Research Assistant/MSc opportunity Pinniped research We have recently received funding from the Irish Marine Institute to examine habitat use, movement and diet of common seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina) along the south coast of Ireland. We are currently looking to recruit a research assistant to help us with this project. The RA will have particular responsibility for the diet component of the project and it is envisaged that this work will lead to an MSc. Job description The successful candidate will be required to help out on boat-based photo-identification and tagging fieldwork along with collecting scats from a number of sites and participating in recovery and post-mortem examination of stranded or bycaught seals for stomach content analysis and fatty acid sampling. The candidate will be required to carry out the diet analysis and write up this section as an MSc. Requirements: * A basic knowledge of dietary analysis * The ability to work on own initiative and as part of a wider research group * The ability to communicate and work well, particularly with the fishing industry * Full driving licence * Small boat handling skills preferable * A third level qualification in biological sciences Duration and Salary Duration is 20 months. Salary is EUR 23,500pa and MSc fees will be covered (European students). Starting date ideally March 2006. Application Applications should include a letter of application, curriculum vitae & the names of two referees. Please send to: Dr Emer Rogan, Dept. Zoology, Ecology & Plant Science, University College, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland. Further details may be obtained from Emer Rogan (Email: E.Rogan@ucc.ie) or Michelle Cronin (Michelle.Cronin@ucc.ie) Closing date for applications: 20th February 2006