UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY Postdoctoral Research Associate: Tool use in New Caledonian crows Grade 7, salary range: 28,983 -- 35,646 GBP p.a.
A three-year postdoctoral position is available, from May 2010 onwards, to work on the ecological and social context of tool use in New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides). The post is funded as part of a 5-year BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship to Dr Christian Rutz, and will be based at the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK. The post-holder will be responsible for coordinating and conducting fieldwork in New Caledonia, South Pacific. The research project will chart the ecology and behaviour of wild, free-ranging crows, using detailed field observations, systematic surveys, and novel biologging technologies. In addition, specific hypotheses will be examined in controlled experiments with wild and captive subjects. This is an exceptional opportunity to conduct topical field research on animal tool use and culture in a high-profile study system, and to take a leading role in a prolific and expanding research project. The successful candidate will have a PhD in behavioural ecology, ecology, evolutionary biology or a related subject, and experience in conducting independent field research, preferably in remote study locations. Proven skills in writing and publishing papers in leading scientific journals are essential. Experience of supervision in a research context, and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team are desirable. Previous field-ornithological experience, or a background in animal-cognition research, are not essential. Informal inquiries (with CV) should be addressed directly to Dr Christian Rutz ([email protected]). Further particulars and application forms are available from http://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk/jobs or from the Personnel Office of the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford (Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK; phone: +44(0) 1865 271190; email: [email protected]). Application forms, together with a CV and contact details of three referees, electronic copies of three publications, and a cover letter explaining how the candidate meets the selection criteria, as outlined in the further particulars, should be sent to the above address quoting reference number AT10013. The closing date for applications is 7 May 2010. Interviews with short-listed candidates are expected to take place in May. -------------------------------------------- Dr Christian Rutz BBSRC David Phillips Fellow Department of Zoology University of Oxford South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PS, UK +44/1865/271179 [email protected] www.zoo.ox.ac.uk --------------------------------------------
