An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated assistant to participate in fieldwork in Japan, as part of our international research team. We will be visiting Japan in May-June 2024 to sample urban and rural tree sparrow (Passer montanus) populations, mainly in the Tokyo area. We are now seeking a Japanese-speaking field assistant to help with tasks in the field and act as a translator throughout the field season. This expenses-paid role will give the assistant extensive experience in avian fieldwork, ideal for a future career in ecology, evolution or conservation, whilst working with a friendly team in a beautiful country. Project summary: The tree sparrow shows geographical variation in the extent to which it associates with humans. In Japan, the tree sparrow is anthrodependent or human-commensal, depending upon human resources for population persistence. This tight association with humans likely emerged and spread with the introduction of rice agriculture out of China. Putatively, it seems the tree sparrow underwent adaptations to thrive in human-modified environments, nesting in building crevices, displaying modified behavioural traits, and transitioning to starch-rich diets. We aim to investigate the evolutionary consequences of human-commensalism for tree sparrows, as well as their variation along urban-rural gradients. A range of measurements and samples will be collected to understand dietary, reproductive, immunological, behavioural, and genomic adaptation to a human-commensal niche. The field assistant would be involved in all aspects of data collection including mist netting, bird handling, sample collection, data recording, and note taking. Requirements for the role: - Available for one month of fieldwork between 6th May - 6th June 2024 (ESSENTIAL) - Fluent in both Japanese and English (ESSENTIAL) - Confident with translational tasks, including but not limited to day-to- day translation of signs, timetables etc. and explaining our work to the public (ESSENTIAL) - A full driver's licence, with the option to apply for an international driving permit if necessary (ESSENTIAL) - A valid passport (ESSENTIAL) - Field experience, in particular previous experience with bird handling (DESIRABLE) - Willing to work long hours, including very early mornings and weekends (ESSENTIAL) What we offer: - Expenses including flights, accommodation and food whilst in Japan - Stipend of euro 750 - Extensive avian field experience, including training from our experienced team members To apply: For more information and pre-application enquiries, please contact Ruth Fawthrop (r.fawthrop@nioo.knaw.nl) or Melissah Rowe (m.rowe@nioo.knaw.nl). Applicants should send a brief motivation letter and copy of their CV including two references to Ruth Fawthrop (r.fawthrop@nioo.knaw.nl) and Melissah Rowe (m.rowe@nioo.knaw.nl). This advert has a rolling deadline, until the position is filled. "Fawthrop, Ruth" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)