Research Assistant (Bird Ringing)

20 Mar 2017

As part of a large-scale research project on great tits lead by Prof. John Quinn at University College Cork, Ireland, we are looking to employ two bird ringers for 6 weeks from late April. Fieldwork will involve the capture of adult tits at nest boxes, the ringing of pulli and general nest monitoring at sites around Co. Cork and Co. Kerry in Ireland. Those applying must hold a BTO ringing permit with endorsements for ringing pulli and adults, and must provide their own vehicle and accommodation for the duration of the post. For more information, please contact Jodie Crane at jodie.crane@ucc.ie. Further general details are listed below.

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Project : The evolutionary ecology of cognition across a heterogeneous landscape (EVOECOCOG) Why do individuals vary in their cognitive abilities? This project takes the disciplines of cognition and evolutionary biology into a natural setting to answer this question. It aims to do this by investigating a variety of proximate causes and population-level consequences of individual cognitive variation using a great tit Parus major population. The project represents one of the first large-scale integrative studies of cognitive performance on any wild population. The chosen study system, the great tit Parus major, is one of the most widely used in Europe, and currently consists of 400 nest boxes distributed between twelve subpopulations across deciduous and conifer woodland fragments in Co. Cork, and an additional 400 nest boxes in Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry, Ireland. Applicants must have excellent ornithological field skills, hold a ringing licence (BTO ‘C’ or ‘A’ with endorsements to ring pulli and adult tit species), and be competent handling data. The successful applicants must hold a valid driving license and provide their own vehicle and accommodation for the duration of the post. Post Duration: 6 weeks from late April 2017 Criteria

• A BTO ringing permit (with appropriate endorsements as detailed above) is essential.
• A driving license, and use of personal vehicle are essential.
• An ability to work independently to a tight schedule is essential.
• Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results is essential.
• Evidence of excellent organisational and communication skills is essential.
• Some research experience is desirable.
• Good report writing and presentation skills are desirable.
• Good data handling and computer skills are desirable.
• High levels of initiative are encouraged.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• To work under the direction of the Project Leader.
• To provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organising, and conducting data collection within the overall scope of the research project.
• To perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection and documentation of field data.
• To undertake tasks which may include recording results and preparing reports.
• To present information on progress and outcomes to others responsible for the research project.
• To provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research project, as agreed with the Project Leader.
• To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

For informal enquiries on the post candidates should contact Dr Jodie Crane by email. To apply, please submit a cover letter and C.V. to Dr Jodie Crane by email before 5pm on the 27^th of March 2017. Interviews are likely to be held by Skype in the first instance within two weeks of the closing date. Successful applicants will be placed at Point 1 on the Research Assistant salary scale (€20,495 pro rata). More information on the project can be found at: http://ornithology.ucc.ie/current-projects/evolutionary-ecology-of-cognition/