PhD Position:Social Foraging in Cooperative Birds

Institute for Biology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway Applications are invited for a fully funded 4 year PhD position, supervised by Prof. Jon Wright and Dr. Anahita Kazem at the Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU), Trondheim. Deadline for applications: 10th March 2006. A start date in July 2006 is preferred. Project outline: Detailed behavioural observations and experiments will be used to explore the foraging strategies of wild cooperative birds, specifically concerning state-dependence, risk sensitivity and cooperation. In the past, such experiments have almost exclusively been conducted on socially isolated birds held under laboratory conditions. However, wild populations of habituated birds make it possible to carry out more appropriate tests of evolutionary predictions within a natural ecological and social context. Study populations will include Jan Ekman’s Siberian jays in Arvidsjaur, northern Sweden, and our new study site for apostlebirds at the UNSW Arid Zone Research Station at Fowlers Gap, Australia. These two very different cooperative systems allow contrasting and complementary investigations, as part of a wider empirical and theoretical project involving collaborators in Norway, Sweden, Australia and the United States. The starting point for understanding behavioural decision-making in these systems will be one based around individual ‘state’ (variation in body mass). Diurnal and seasonal variation in social foraging strategies will be explored, including comparisons during periods of food-caching and helping-at-the-nest. Quantitative comparisons will be made between observational data on natural foraging and the results of experimental tests using artificial feeders in the field. This position is fully funded for 4 years, and includes additional research expenses. The position carries a 25% teaching responsibility, contributing toward the Institute’s courses in animal behaviour. Applications: All nationalities are eligible to apply. Applicants should have a strong background in behavioural or evolutionary ecology, preferably relating to foraging decisions, behavioural experimentation and/or field ornithology. A Masters degree is preferred. We are seeking a student who demonstrates initiative, can operate effectively in a range of field environments, and is interested in theoretical issues as well as experimental design. This project involves fieldwork in conjunction with academic colleagues and students at all levels, and applicants are expected to work well as part of a team. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Prof. Jonathan Wright (email: jonathan.wright@bio.ntnu.no), in the first instance. Informal enquiries are welcome. When making a formal application, please include: i) A covering letter (in English), outlining why you feel you would be suited to this position. ii) A full CV, in English. iii) Certified copies of academic degrees and other relevant documents (e.g. transcripts of grades). iv) The names and contact details of 2 academic referees. The formal application (in 3 copies) should be submitted by mail to: Faculty of Natural Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), N-7491 Trondheim, Norway. Please quote reference number: NT-04/06.