Field assistants ??? Avian behavioural ecology New Caledonia We are looking for 2-3 field assistants to work on avian behavioural ecology in New Caledonia. The research is part of a long-term study on the co-evolutionary arms race between the Fan-tailed Gerygone and the Shining Bronze-cuckoo conducted by the Behavioural Ecology Group at the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (see Attisano et al, 2018 SciRep 8:10359; Attisano et al., 2021, CurrZool, 67:653-663; Attisano et al., 2023, JAnimEcol, 92:30-43). Postgraduate students are particularly encouraged to apply as there are possibilities to develop research projects on co-evolutionary interactions, avian breeding ecology and vocal repertoire and communication. When: October - December 2024, exact dates and duration to be agreed.=20 Where: main island of Grande Terre, in managed nature reserve with tropical savannah and dry forest habitats. Duties: nest searching and monitoring, mist-netting and banding, data collection and analysis, maintenance of field equipment. The full scope of tasks for prospective M.Sc. students might vary depending on the specific research project. Requisites: experience of behavioural research with wild birds in particular nest searching, nest monitoring (including video monitoring), mist-netting, bird banding. Additional training will be provided. Fieldwork is physically demanding (UV exposure, heat, humidity, rain) therefore physical fitness, enthusiasm and self-motivation are essential. Ability to work independently or as part of a team and to share living spaces is also essential. Previous experience of working in the tropics, driving license and knowledge of French are desirable. Working conditions: 8-10 hours daily for 6 days a week on average, up to 10-12 hours during the peak of the breeding season with an early morning start (5-6am). The project will provide accommodation and a weekly allowance to cover personal food costs and living expenses. Selected applicants will need to arrange their own travel to and from New Caledonia. How to apply: send a single PDF named ???NC2024_Assistant_NameSurname.pdf??? with CV, cover letter (max 1 A4 page) describing relevant experience and contact details of 2 referees to aattisano@miiz.waw.pl. The initial deadline is 20/06/2024, but positions are open until filled. Prospective postgraduate candidates should include a short preliminary research proposal (max 1 A4 page). Only selected applicants will be contacted and invited for an online interview. For informal enquiries please contact: dr Alfredo Attisano (aattisano@miiz.waw.pl). Alfredo Attisano (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)