Employer: University of Neuchâtel
Location: Vicinity of Neuchâtel and Bern, Switzerland Details: Website: www2.unine.ch/ecophy Duration: start on 1st of April 2014 and will continue throughout early/mid July 2014 Job Type: Volunteer Application Deadline: 28th of February 2014 Job Description: VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT POSITION to study oxidative stress in relation to social status in house sparrows in Switzerland. We are seeking 2 research assistant for the upcoming breeding season to join a project investigating the impact of oxidative stress and social status on the development of reproductive strategies in house sparrow. The project is based at the University of Neuchatel, Switzerland (PI: Prof. Fabrice Helfenstein, PhD student: Jacqueline Huber) and will be conducted in the vicinity of Neuchâtel and Bern, Switzerland. The work will start on 1st of April and will continue throughout early/mid July. Our project investigates how males with different positions in a dominance hierarchy allocate their antioxidant resources to the protection of their sperm vs. the protection of their somatic functions, and how such allocation strategies affect the quality of the sperm they produce. The work of the volunteer will consist in field and lab work. This includes assisting the PhD student with catching and banding birds, behavioural observations, sample collection, data management and data analysis. This is a volunteer field assistant position, thus the applicant should cover his/her own accommodation and food. Travel expenses might be covered for European applicants (partly for overseas applicants), and a possible stipend could be granted at the end of the season. Qualifications: (1) Ability to work and live in small groups and sociable personality, (2) Fluent in English, (3) Ability to endure long working days, (4) Knowledge in observing & handling birds is highly desirable, (5) Driving license is helpful, (6) Basic knowledge of French or German is helpful although not essential. To Apply: Applications - including a CV and a letter of motivation (1 pg.) - should be send to : JACQUELINE HUBER ([email protected]). Please use "Volunteer Field Assistant in Switzerland" as the subject and note your availability during this time period in the body of the e-mail. Applications received until 28th February 2014 will be given full consideration. For further information on the lab & project, see www2.unine.ch/ecophy
