Voluntariado en ornitología con alojamiento y viaje pagados (Bélgica)

We are looking for a motivated voluntary research assistant to support us in our research on the parental care of blue tits in Antwerp, Belgium. Starting from mid-April until mid-June 2017.

Our particular interest is the sexual conflict between parents. The main questions we are working on are: how is parental investment coordinated and how do parents respond to disturbances. A Postdoc (Arne Iserbyt) and a Phd student (Maaike Griffioen) are currently working on these topics during the breeding season. This year we can use some assistance with the fieldwork and the implementation of our experiments. During the fieldwork we use several techniques such as nest cameras and a pit tag system that records the parental feeding visits automatically.

Work will be in Peerdsbos near Antwerpen (Belgium), and mainly consist of monitoring nests, catching parents, measuring chicks and conducting specific experiments. To get to the nest boxes you will need a ladder which you also need to carry around all day. Thus an intermediate level of condition is required, as well as the motivation to work outside disregarding the weather and work long days during the peak of the breeding season.

Requirements:
-Highly motivated
-Bird handling experience
-Preferably experience with blood sampling
-Certificate for bleeding animals is desirable
-Decent stamina

You will acquire valuable skills in field work, bird handling and experimental design. We can offer you housing on our campus or a small stipend to cover the costs of accommodation. There is also budget to cover travel costs to Belgium.

Position will be closed after 1st of March.
For any further questions regarding the position or if you are interested in applying, then please don’t hesitate to contact me or send your CV and a motivation letter to maaike.griffioen@uantwerpen.be