Work with us
New PhD studentship
A four-year funded PhD studentship is available at the University of Valladolid to investigate the relationship between sociality and cognition in carrion crows (see current research for more information on the research topic).
Stipend
According to Spanish scholarship system, is around 1120 Euros/month
Requisites for applicants
Bachelor degree in Biology, Natural Sciences, Psychology
Master degree or related title (e.g. obtained through a 2 years program of research or specialization)
obtained after 1 January, 2005.
Good knowledge of English (certified through an official examination like IELTS, TOEFL, or similar)
Aptitude of working in a group, and capability of developing an independent research line
How to apply
Send us an email, explaining the reasons for applying as PhD student in our project, research interests, and previous experience.
Please include the following documents (as Word or PDF files, all together not exceeding 1 Mb. If needed, separate in two different emails)
:
- Complete CV with indication of the requisites stated above.
Copies of official certificates and titles will be requested on a later stage.
- Two presentation letters from former professors or employers
- A research project of maximum 2 A4 sheets, written in English.
The research project should address the relationship between social behaviour and cognition in carrion crows, exploring the evolution of any aspect of cognition (with particular emphasis on cooperation) in a variable social environment (click here for further details).
Both proximate mechanisms and ultimate function of cognitive behaviours may be addressed. A minimum of 3 questions/experiments is required. Please divide the research project in: general background, objectives, methods and expected results.
Experimental setup. The experiments will be carried out on 15 individuals kept in captivity (2 nuclear families with parents and yearling offspring and 1 flock of related and unrelated juveniles).
Individuals can be isolated in experimental compartments where they may or may not have visual or physical contact with other individuals.
Applicants selected for the second stage will be invited for an interview, where they should present the original certificates.
Deadline for applications: CLOSED
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Risk assessment and safety protocol
Working with our crows (both in the field and in the aviaries) is a relatively safe experience. The geographic area poses no risks in terms of dangerous or poisonous wildlife, infectious diseases or criminality, and our work does not involve intrinsically dangerous activities.
The only hazard is represented by a reduced number of zoonosis that are common to people living in contact with animals (including domestic pets) and that can be easily prevented by adopting a few simple precautions.
Here you can download our risk assessment and safety protocol. All students and volunteers working with us must read it and return it signed.
Risk assessment and safety protocol for fieldwork and work in aviaries >>
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