Field assistants – Avian behavioural ecology New Caledonia
We are looking for 2-3 field assistants to work on avian behavioural ecology in New
Caledonia. The research is part of a long-term study on the co-evolutionary arms
race between the Fan-tailed Gerygone and the Shining Bronze-cuckoo conducted by
the Behavioural Ecology Group at the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish
Academy of Sciences (see Attisano et al, 2018 SciRep 8:10359; Attisano et al.,
2021, CurrZool, 67:653-663; Attisano et al., 2023, JAnimEcol, 92:30-43).
Postgraduate students are particularly encouraged to apply as there are possibilities
to develop research projects on co-evolutionary interactions, avian breeding ecology
and vocal repertoire and communication.
When: October - December 2024, exact dates and duration to be agreed.
Where: main island of Grande Terre, in managed nature reserve with tropical
savannah and dry forest habitats.
Duties: nest searching and monitoring, mist-netting and banding, data collection and
analysis, maintenance of field equipment. The full scope of tasks for prospective
M.Sc. students might vary depending on the specific research project.
Requisites: experience of behavioural research with wild birds in particular nest
searching, nest monitoring (including video monitoring), mist-netting, bird banding.
Additional training will be provided. Fieldwork is physically demanding (UV exposure,
heat, humidity, rain) therefore physical fitness, enthusiasm and self-motivation are
essential. Ability to work independently or as part of a team and to share living
spaces is also essential. Previous experience of working in the tropics, driving
license and knowledge of French are desirable.
Working conditions: 8-10 hours daily for 6 days a week on average, up to 10-12
hours during the peak of the breeding season with an early morning start (5-6am).
The project will provide accommodation and a weekly allowance to cover personal
food costs and living expenses. Selected applicants will need to arrange their own
travel to and from New Caledonia.
How to apply: send a single PDF named “NC2024_Assistant_NameSurname.pdf”
with CV, cover letter (max 1 A4 page) describing relevant experience and contact
details of 2 referees to aattisano@miiz.waw.pl. The initial deadline is 20/06/2024, but
positions are open until filled. Prospective postgraduate candidates should include a
short preliminary research proposal (max 1 A4 page). Only selected applicants will
be contacted and invited for an online interview.
For informal enquiries please contact: dr Alfredo Attisano (aattisano@miiz.waw.pl).
