Post-doctoral research at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town
Project: Analysis of expanding urban raptor populations using long-term data sets We invite applications for the above one-year, full-time research opportunity at the FitzPatrick Institute, a world-renowned, national Centre of Excellence (CoE) in ornithological research with a strong emphasis on postgraduate studies. The successful applicant will have access to two long-term raptor studies which have been carried out on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Firstly, a 25-year study of the Peregrine Falcons (1989-ongoing) carried out by Dr Andrew Jenkins and secondly, a 13-year monitoring study of the Black Sparrowhawks (2001-ongoing) principally collected by Ann Koeslag. During both studies, populations have increased dramatically (from <10 pairs to 50 pairs over the period of study). Annual monitoring data includes recording of territorial occupancy, population size, site fidelity, turn-over, breeding success and productivity. Both studies have colour ringed a large proportion of the adults and juveniles, thus providing information on life time reproductive success and other data only obtainable with individually marked populations. Additionally we have dietary information for both populations and blood samples have been collected for a number of years. We have robust survival estimates for both populations and we have some information on home range use of the Black Sparrowhawk. There is considerable flexibility in the scope of the research, dependent on the applicant’s interests or skills, although the successful applicant will be expected to make use of the existing long-term data sets and to submit a number of papers for publication in top international journals within the year. Funding is secured for a R140 000 CoE bursary (tax exempt) for one year and adequate project running costs (w.e.f. January 2014). Support and supervision will be provided by Dr Arjun Amar and Dr Res Altwegg, and by Dr Andrew Jenkins for the Peregrine data and Anne Koeslag for the Black Sparrowhawk data. Applicants must have completed their PhD in a relevant subject within the past five years, have strong analytical skills and a good publication record for the current stage of career. To apply, please send a CV (including your academic record, publication list & the names and contact details of three referees) plus a short motivation letter and an outline of how you would use these data to answer questions of interest to the your areas of expertise to Hilary Buchanan at [email protected]. Informal enquires can be directed to Dr Arjun Amar: [email protected]. For more information on the FitzPatrick Institute visit www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za. Closing date: 20th Dec 2013 UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Students granted an award to study at UCT are required to comply with the UCT official and approved policies on postgraduate funding.
