Opportunites: Research Assistants & Internships

Research Experience at the Edward Grey Institute

Researchers at the EGI may be able to offer opportunities for visiting students or researchers or volunteers to gain experience of a range of research techniques from field data collection through experimental design to molecular laboratory work. The opportunities depend on current research projects, and on the ability of those projects to offer these positions. In general, field projects are more likely to take place between May-July, though some research takes place all year round.

In general, we are not able to pay expenses for such positions beyond those directly incurred while carrying out the work. We expect a high level of dedication and enthusiasm, and a willingness to work (at times) long and unsociable hours. If you are interested in research experience here, please send your CV, a short covering letter explaining your interest, and the names and addresses of two referees who may be contacted, to the address found on the contact page.

Current Opportunities

A number of short-term field assistant positions (up to six) are available to work collecting data on the breeding biology of blue tits and great tits, based at the Edward Grey Institute, Dept of Zoology, University of Oxford. The positions are funded as part of a grant from the European Research Council to Prof Ben Sheldon. This is casual work. The posts are available for two months, from approximately 10 April to 10 June 2012. The main duties of the post-holders will be to carry out fieldwork around Oxford and to assist in the collation and input of data.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate skill and enthusiasm for biological research, as well as experience of fieldwork under arduous conditions, and of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Fieldwork skills involving birds (e.g. UK ringing licence) are advantageous, although training and support will be provided. Informal inquiries about the positions to Camilla Hinde (camilla.hinde@zoo.ox.ac.uk) or Ben Sheldon (ben.sheldon@zoo.ox.ac.uk).

The posts are based in a dynamic and expanding research-active institute, of c. 50 people, fully integrated within the Department of Zoology. Further details about the institute available at: http://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk/egi/. Salary £22,971 per annum (pro rata). Start date around 10 April 2012. Hours are very variable throughout the two month period, and successful applicants must be prepared to work long hours, including at weekends, during the busy periods; this is counterbalanced by a much lighter load at the start and end of the period. Applications (with CV, covering letter and the email addresses of two referees) to Mrs Claire Harvey (claire.harvey@zoo.ox.ac.uk) by 20 February 2011. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.