[BERG] Volunteer Research Assistant Opportunity

FYI: Research Assistant Opportunity Acoustic Ecology of Carrion Crows (Corvus corone) I am seeking motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistants to support a PhD project investigating the acoustic ecology of carrion crows in the UK. Project Overview The carrion crow is a widespread and familiar species across urban and rural environments in the UK. While crows are well known for their cognitive abilities, their vocalisations remain relatively understudied. This project aims to examine how urbanisation, environmental variables, and spatial distance influence carrion crow vocal behaviour, contributing to a broader understanding of animal communication in human-altered environments. Role Description Working closely with the PhD researcher, the Research Assistant will contribute to several aspects of the project, including: * Assisting with fieldwork (e.g. audio recording of crow vocalisations) * Downloading, organising, and managing audio recordings * Supporting literature research related to bioacoustics, urban ecology, and animal behaviour * Assisting with data processing and analysis (training provided) The role is flexible, and tasks can be tailored to your interests within the topic (e.g. field ecology, bioacoustics, data analysis, or literature-based research). Training and Support Previous experience welcome but not essential. Full training will be provided in all aspects of the role, including field methods, acoustic data handling, and analysis techniques. This position is ideal for students or early-career researchers interested in ecology, animal behaviour, conservation, or bioacoustics. Ideal Candidates Applications welcome from individuals who: * Have an interest in wildlife, ecology, or animal behaviour * Are reliable and willing to learn new skills * Are comfortable working both independently and as part of a research team * Are keen to gain hands-on research experience Benefits * Practical experience in ecological and acoustic research * One-to-one mentoring within a PhD research project * Opportunity to develop skills relevant to postgraduate study or research careers * Flexible involvement tailored to your availability and interests Time Expectation Approximately 280 hours spread over four months, equating to around two 7-hour days per week. This is flexible and can be more or less to suit individual requirements. If you are interested in gaining research experience while contributing to an exciting project on urban wildlife and animal communication, please email Robert at rra1(a)stir.ac.uk Robert Aitchison PhD student Psychology, University of Stirling ------------------------------- Dr Pawel Fedurek (he/his) Lecturer in Psychology Behaviour and Evolution Research Group (BERG) Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland, UK @pawel-fedurek<https://bsky.app/profile/pawel-fedurek.bsky.social> @berg-stirling<https://bsky.app/profile/berg-stirling.bsky.social> Staff page<https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1080868> | BERG page<https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/research-groups/behaviour-and-evolution-research-group/> I aim to reply within 3 working days (my working days are between Monday and Friday). ________________________________ Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159