Job advertisement
The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz IZW) in Berlin is Germany’s premier wildlife research institute. The Leibniz IZW focuses on the life histories and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptations of mammals and birds, their limits and their conservation in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments. The institute operates within the fields of evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproduction biology and reproduction management.
The IZW Department of Evolutionary Ecology offers (beginning earliest 1st November, 2022) an unpaid
Masters Student Project
Tasks:
We are looking for a highly motivated student to investigate the effects of resource predictability on movement patterns in African white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus).
White-backed vultures are obligate scavengers that rely on carcasses for food, an unpredictable resource in space and time. In an anthropogenic environment, however, vultures might use predictable resources such as landfills and supplementary feeding stations i.e. “vulture restaurants”. So far, little is known about how resource predictability influences movement patterns and whether vultures establish a routine in visiting locations with predictable resources.
The successful applicant will work with high-resolution GPS data of 32 tracked vultures in Etosha national park, Namibia. The candidate will develop his/her/their own research questions within the scope of the project. Most of the work will consist of analysing GPS data using R.
Requirements:
Registration at a German university at a faculty of biology in a Master programme.
The candidate should have a background in ecology and an interest in specializing in movement ecology and ornithology. Experience in using R is recommended but is not a prerequisite. We expect the candidate to be motivated, communicative and independent.
Applications and working environment:
The position will start at the earliest on 1st Nov 2022 as soon as it is filled and will last for at least 3 months. Work load comprises a minimal of 10 hours per week, the actual amount of hours can be negotiated. The place of employment is the IZW Berlin or alternatively at home and no travel for the project is envisaged.
Enquiries or questions should be directed to Teja Curk (curk@izw-berlin.de).
As a member of the Leibniz Association the Leibniz-IZW is an equal opportunity employer, determined to increase the proportion of women in successful scientific careers, and particularly encourages women to apply. Preference will be given to disabled applicants with the same qualifications.
Please upload complete application documents including a letter of motivation, CV, proof of university enrolment and contact details (email address and telephone) of a person who can provide a reference. Submit your application as soon as possible but no later than 30th November 2022 via the Leibniz-IZW’s online-job-market (button “Apply online”).
