Summer Students Wanted: Hermit Crab Vision

The Ecology of Vision lab is looking for two students to help over the summer with our hermit crab behavioural experiments. We have been investigating the visual behaviour of european hermit crabs (Pagurus bernhardus) particularly with reference to their selection of different shells and have a few more experiments to complete our study. Initially some field work will be required in order to collect the animals and the remainder of the summer will be spent performing and analysing behavioural experiments.

Image: (c) Alex Hyde Photography

Matt Wheelwright (MSci Zoology) & Andy Bird (BSc Biology) volunteered as summer students last year: "This project is a lot of fun and explores a really fascinating area of science, I would highly recommend applying for this project if you are interested in going into research."

This is a great opportunity to get some experience of behavioural biology and sensory ecology and is open to all students whether they study biology or not (although a science/engineering background is helpful). Ideally, we hope to find students who are available for as much of the summer (mid June-end August) as possible. The two volunteers will be working closely with one another as well as with Dr David Wilby, Ilse Daly and Dr Nick Roberts of the Ecology of Vision Lab.

Unfortunately we are unable to pay, but this should be an excellent experience and a valuable contribution to your CV. We're also happy to be pretty flexible to accommodate your summer plans. Please direct any questions to david DOT wilby AT bristol.ac.uk