News

31.01.2025 – We are looking for field assistants!

The research focuses on the impact of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii on behavior and predation risk in wild rodents. We will study animal behavior, parasitology, and predator-prey interactions.

The research will be conducted during the spring-summer season (April–July) 2025 in meadows near the village of Białowieża. We will carry out live trapping of rodents combined with behavioral experiments in semi-natural enclosures located at the Mammal Research Institute PAS, observing responses to predation risk. Additionally, we will collect prey remains of free-ranging cats and predatory birds (shrikes).

See short project description here.

What you can learn:

  • Methods of rodent live-trapping
  • Identification of various small mammal species
  • Conducting behavioral tests (open field tests, giving-up densities) and measuring resting metabolic rates
  • Working with ecological databases and footage from behavioral tests and camera traps
  • Laboratory experience (e.g., DNA isolation from tissues, ELISA tests; starting around September)

Previous field experience (with small mammals) is desirable, but not essential. We prefer assistants available for the entire length of the fieldwork (4 months). There is an option to extend collaboration in the form of bachelor’s or master’s theses and scientific publications.

To apply: please fill out MRI application form and send to Dr. Milena Zduniak milenazduniak@gmail.com