Field assistant volunteer / intern needed - Field study of the Eurasian
common lizard, Zootoca vivipara

We study the reproductive biology and evolution of the Eurasian common
lizard (Zootoca vivipara) at a natural experiment site based in southern
Austria. The project is organised by an international team of researchers
based at the University of Glasgow (UK) and the University of Ljubljana
(SI) led by Professor Kathryn Elmer at the School of Biodiversity,
One Health and Veterinary Medicine at Univ of Glasgow.

Internships will run from approximately mid-May to late-September
2025. We are looking for interns who can commit to the entire field
season, but shorter periods may be considered.

Duties will include assisting in all aspects of fieldwork at the
site, including but not limited to collection of wild lizards by hand,
recording and measurement, care and husbandry, assisting with experiments,
driving to and from field sites and other locations, and contributing
to communal camping/ household tasks. Training will be provided. There
may also be opportunity for leading or contributing to your own project
within the team.

Fieldwork is physically demanding and will take place outdoors in a
remote rural location, with fieldworkers based at a commercial campsite
for the duration. Interns must be comfortable with living and working
collaboratively with others in a small group and long-term camping;
maintaining good relations with the team and local community is essential.

All main expenses (food, camping/accommodation fees) and travel costs
equivalent to UK/European value will be covered. Travel and medical
insurance will be provided. We can welcome team members from anywhere in
the world! Interns should provide their own tent, bedding, and outdoor
clothing/personal equipment. Please contact us for specifics about costs
and remuneration.

Qualifications: We are seeking interns with an interest in herpetology,
ecology and/or evolution and who are very keen for gaining experience
in the field. Applicants must hold a full driver's licence (eligible
to drive a rental car) and be experienced and confident drivers. Good
interpersonal and team working skills are essential, as interns will
be living and working with the field team in close quarters for an
extended period. Additionally, applicants must be physically able and
willing to work outdoors in challenging conditions (including inclement
weather and traversing steep or boggy terrain). Prior experience of
fieldwork and/or working with lizards or other herpetofauna is ideal,
but not essential. Please mention on your application, if applicable,
any prior relevant experience. Knowledge of/ fluency in German would
also be an asset.

Applicants should send a cover letter (including aspects noted
above) and CV, dates of availability, along with the names and email
addresses of two or more professional or academic references to:
Kathryn.Elmer@glasgow.ac.uk

Informal inquiries in advance of application are welcome.

Review of applications will begin 1 March and continue until a team is
assembled; we plan on completing the decision by the end of March.

Kathryn Elmer <Kathryn.Elmer@glasgow.ac.uk>

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