We are looking for volunteers to help with rodent trapping, behavioral tests, and ornithological observations as part of research on the impact of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii on behavior and predation risk in wild rodents (project description here: https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/listy-rankingowe/2016-03-15/streszczenia/330680-en.pdf)
When and where?
Fieldwork is conducted at the Mammal Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Białowieża, in nearby meadows and wastelands. We are looking for people who are ready to join as early as 10th of June, in August, or in September.
What you can learn:
● Methods of rodent trapping (live traps)
● Identification of different species of small mammals, their biology and ecology
● Conducting standard behavioral tests and analyzing them in ToxTrac
● Conducting ornithological observations, and learning about the biology and ecology of shrikes
● Dissecting rodents (hunted by cats), basic laboratory work
● Working with ecological databases
● Teamwork
Previous field experience with small mammals is welcome but not required. There is an opportunity to extend the collaboration in the form of bachelor’s or master’s theses and scientific publications. We expect participation in fieldwork for a minimum of 3 weeks of trapping during the period from June to September. Remote collaboration on video analyses is also possible, as well as winter internships involving DNA isolation. We cover the costs of accommodation and meals.
Applications and questions: Fill out the volunteer form available on the MRI website, along with your CV and availability, and send it to Dr. Milena Zduniak to e-mail address m.zduniak@ibs.bialowieza.pl
