Position of Junior Research Fellow for Owl Ecology Project

(3 Positions)

For the love of Owls

For more than a decade, we, at the Wildlife Research and Conservation Society (www.wrcsindia.org) have been carrying out ecological research on the Forest Owlet and other sympatric owls in Central India. Our research has yielded useful insights on the distribution, occupancy, habitat preference, demography, breeding habits, foraging habits and behaviour of the Forest Owlet and other owls co- habiting the landscape. Through our long-term studies on owls, we want to understand the drivers of the status, distribution and population of the Forest Owlet and ultimately strengthen management actions that will help in-situ conservation of these magnificent birds of prey. The findings of our research are available on various platforms as scientific papers, popular articles, technical manuals, blogs and also on webinars. We work in close association with the State Forest Departments, scientists, academicians, students and local communities.

More about the Owls

We believe that we have just scratched the tip of the iceberg and there is a lot more to be unearthed about the ecology of owls in Central India. With this perspective, we are continuing our ongoing research on the Forest Owlet in Central India. The Project Areas are in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The duration of the project is a minimum of three years and can be extended further. The project offers excellent opportunities to study owls from close quarters using best scientific techniques, ask innovative research questions, develop unique conservation model and work with best ecologists from India and other countries. The project will begin soon.

Who Should Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for researchers planning to pursue a Ph.D. in ecological sciences. We are offering a fully funded and a completely academic opportunity so it is not suitable for those seeking a job, internship or short-term learning opportunity. The project requires tough field work and we want to work with individuals who are like minded and enjoy being in the field. We urge the applicants to consider the following criteria very seriously before sending in their application.

We are seeking applications from post-graduate in Wildlife Science/Ecology or similar subject and wanting to pursue a Ph.D.
Commitment to complete the entire duration of the project which may be up to 4 years
Earlier experience of working on field ecology and on birds
Well-versed with statistical analysis, GIS, field ecology, and scientific writing
Excellent skill in spoken and written English
Young and physically very fit to work in tough terrain for long hours
Ability to drive a 4-wheel vehicle and motorcycle on the rough forest roads and holder of permanent driving license
Willing and happy to put in hard work in the field, and willingness to work during the day and night and through all the seasons.
Willing to walk up to 10 km daily in rugged terrain.

Willing to stay in very basic field accommodation and ready to rough it out in the field .
Ready to stay in field staff camps if required.
Having a great team spirit and able to work amicably with everyone.
This is a completely field-oriented project and will require the researchers to spend maximum time in the forest.
Honest and dedicated person with a pleasant personality, a sense of responsibility, adventure, humour and humility would be highly appreciated.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be according to the UGC scale for applicants having qualified NET/GATE/PET.

How to apply

Applicants interested in applying should send an introductory email of 1 introductory paragraph and attach the following in the email: a. 1 page note on why you are applying for this project, b. Recent resume with details on past and current work. Please share pdfs of your research publications if any. In the resume please include contact details of three referees (name, email and phone numbers) from the ecology field. Please send the email to mail@wrcsindia.org with subject line “Application for the Owl Ecology Project” by 12th June, 2021.

Thank you!!!