The bird group at IISER Tirupati is looking for multiple interns to work in
different projects from October 2021 to December 2021.
Both projects are about birds and their relationships with the landscape.
Read about sky islands here
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/proof/2017/08/skyislands-and-western-ghats/
Project 1: Shola Sky Island birds and its habitats
The broad goals of the project are to examine the spread of woody invasive
across the Sky Island landscape and its relationship with the bird community.
Read more about the spread of invasive here
https://thewire.in/environment/kodaikanal-plantation-grasslands-shola-eucalyptus-gaur
.
Major roles for the intern include working with a field assistant to collect
bird data, and vegetation structure data from across Nilgiris and Anamalais,
and enter the collected data each day into a spreadsheet.
Prior knowledge of Shola plant species for identification is not required, but
some experience conducting field work and vegetation sampling will be critical.
Prior knowledge of all Shola birds is also not required as we are targeting a
few select species, but experience with birding is critical.
We prefer those who can bring their own motorbikes (geared or gearless) to
field for this project. We will pay for transport of the bike and fuel costs on
field (please discuss the details with us).
We are looking for individuals who can work in concert with a mixed gender team
of 8 others, but can function fairly independently with their own targets.
Basic field accommodation and food will be provided, but all team members are
expected to share field station duties.
Since this is a continuous field work position, it may not work for students
pursuing a degree (bachelors or masters) and will not be suitable for a masters
dissertation. Please also note that this is an unpaid internship.
More details can be shared on request. Please contact Jobin Varughese
<jobin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> or robin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Project 2: Bird Biogeography
This project aims to examine the biogeography and evolution of birds across
peninsular India. Read more about the project here:
https://www.skyisland.in/peninsular-birds.html
The interns are specifically required to work in central India and Western
Ghats (Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra). They would be working with a team of
2-3 individuals who are experienced in mist-netting and bird handling. The
major roles for the interns would be to assist in setting up mist-nets,
monitoring nets during the sampling period, and recording bird data. We will be
providing the interns with basic accommodation (shared with team members) and
food during their tenure.
Basic requirements from an intern:
1. Motivation to conduct field work across different landscapes
2. Motivation to learn about birds
3. Can stay in sub-optimal field conditions for prolonged period
Preferred (along with the basic requirements):
1. Has a LMV driving license and can drive a 4 wheeler
2. Has a prior experience working on field, particularly with birds
3. BVSc degree holder
The intern is expected to work continuously over a period of 2-3 months and
thus the position may be only suitable for those who aren't pursuing a degree.
Please note this will be an unpaid internship and only basic accommodation and
food will be provided by the project. Furthermore, the project won't cover the
costs of travel to-and-from the interns' homes.
More details can be shared on request. Please contact Naman Goyal
<naman.goyal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> or robin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
We will be happy to provide certificates of internship, and letters of
recommendation to other institutions or academic programs on request.
We will conduct telephonic interviews, and will talk to referees on the phone.
The position will be closed as soon as appropriate candidates are found.
Apply HERE https://forms.gle/55pKq9RHyhBUtrTdA ;
V. V. Robin
www.skyisland.in
+91 9449002297
Twitter @vvrobin
Assistant Professor
Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) Tirupati
Karakambadi Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh India 517507
www.iisertirupati.ac.in
