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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 April, 2023) an unpaid

Internship / B.Sc.- / M.Sc.-Thesis (m/w/d)

Project on: Behaviour classification of lions based on acceleration data using machine learning/deep learning

Tasks:

The focus of the project will be the observation of lions in the Zoo Berlin. The observed lion(s) will be equipped with GPS/acceleration sensors. Parallel to the data recording of the sensors, the behaviour of the lions(s) will be observed and video-recorded. One of the main tasks will be to collect and analyse video recordings of lions to create second-by-second behaviour protocols on the PC. The other main task would be to train a behaviour classifier for these lions. The extent of this project is quite open. It could be an internship with a focus on behaviour observation or a Bachelor/Master thesis project that also includes the evaluation of different aspects of the behaviour classifier.

Requirements: 

  • Registration at a German university (Bachelor / Master) in Biology, Ecology, Veterinary Medicine, etc.
  • A suitable candidate will have some experience with R or python and a good command of English.
  • High motivation & sense of responsibility to work in an academic environment
  • Good organisational skills, high motivation and the ability to work independently for long hours are essential.
  • Personal interest in the questions of how species adapt to ongoing change is a bonus.
  • Good knowledge of English.

 

Applications and working environment: 

The position will start at the earliest on 1st April 2023 as soon as it is filled and will last for at least 3 months. Workload comprises a minimum of 10 hours per week, the actual amount of hours can be negotiated. The place of employment is the IZW Berlin or at home and no travel for the project is envisaged.

As part 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. We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion.

Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. We promote diversity, so please convince us with your quality and competence. The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research is "Total-E-Quality" certified, promotes equality and actively supports a work-life balance.

Enquiries or questions should be directed to Wanja Rast (rast@izw-berlin.de) or Douglas Branch (branch@izw-berlin.de).   

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  via the Leibniz-IZW’s online-job-market (button “Apply online”).