Field assistant volunteer interns needed  
Field study of the Eurasian common lizard-  Zootoca vivipara

Research interns are needed to assist in an ongoing study of reproductive
modes of the Eurasian common lizard-  Zootoca vivipara.

Z. vivipara is a small insectivorous lizard with a broad palearctic
distribution-  with both oviparous and viviparous lineages extant in its
European heartland. We study the ecology-  behaviour and evolution of
this fascinating species using a unique 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 in Glasgow.

Internships will run between May and September 2025. We are looking for
interns who can commit for an extended period-  usually 2-3 months. In
your application-  note what dates you will be available.

We are seeking interns with an interest in herpetology-  ecology
and/or evolution and who are very keen for gaining experience in the
field. Duties will include assisting in all aspects of fieldwork at the
site-  including but not limited to collection of wild lizards by hand
or lasso-  recording and measurement, care and husbandry, assisting with
experiments-  driving to and from field sites and other locations, and
contributing to communal camping and household tasks. Full 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 other) and travel
costs up to intra-European value will be covered. Travel insurance will
be provided including urgent medical care. We can welcome team members
from anywhere in the world-  but interns are responsible for securing
their own Schengen visa in advance-  if that is needed. Please contact us
to discuss specifics. Interns should provide their own tent-  bedding,
and outdoor clothing and personal equipment suitable for an extended
field season in all weathers.

Essential skills & experience:

- Some background knowledge of topics in herpetology- ecology and/or
  evolutionary biology
- Physically able and willing to work outdoors in challenging conditions
  (including inclement weather and traversing steep or boggy terrain)
- Meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills- including
  data entry and sample organisation
- Good interpersonal and team working skills
- Scientific literacy and numeracy and familiarity with
  experimental design
- Fluency in English

Additional desirable skills & experience:

- Academic qualification in a relevant biological discipline (BSc or
  equivalent)
- Experience of animal care and husbandry- particularly in reptiles
- Knowledge of/fluency in German (Italian and Slovenian also an
  advantage)
- Drivers licence with significant driving experience

Applicants should send a cover letter (including aspects noted above) and
CV along with the names and email addresses of two or more professional
or academic references to: John.Smout@glasgow.ac.uk. Please mention
on your application-  if applicable, any prior experience working with
lizards or other fieldwork experience.

Informal inquiries in advance of application are welcome.

Review of applications will begin 1 March 2026 and continue until a team
is assembled; we plan on completing the decision by the end of March.

John.Smout@glasgow.ac.uk

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