to employ more people with disabilities, the Max-Planck-Society specifically encourages people with disabilities to apply for the position. 


Applications: Review of the applications will begin mid-January and continue until the positions are filled. To apply, please send (1) a statement of relevant experience, (2) a short resume or CV, and (3) contact information of two references to Alexia Mouchet (eMail: amouchet@orn.mpg.de).