mardi 23 décembre 2008

Assessment of 'pleasure' and positive affect in companion animals

Dept/School Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol
Project Supervisor(s) Prof M Mendl
Dr J Day
Funding Availability
Competition Funded Project (European Students Only) - See Funding Key for more details Competition Funded Project (European/UK Students Only)
(Popup Window - Please disable popup blockers)
Application Deadline 30 January 2009



The assessment of positive emotional (affective) states is an area of increasing interest in animal welfare science in the light of moves by bodies such as the Farm Animal Welfare Council to promote enhanced quality of life for animals managed by man, and not just minimisation of the negative effects of captivity. Moreover, a fundamental understanding of indicators of positive affective states in animals will allow us to better identify those stimuli and resources, including food types, that provide pleasure and hence should be provided to animals. Traditionally, measures of what animals choose and how hard they work to access these resources have been used to identify such resources. However, these measures of motivation (or 'wanting') may dissociate from measures indicating the pleasure / enjoyment that is derived (hedonic 'liking'). A more detailed investigation of indicators of positive affect is thus needed. This project will carry out such an investigation by studying the behaviour companion animals show in response to putatively pleasurable stimuli such as different types of food. The aim will be to investigate how different behavioural indicators of positive affect co-vary, hence revealing the underlying structure of positive affective processes. 'Wanting' will be assessed by examining motivation to access resources. Measures of 'liking' will include video recordings of facial expression, such as tongue protrusion which have been shown in other species to reflect pleasurable experience. Indicators of more cognitive constructs of valued or liked resources will include assessment of 'elation-like' responses when pleasurable stimuli are unexpectedly provided. The research will also examine how behaviour patterns such as anticipatory behaviour prior to feeding can act as communication between pet and owner and help develop and maintain the pet-owner bond.

Funding Notes
The studentship is one of a number advertised under a competitive BBSRC quota doctoral training grant scheme. All available studentships and further information on the application process can be viewed at: http://www.vetschool.bris.ac.uk/research/postgrads/studentship/.

The successful studentship/s will run for 4 years and will provide a stipend at standard BBSRC rates plus fees. Veterinary graduates will receive an enhanced stipend.

This particular studentship is a CASE studentship and will attract a stipend uplift of at least £2500 pa. CASE studentships will also require the student to work for 3-18 months of their PhD at the CASE partner organisation.

Volunteer Field Assistant for Project on Ecology of Siberut Macaques

Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany

Date Posted:
2008-12-19

Position Description:
I'm looking for a volunteer field assistant to help with the habituation and first data collection on the ecology of Siberut macaques (Macaca siberu). This primate species was only recently described as an own species and is endemic to the small island of Siberut, offshore of Sumatra. Thus, this species is nearly completely unknown to science and the volunteer will have the unique opportunity to participate in collecting first data about this macaque. Two groups of Siberut macaques will be habituated to human presence and behavioral observation procedures in order to conduct research about feeding ecology and feeding competition both within and between groups. This PhD project is conducted at the field site of the Siberut Conservation Project (SCP), a joint project between the German Primate Center (Germany) and Institut Pertanian Bogor (Indonesia), and is supervised by Dr. Julia Ostner and Dr. Oliver Schülke (Courant Research Center for Evolution of Social Behavior, Georg-August University Göttingen, Germany and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany).
The work involves long daily walks in the forest to find the monkeys. The terrain is very hilly, muddy and steep. Heavy and steady rains make maneuvering the forest even more difficult. Siberut is one of the wettest places on Earth. We will record the time, location and duration of encounters with the monkeys, sleeping and feeding trees, and activity data. Trees and locations have to be mapped with GPS.

Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field experience is essential and experience in tropical rain forest is preferred, to make sure that the volunteer can cope with the temperature and humidity, but also with snakes, spiders, mosquitoes and leeches. Applicants should have a background in biology, anthropology, forestry or conservation. The candidate has to be physically and mentally strong, as the island is very isolated. The basic camp is a 3-day trip away from the mainland by ferry, speed boat and finally a 40min walk to reach camp and there is no means of communication despite a satellite phone that is strictly reserved for emergency cases. The macaque research team currently consists of 4 local guides, 1-2 Indonesian field assistants and 1 researcher. It is required to learn basics of Indonesian language. The candidate should be highly motivated, easy-going and adaptable, open to a different culture, should be comfortable with living under very basic conditions. He/ she should like to work in a team, but should also be able to work independent and supervise the local guides.

Salary/funding:
There is no salary available for this position.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Airfare and transportation to and from the research station will be provided as well as lodging fee and food in camp. Vaccinations and health insurance have to be covered by the applicant. Applicants should be aware that there’s a medium risk of malaria and dengue fever on Siberut.

Term of Appointment:
A commitment for at least 6 months is required. The position can be extended up to 1 year.

Application Deadline:
Applications will be reviewed as they come in until the position is filled. Start date is as soon as possible.

Comments:
For application, please submit the following:
1) Your CV with contact details
2) Letter of interest with preferred starting date and time of commitment
3) Contact information of two referees

Please email the application both to me, Christin Richter (celestina.richter@gmail.com) and my supervisor Oliver Schülke (Oliver.Schuelke@biologie.uni-goettingen.de), as I will be in the field most of the time. For further questions or information, contact us via email or Oliver via phone: +49 551 393926

Contact Information:
Christin Richter
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04103
Germany

Website:
http://http://www.siberut-island.org/website.php

E-mail Address:
celestina.richter@gmail.com

mercredi 17 décembre 2008

Assistants need for Capuchin study in Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Hiring Organization:
Andrea Green

Date Posted:
2008-12-12

Position Description:
I am seeking two field assistants from February until August or September for a study on color vision fitness consequences at Iguazú Falls, Argentina. This study will be conducted on multiple wild Brown Tufted Capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) groups in the Parque Nacional Iguazú. Field assistants will be trained to identify individuals, collect focal animal and group scan behavioral data, and ranging data using handheld computers and GPS. Assistants will help conduct feeding experiments, provision feeding platforms, and operate video equipment. Assistants will also learn basic ecological methods and tropical tree taxonomy. Other job duties include basic trail maintenance and data entry. An assistant will work approximately 24 days/month.

Qualifications/Experience:
Fieldwork is very demanding mentally and physically. Encounters with spiders, snakes, coatis, and other animals are common. Applicants should be physically fit, hard working, enjoy working outdoors under any condition, and be self-reliant. The accommodations are simple but not as rustic as other field sites. A bachelor’s degree in a related field, experience traveling, speaking Spanish, experience working under difficult outdoor conditions, and/or working with animals is preferred. A small group of individuals will be at the station and living conditions are close, so it is necessary that applicants be easy and out-going, emotionally mature, enthusiastic, have a good sense of humor, and be a good team player. All candidates must have medical insurance and proper vaccinations.

Salary/funding:
No stipend will be paid.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Depending on grant status a portion of the research and lodging fees will be paid. Food will be provided as well as basic field equipment (binoculars, boots, watch, compass, etc.) upon completion of a successful of at least a 6 month commitment. Assistants will be responsible for airfare to and from the research station and a portion of the research and lodging fees. Local transportation is provided.

Term of Appointment:
February 2009 until end of August or September 2009

Application Deadline:
ASAP (preferably by sometime early January)

Comments:
If interested please email the following to annie.green@mso.umt.edu:
1. Curriculum Vitae which includes previous field experience, related coursework, and contact information
2. A letter of interest with dates of availability
3. Two references with information about relevant skills and experience(phone numbers and e-mails). References from professors and research supervisors with whom you have worked closely is preferred.

Contact Information:
Andrea Green
32 Campus Dr. DBS/HS104
Missoula, MT 59812
USA

Telephone Number:
(406)243-6016

Fax Number:
(406)243-4184

E-mail Address:
annie.green@mso.umt.edu


MSc Primate Conservation

Educational Organization:
Oxford Brookes University

Date Posted:
2008-12-12

Program Description:
Going into its 10th year in 2009-2010, the MSc Primate Conservation at Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom is the first course of its kind to give students a thorough training in combatting the processes leading to the extinction of primates. Recognised for its excellence through receipt in 2008 of the highly competitive Queen's Anniversary Prize for Excellence in Higher Education, this multi-disciplinary course provides training for students wanting to enter a career in primate conservation in a number of capacities: field worker, zoo or rescue centre, reintroduction centre, museum work, lab work (GIS, genetics, stess, parasites), environmental education, and preparation for the PhD.

Students are taught six modules (of a choice of seven) in two semesters from September to April. Modules include: Conservation Education; Primate Biogeography and Status; Research Methods; Human Wildlife Conflict Issues; Primate Conservation Genetics; Captive Management and Rehabilitation; Living Environments - surroundings, nature and conservation in a social context. April to the following September are dedicated to a final project based on original research, with the aim of publishing the results in one or more professional journals.

In addition, we run a weekly seminar series with conservation speakers from around the globe. We have an in-house conservation lab with access to computer programs essential to conservation and a range of articles and pdfs; a sound analysis lab; a wet lab dedicated to hormone analysis and parasite work; access to the primate collections of the University of Oxford Natural History Museum, where internships in museum curation are also available; a loan out system for field equipment.

Detailed information about our course is available on our web site.

Enterance Qualifications:
An honours degree in ecology, conservation, anthropology, primatology, psychology or a related discipline is recommended; in some cases, where a student has had an exceptional amount of experience, exceptions are made.

Most students will have some experience working with animals or in a conservation context. Many students will have overseas experience with wildlife in native habitats.

The course is taught in English and students will be expected to have a good knowledge of written and spoken English.

Tuition / Fees:
Full-time home and EU students = £4780
Full-time overseas students = £9950
see our web site for part-time scholarships

Support (scholarships, travel):
For 2009-2010, we have a John Henry Brookes scholarship for partial fees for one international (non-habitat country) student, and for one home/EU student. We have four full tuition scholarships available for students of primate range countries. For these scholarships, you are expected to either base your research in your home country, or use the time to conduct a lab, zoo or desk-based study in Europe. You need to provide proof that you can pay your living expenses. We also have one scholarship, including partial living expenses, for a Malagasy student.

Start + End Dates:
Start in September 2009, end September 2010

Application Deadline:
31 March 2009 - some applications may be considered after the deadline

Contact Information:
Iris Geens, postgraduate administrator
School of Social Sciences and Law, Department of Anthropology and Geography
Oxford, OXON OX3 0BP
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
++441865483700

Website:
http://http://ssl.brookes.ac.uk/primate/course.asp

E-Mail Address:
igeens@brookes.ac.uk

PhD Scholarships in Psychology and Animal Behaviour

Exeter Graduate Fellowships

The School of Psychology is seeking to appoint a number of PhD students starting in October 2009. The stipend will be approximately £13,000 p.a plus full payment of tuition fees at Home/EU rates (for non EU citizen, there is an additional tuition charge of £8,500k pa). These positions are available to applicants intending to register for an MPhil/PhD in October 2009.

The School of Psychology is an exciting and vibrant place to study, consistently rated in the top 10 Psychology departments in the UK, with particular research strengths in animal behaviour. The successful applicants will be expected to participate in up to 180 hours of undergraduate teaching-related duties per year, including leading small group tutorials, demonstrating, running the statistical helpdesk and marking. The award will be made for 3 years initially, subject to satisfactory performance, but will be renewable thereafter for a further 12 months, thus providing 'guaranteed' financial support in the final year in which the PhD will have to be completed.

We strongly recommend that applicants identify a potential supervisor and discuss potential research projects with the potential supervisor before applying. (See the School's Research<http://psychology.exeter.ac.uk/resgrp/index.shtml> page and potential supervisors' home pages<http://psychology.exeter.ac.uk/pgresinterest.shtml> for further information). For Animal Behaviour, see especially: Darren Croft, John Endler, Natalie Hempel, Lisa Leaver and Joah Madden.

To apply for this position please send a CV, a covering letter confirming the potential supervisor and an approx 2,000 word research proposal, indicating at least one specific study you might conduct, and how that study relates to previous work in that field.

Please send your application to:
Fiona Neligan, Postgraduate Secretary, School of Psychology, University of Exeter, Washington Singer Laboratories, Exeter, EX4 4GQ, United Kingdom, or email to f.c.neligan@ex.ac.uk

We recommend you contact a potential supervisor no later 5 January 2009Applications must be received by 16 January 2009.

Presentations and Interviews will be held for successful applicants on 12 February 2009 in the School of Psychology.

Dr J. R. Madden
Animal Behaviour Group
School of Psychology
University of Exeter
Exeter
EX4 4QG

(+44) 1392 269122
webpage:http://www.psychology.ex.ac.uk/resgrp/abgroup.shtml

vendredi 12 décembre 2008

Impacts des incendies sur les communautés de fourmis en Nouvelle-Calédonie

The student will be enrolled at Montpellier University under the supervision of Dr Hervé Jourdan, and be partly based at IRD-Nouméa and at the CSIRO Tropical Ecosystems Research Centre in Darwin (Australia) under the supervision of Dr Alan Andersen.

Applications are sought for a PhD scholarship to work on the effects of fire on ant biodiversity in New Caledonia. The work is part of a broader project (INC- ANR Biodiversité) investigating the interactions between ecosystems, cultural and social practices, climate, and fire in New Caledonia. New Caledonia is biologically very diverse and rich in endemic species, and inappropriate fire management poses a serious risk to these conservation values. The New Caledonian ant fauna is of high biogeographic and conservation interest, and ants have been commonly used as indicators of ecosystem change world-wide.
Ants are widely recognised as the most important faunal group in tropical forests in terms of biomass and ecological function. As ecosystem engineers, they regulate the ecological processes that underlie the provision of ecosystem services to Indigenous communities. As bio-indicators, they are widely used as tools for assessing and monitoring ecosystem health. This thesis project will use ants to assess the biodiversity values of different forest types within New Caledonia, and to assess the impacts of fire on ecosystem health and therefore the provision of ecosystem services.
The PhD project will have two major aims: (1) to document the ant biodiversity and ecosystem service values of the full range of New Caledonian habitats; and (2) to develop a predictive understanding of human induced fires on these values. The extent of fire will be linked to social characteristics such as demography (population density, social hierarchy, migration rate), socio-economics (education, income level, unemployment rate…), agricultural land availability, land tenure or property (ratio of public/private land and declared land disputes…), anthropological factors (chiefdoms, languages, and religion), and urbanisation (distance between the fire occurrence and populated areas, agriculture fields, and road networks…).

Références

* Fournier, D., Estoup, A., J. Orivel, Foucaud, J., Jourdan, H., Le Breton, J., and Keller, L., 2005 - Battle of the sexes with clonal reproduction by males and females in the little fire ant. Nature 435: 1230-1234
* Le Breton, J., Jourdan, H., Chazeau, J., Orivel, J., and Dejean, A. 2005 - Niche opportunity and ant invasion: the case of Wasmannia auropunctata in a New Caledonian rain forest. Journal of Tropical Ecology 21(1): 93-98.
* Andersen, A.N., Cook, G.D. & Williams, R.J. 2003 - Fire in Tropical Savannas: The Kapalga Experiment, pp 153-164. Springer-Verlag, New York.
* Andersen, A.N., Hertog, T. & Woinarski, J.C.Z. 2006 - Long-term fire exclusion and ant community structure in an Australian tropical savanna: congruence with vegetation succession. Journal of Biogeography 33: 823-832.
* Hély C, Alleaume S. 2006. Fire regimes in dryland landscapes. Pages 283-301 in D'Odorico P,Porporato A, editors. Dryland Ecohydrology. Kluwer Academic Publishers, The Netherlands.

Entomological experience is preferable, but not necessary. Students must have obtained a Master degree or equivalent diploma.

Nature du financement : Financement public type bourse
Précision sur le financement : bourse ministérielle (50%) et gouvernement calédonien (50%)

MODALITE DE DEPOT DE CANDIDATURE

Apply by sending pdf files to: Christelle Hély-Alleaume (hely@cerege.fr), CEREGE, Europole de l'Arbois, BP 80, 13545 Aix-en-Provence cedex 4.
Lors de vos contacts, merci de mentionner l'association Bernard Gregory et la référence de cette offre

mardi 9 décembre 2008

Postdoctoral opportunity in large-scale ecology/conservation biology

The Bahn lab is looking for a postdoctoral researcher interested in large-scale ecology and conservation. Specific topics of interest include species distributions, underlying processes, patterns and models and their applications to conservation biology. Secondary interests are community ecology and climate change. The candidate needs to have completed a PhD in ecology or closely related field (ABD considered if it can be demonstrated that completion is imminent). Requirements are solid quantitative skills, experience in spatial analyses and advanced statistical programming. GIS and database skills are an asset. The position will have considerable freedom to develop and pursue your own projects but I expect close collaboration. The primary focus will be research and publishing (90%) with secondary duties including grant writing, occasional guest lectures and supervision of graduate students (10%).

Initial appointment will be for one year with extension for a second year possible with reasonable progress. Salary will be $38,976 per year plus benefits.

For details, visit http://www.thesciencejobs.com/jobs/?p=44

Mention thesciencejobs when applying to this advert.


Chimpanzees Research

Hiring Organization:
Leventis Foundation, Nigeria

Position Description:
Survey and Study of Chimpanzee Ecology and Conservation in the Leventis Woodland, Weppa, Nigeria. A population of chimpanzees was recently sighted in the area, though there was report about 20 years ago of possible ranging in the area. This study is to get reliable information that will lead to conservation of the species.

Qualifications/Experience:
HND in Wildlife Mgt.
Several Professional Training Certificates

Salary/funding:
$1000

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
To be provided by the Leventis Foundation, Nigeria

Term of Appointment:
Pilot survey commencing middle of January, 2009

Application Deadline:
Mid March, 2009

Comments:
The project looks very interesting.

Contact Information:
Ernest Nwufoh
93 Ndidem Usang Iso Road
Calabar, Cross River +234
Nigeria
Telephone Number:
+234 08037 087353
E-mail Address:
ernest_nwufoh@yahoo.com

VOLUNTEER TROPICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT

VOLUNTEER TROPICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT in Monteverde, Costa Rica. The work will be on the importance of birds to tropical forest restoration. At the Cloud Forest School in Monteverde, Costa Rica, students in grades K to 11 have been reforesting abandoned pastures to restore the tropical cloud forest. Because birds disperse seeds of many tropical plants and also eat herbivorous insects, they are a critical component to tropical forest restoration and regeneration. More frequent visits by birds in the reforestation and naturally regenerating areas should increase the rate of forest regeneration. I am seeking someone to assist with monitoring the bird community in terms of diversity and abundance in the reforestation areas for at least two to three months. The assistant must have excellent bird identification skills, be willing to work very early mornings, and work independently. Pay is not available, but this is an ideal opportunity to develop an independent project or be co-author on a publication. Starting in Jan, Feb or Mar 2009 are the best times, but spring or summer 2009 are also possible. Contact: PATRICIA TOWNSEND (EM: ptownsen@u.washington.edu), Ph. D. Candidate, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

FIELD ASSISTANT

Spring/Summer 2009: To work on an ongoing long-term study of the evolutionary ecology of western bluebird populations in northwestern Montana. Gain invaluable experience in a wide array of avian field techniques while living in a beautiful locale. Current work focuses on the ecology and evolution of behavior in response to this species’ recent range expansion. Must be comfortable working alone and be physically fit (capable of carrying a moderately heavy backpack during mountain hiking). Experience in field ornithology is desirable and self-motivation, enthusiasm for learning and strong work ethic a must. Position starts in mid-Mar and continues through mid-Jul. We offer a small living stipend ($1000/month) and can assist in finding reasonably priced housing in nearby Missoula, MT. Must have your own transportation for the short (~5km) once-a-day commute to and from the main field site. E-mail a cover letter describing your research experience and why you are interested in this position and a resume along with the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least two references to DR. RENEE DUCKWORTH, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona (EM: rad3@email.arizona.edu). Please see (URL: http://www.u.arizona.edu/~rad3) for more information about the research projects.

lundi 8 décembre 2008

PhD position (4 years) - ARONIA Research Institute at Åbo Akademi University & Novia University of Applied Sciences, Finland

INDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY, COOPERATIVENESS AND CONSEQUENCES OF PARTNER CHOICE
Project leader Markus Öst

Like humans, animals too have personalities, some of them being bold and brave, while others are shy and softy. These differences have traditionally been explained away as noise surrounding adaptive population-average behaviour. Recent theory has aimed at adaptively explaining this variability. However, little is known about whether personality affects the tendency to cooperate with others, and whether the mixture of personality types in socially breeding groups has fitness consequences. These open questions can best be addressed by an integrative approach, since genetics and individual state influence endocrine mechanisms that govern behaviour.

This four-year project funded by Academy of Finland aims to 1) demonstrate the existence of personalities, 2) relate personality and physiological stress response to parental care strategy and parental quality and state and 3) explore the distribution of personalities in cooperative groups and its fitness consequences. The model species is the eider duck (Somateria mollissima), where females show a variety of parental care strategies, ranging from solo care to joint care with other females.

Fecal steroid analyses are ideal for studying hormone-behaviour relationships. It has previously been shown that stress responses relate to personalities and dominance. We will quantify individual quality, dominance, boldness, activity, exploratory behaviour and physiological social stress response, as judged by fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) before and after choosing parental care strategy. This defines individuals on the “boldness-shyness” personality axis.

Field work will take place at Tvärminne Zoological Station, SW Finland, in a long-term, individually-marked study population. The biochemical analyses (immunoassay) will be conducted abroad. The doctoral student will be based at Ekenäs, Finland, joining the interdisciplinary ARONIA Coastal Zone Research Team established in 2008. The new Ekenäs campus creates an inspirational setting for supervision and training, and the candidate will be enrolled at Åbo Akademi University.

HOW TO APPLY

We are looking for a self-motivated person with a Master’s Degree, able to work both independently and in a team. The position is open from early 2009 (with some flexibility) until the end of 2012. The thesis work will be supervised by Dr. Markus Öst together with a postdoc. The position is open to anyone with an interest in behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology or physiological ecology. Previous experience of field and lab work, good knowledge of statistics and proficient writing skills in English are desirable qualifications. The salary will be paid according to the guidelines of Åbo Akademi University.

Applications (in English) should include a -Statement of research interests and motivation for applying for this position, not exceeding 2 pages
-CV
-Publication list (if available)
-Contact information of two academic references

Send your application electronically to Markus Öst, markus.ost@novia.fi. For further information, please e-mail or call Markus Öst (tel. +358-19-224 8414).

Application deadline: 31 December 2008.

jeudi 4 décembre 2008

Field Manager (Kenya)

Hiring Organization:
Kakamega Monkey Project (based at Columbia University)
Position Description:
Field assistant needed to participate for 12 months in longterm research project on the social behavior of blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis) in a rain forest in western Kenya (Kakamega Forest).
Current research focus is on cooperation among adult females with their group-mates, including grooming, feeding tolerance, and joining in territorial defense against neighboring groups. Assistant will (1) collect behavioral and baseline life history data (and occasional fecal samples), (2) conduct daily data entry and quality control in the evenings and possibly at other times, (3) oversee local staff of 4, and (4) be responsible for regular communication with Principal Investigator, as well as general trouble-shooting.
Data collection presumes learning (i) to recognize about 150 individual animals in 5 habituated social groups, (ii) the behavioral repertoire of the species, and (iii) the coding scheme.
Data collection into notebooks or onto data sheets includes ad libitum records, systematic focal animal follows of individual adult females, and all-occurrences sampling of intergroup encounters.
Data entry and management require some familiarity with Excel and computers generally, and facility with attending to detail.
Ability to speak and write clearly and correctly in fluent English is a must.
Candidate will be trained on site mainly by experienced field personnel, and is expected to manage the study on his/her own most of the year. (The PI will be on site during July 2009.) One of our local assistants is able to take on an increasing portion of the organizational duties, but the field manager is ultimately in charge.
This is a teamwork-oriented position, and the ability to work closely with others, as well as to take the lead when necessary, is critical. Some participation with a local conservation education group may also be part of the work.Great opportunity for someone wishing to gain field research experience in a serious way (you will get your feet wet, both literally and figuratively!), including taking on a position of serious responsibility. Animals are well habituated, so the monkey watching is excellent for a forested environment. The Kakamega Forest has a very high diversity of birds as well, plus all the other creatures (plants, insects, snakes, etc) that one would expect to find. This project has a long history of working successfully with field assistants, and can provide references to serious candidates.
Nearly all prior field assistants have moved on to graduate school or other research positions.Check out websites at:
Qualifications/Experience:
Two kinds of relevant EXPERIENCE are mandatory: first, some kind of significant foreign travel or living experience, preferably to/in a developing country (and ideally in the tropics), and second, some experience working on a scientific research project (i.e. collecting and working with data systematically), ideally an observational project, and even more ideally in the field. Interest in primate behavior, and relevant course work (animal behavior, primate behavior) is presumed.In addition, applicant must have certain
QUALITIES:
s/he must be energetic, patient, open, responsible, flexible, healthy, able to work independently but also as part of a team, and highly motivated. Applicant must also be hardworking and able to keep going, and cheerfully! Our schedule is demanding and unconventional (3 days work, 1 day off), up to 9 hrs field time per day (less during rainy season), approximately 1 hour per evening and 1 hr per morning (on average) for data collation, and 3 weeks off (in 2-3 chunks, not all at once) over the year. The position is not ideal for someone who needs a lot of personal time, nor for someone who easily feels lonely. The ideal applicant must be comfortable being unplugged and far away from easy communication with the ‘outside world’ (field phone and modem-based email possible, but sometimes things just don’t work!), and comfortable with other conditions and risks that are simply part of tropical fieldwork (such as limited healthcare, monotonous diet, rare confrontations with noxious plants or animals).
Evidence of the above qualifications must be presented as part of application.Non-smoker preferred. Fluent English and touch-typing mandatory.2-3 references will be required. These cannot be from personal friends or family.Salary/funding:A modest but adequate monthly stipend will be available to cover living costs in Kenya. (Stipend for the first two months will be reimbursed retroactively after successful completion of this trial period.) An allowance is available to reimburse airfare to Kenya and travel from Nairobi to fieldsite; however, this will not be disbursed until you have completed the 12 month period. Finally, costs of procuring immigration and research clearance documents (about $250) will be covered, but again, only after successful completion of your term. A successful applicant must have her/his own health insurance, and should plan to bring a year'’s supply of antimalarial drugs. Malaria can be a problem in the area, and willingness to protect oneself chemically and physically (repellant, bednets) is important!
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):Reasonably comfortable housing will be provided at the field site (small house in forest department village, solar power for lights, laptop, and battery charging, but no major appliances, limited running rain water). Binoculars can also be provided if needed.
Term of Appointment:
Beginning approximately May 20, 2008 for 12 months.
Application Deadline:
Position will be filled by first suitable candidate on a rolling basis. The position is not filled as long as this notice is still posted.
Comments:Interested persons should make contact via email initially. Please send a copy of your application to mc51@columbia.edu, and use "YOURNAME Field Assistant" in the subject line. Your application should consist of ONE document (attachment) with ALL relevant information (and your last name as the first word in the title, e.g. Smith_2008_application.pdf). PDF documents preferred.Please include the following information: (1) how you fit the qualifications and duties outlined here (please address the required personal qualities and experiences SPECIFICALLY, using the descriptions in this posting); (2) how this opportunity fits your ambitions/plans in the shorter and longer terms (why do you want to do this, and why at this stage of your life; what’s in it for you? how does the 12 month duration fit your plans?); (3) your nationality, current residence (city, country), age, and whether you are a student (or if not, when you last were); (4) your CV or resume, if you have one, including the names and contact information (ideally email) of at least three referees. You may include any other information about yourself that you think might be relevant. We will follow up with a phone interview for the most suitable candidates, or an actual on-site interview (an advantage) if you can get yourself to New York.Sorry, but please do not apply if you do not have the two types of requisite experience outlined in the Qualifications section above. If you have any doubts whatsoever about the fit of your personal qualities to the demands of this project, it would be best to describe them for future discussion.Contact Information:Marina Cords1200 Amsterdam Avenue, 10th floorNew York, NY 10027USATelephone Number:212 854 7337Website:http://http://www.columbia.edu/~mc51/E-mail Address:mc51@columbia.edu

SYSTERRA, Appel à projet

Ecosystèmes & Développement Durable**L'appel à projet du programme SYSTERRA, en cofinancement par l'AIRD** (Agence Interétablissement de Recherche pour le Développement) intègre des thématiques identifiées par le Grenelle de l'environnement.L'édition 2009 prolonge les orientations initiées en 2008 en se focalisant sur la question des fonctionnalités écologiques de l'agriculture, la foresterie et la pêche (écocultures).
Il s'agit d'assurer des productions à la hauteur des besoins dans une perspective de développement durable.Ses objectifs centraux sont **d'élaborer une nouvelle vague de technologie et de méthodes** : * permettant une **gestion plus durable des facteurs conditionnant les productions agricoles** : qualité biologique des sols, patrimoine génétique des espèces, protection sanitaire alternative contre les maladies et ravageurs dans un contexte de réduction du nombre de molécules autorisées, gestion durable des ressources en eau, économie d'intrants, etc; * assurant une **contribution positive des « écocultures » à la satisfaction des fonctions attendues des agro-écosystèmes** : gestion quantitative et qualitative des eaux, séquestration du carbone, biodiversité, etc. * conduisant à des nouvelles **méthodes et outils de gestion des territoires et des ressources marines** conciliant les différents usages productifs et les services écologiques, dans une perspective de développement durable (prise en compte de l'équité sociale et des besoins des générations futures).
Texte de l’appel à projet :
Date limite de soumission des dossiers : 31 mars 2009 à 13h00

mercredi 3 décembre 2008

RESEARCH WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST

Brewerton, NY – The National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (USDA/APHIS/WS) is recruiting a Research Wildlife Biologist for its Brewerton, New York satellite office. NWRC provides science-based solutions to the complex issues of wildlife damage management as related to agriculture, human health and safety problems (including wildlife diseases), invasive species, and threatened and endangered species. The Research Wildlife Biologist position is supervised by the NWRC Mississippi Field Station and conducts research to develop information and tools for managing avian depredations on aquaculture production systems and natural resources. For more information on current NWRC research efforts, please visit (URL: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/nwrc/). Position Duties: The Research Wildlife Biologist is responsible for conducting research, assisting in the development of research priorities, and in interacting with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. Research entails a variety of species and objectives to learn more about the: * foraging ecology and impact of fish-eating birds to commercial and natural resources; * local, regional, and migratory movements of fish-eating birds; * role of fish-eating birds in the epidemiology of fish diseases; and * the development of information and tools for evaluating and managing impacts of fish-eating birds. Position Location: This position is collocated with the USDA/APHIS/WS Operations office in Brewerton, NY near Oneida Lake. Brewerton is a small suburb of approximately 3,500 people located near Syracuse, NY. The USDA/APHIS/WS office is about an hour from Cornell University in Ithaca and the Cornell Biological Station on Cayuga Lake. As a result, the successful candidate is expected to interact regularly with Cornell and the Cornell Biological Station, as well as with the USDA/APHIS/WS Operations office. He/she is also encouraged to qualify for faculty status at Cornell. In addition to activities in New York, research staff also conduct field studies throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Outdoor activities abound in nearby Oneida Lake, the Finger Lakes, Adirondack State Park, and Lake Ontario. Salary: The salary ranges from approximately $55,000 to $65,000 plus benefits, depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate. To Apply: The position will be advertised sometime in Dec 2008 on the USAJobs website (URL: http://www.usajobs.gov/) as a Research Wildlife Biologist (GS-486/401). The position will also be listed on the NWRC website (URL: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc). To apply, please visit the website and submit the appropriate forms. For Additional Information Interested candidates may contact: DR. MARK E. TOBIN (PH:: 970-266-6135; EM: Mark.E.Tobin AT aphis.usda.gov).

EXPERIENCED BIRD BANDER


EXPERIENCED BIRD BANDER needed for research program focusing on ecology and management of songbirds, primarily the federally endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler.

Primary project headquarters are west of Austin, Texas but will require periodic travel to assist at other project locations in Texas. Assistance needed from early Mar through late Jul. Duties will primarily consist of banding nestlings, target-netting and banding adults, and resighting color-bands; however, additional duties may include nest searching and monitoring, behavioral observations, surveys, territory mapping, vegetation sampling, and data entry.

Qualifications: previous experience handling and banding songbirds and the ability to collect data with strong attention to detail, work early mornings and long days under physically demanding conditions, operate 4X4 trucks, identify songbirds by sight and sound, and work independently and in groups. Applicant must be comfortable working with private landowners and must supply your own binoculars.

For more information please see our website (URL: http://irnr.tamu.edu/ramses/) under Regional, Highway 71. Positions will be filled as suitable applicant is identified. Pay starts at $1600/month, group housing and field vehicles provided. To apply please specify “Highway 71 Bander” in subject line and in cover letter. Submit cover letter, resume, and contacts for 3 references (email addresses preferred) in one attachment (include your last name in file attachment) to MELISSA LITUMA (EM: melituma@ag.tamu.edu).

AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD ASSISTANTS

AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD ASSISTANTS (3-6) needed for breeding season work Mar-Aug on the endangered Puaiohi with the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project.
This endemic Hawaiian songbird, also known as the Small Kauai Thrush, has an estimated population size of only 500 and inhabits the extremely wet, beautiful and rugged montane rainforest on the island of Kauai.
This is a rare opportunity to work on an endangered tropical species in the U.S. while gaining valuable research skills.The work is physically challenging, requiring an 8 mile hike to the main field camp (daypack only-camp is resupplied by helicopter) by way of steep slopes, tangled forest and stream crossings. Daily activities include hiking in and along stream courses often in rainy and chilly weather, searching for nests and conducting behavioral observations. Applicants must be physically fit, able to navigate rugged and complex terrain (using GPS and maps), and be able to detect birds by color-bands and sounds. Experience working with songbirds is strongly suggested, nest monitoring experience preferred. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii's native species is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team, a positive attitude, and willingness to live in a remote permanent camp for several days at a time. Careful data collection is a must, and when not in the field duties will include data entry and organization, maintenance of field equipment and living quarters and other work around the office.
Positions will start in Mar and Apr, cannot last more than 20 weeks due to Univ. Hawaii hiring rules. Compensation is $1075/mo plus housing and essential use of project vehicles. Must have a valid drivers license, and must provide own travel to Kauai.
To apply, send 1) resume, 2) cover letter 3) contact info for 3 references and 4) dates available and preferred by email to puaiohijobs@gmail.com Inquiries preferred via email, or contact PAULINE ROBERTS (PH: 808-338-1361), Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project, P.O. Box 458, Waimea, HI 96796. Positions open until filled, consideration will begin immediately.

SEASONAL AVIAN FIELD BIOLOGIST

Agency: Texas A&M University.
Location: Texas Job

Description:
Seasonal Avian Field Biologists (up to 30 needed), early Mar to late Jul for multiple research projects focusing on ecology and management of songbirds, primarily the federally endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler, in several regions of Texas, on public and private lands.
Duties may include point count surveys, nest searching, behavioral observation, territory mapping, vegetation sampling, radio telemetry, color-banding, predator trapping, data entry, and other approaches, depending on the project and region. Please visit (URL: http://irnr.tamu.edu/RAMSES/) for more information about each project.

Requirements:
experience in wildlife biology or closely related field; ability to collect data with strong attention to detail; ability to work 6 days per week doing physically demanding work, with early mornings (0500); a positive attitude in adverse environmental conditions such as fire ants, chiggers, rattlesnakes, feral pigs, mountain lions, cows, poison ivy, normal daily temperatures of over 90̊F, intense sun, thick and thorny brush, and steep and rocky terrain; ability to operate 4X4 trucks; patience and focus to quietly observe and follow birds; good eyesight and hearing; ability to work independently and in groups; must be comfortable working on private ranches and interacting with landowners; must supply your own binoculars. Preference will be given to applicants with experience: identifying birds by sight and sound, nest searching, identifying plants, navigating using handheld GPS unit, using Microsoft Access, Excel, ArcMap; possess a B.S. or B.A. in wildlife biology or closely related field.

Positions will be filled as suitable applicants are identified. Pay: starting at $1,600/month Housing will be provided, will vary depending on project and region. Please specify the project in which you are interested on the subject line of your email and in the body of your cover letter (see link above), e.g. “Fort Hood”. Include your last name in the file attachment. Submit cover letter, resume (including GPA), and contacts for 3 references (preferably email address) in 1 attachment to (EM: mlituma@neo.tamu.edu).

5 FIELD ASSISTANTS

5 FIELD ASSISTANTS needed to assist graduate student with a long-term demographic study of greater sage grouse in Eastern Nevada (Eureka Co).
All positions start 1 Mar with variable end dates that range from 30 Apr to 31 Jul.
Field work for this project is extensive and varied. We will be night trapping Sage Grouse around leks from Mar – May (includes capture, banding, measurements/radiocollaring, bleeding, etc.), radio-tracking hens to monitor nesting, survival and brood rearing, conducting lek observations to re-sight color-banded males, and conducting raptor and corvid surveys to monitor predator/nest predator abundance during the breeding season.
We will also monitor nests, gather vegetation data, trap and process broods, and conduct brood surveys during the later part of the season.
Technicians will receive training and extensive experience in all aspects of field work. The ability to maintain a positive attitude in a challenging work environment is of paramount importance for this job. Our work hours are often long and variable under a rotational system (i.e. working all night until sunrise some weeks, up at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. for a lek observation the next week). Throughout the season we will live and work in temperature extremes that can range from 0 to 100 degrees F. Early in the season, the ability to deal with cold weather is crucial. Ability to demonstrate a strong work ethic and easy-going personality, willingness to work and solve problems independently a must. Must be willing to live in a remote and rustic field camp without phone or internet, with infrequent (~ 1x/week) visits to nearby (50-70 miles) towns.
$1500/month with field camp and all food provided.Send cover letter, resume and contact information for three references (name, title, phone number, & email) as a single word file to ERIK BLOMBERG at the University of Nevada, Reno (EM: eblomberg@gmail.com).

AVICULTURIST

The National Avian Research Center (NARC), now part of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAAD) a Governmental Agency based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is recruiting one Aviculturist for its houbara bustard breeding unit.
NARC mission and strategy:
NARC was established in 1989, with the special mission to promote bustard and falcon conservation and reconcile the tradition of Arab falconry with a sustainable use of the resources. The NARC strategy supports eradication of houbara poaching, management of hunting activities, and management of wild populations as well as captive breeding of houbara for restocking depleted populations, reinforcement and re-introduction, or put and take. NARC is currently developing new captive breeding facilities in the desert close to Sweihan town (UAE) to produce houbara bustards in large numbers.
Job description:
The Aviculturist will be part of a team responsible for the day to day management of houbara bustards held in NARC captive collection.
Main responsibilities include:
-Implement aviculture techniques and supervise day to day management of bustard collection at NARC.
-Supervise incubation, chick rearing and breeding of houbara bustards.
-Perform semen collection and assessments as well as artificial insemination.
-Work with and supervise a team of bird keepers and technicians
-Instruct in the proper care and handling of Bustard Collection.
-Train new personnel as well as scheduling staff.
-Maintain department records, analyze data and write reports.
The successful applicant will be expected to work effectively in a team environment and actively support and implement NARC policies, procedures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection.

Working environment:
NARC is situated in a remote, isolated desert location of the Abu Dhabi Emirate at 30 min minimum of the closest town. The seasonal nature of much of NARC’s work means that certain times of the year will require very intensive working so the successful candidate must demonstrate flexibility regarding work schedules.

Candidate profile:
The successful candidate should hold a BSc or equivalent in wildlife management, avian production, zoo biology, or related field and 2 years working experience. The candidate should be familiar with most common computer software including Microsoft access. The successful candidate possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate within a multi cultural environment. The successful candidate will be fluent in English. Arabic would be an asset.

Package:
EAD offers a competitive package, including annual leave of 30 working days, Housing Allowance or and medical insurance.

Start:
The successful candidate is expected to start in Feb 2009.
Applications & Closing Date/Deadline for application:
20 Dec 2008. Interested candidates should send their CV, a letter explaining their professional experience, copy of their highest diploma, passport copy and a letter of two referees either by fax, email or web: (FX: +971 2 681 7358, EM:: halabed@ead.ae, URL: http://www.ead.ae).

BIRDING GUIDES

Growing tour company needs full and part-time birding guides as well as office personnel for birding tours in Ecuador, Peru and elsewhere in South America.
Basic knowledge of birding, guiding, neotropical species, computer skills and Spanish required. Enthusiasm and eagerness to assist tour participants as well as ability to write tour reports and bird lists required.
Job based in Quito, Ecuador but with substantial travel. Send full CV and 3 appropriate references to (EM: jlyons@pi.pro.ec) with copy to (EM: birdtours@andinanet.net)

FIELD ASSISTANTS, Australia

We are looking for field assistants to help monitor a color-banded population of purple-crowned fairy-wrens in the Kimberley, Australia.Start date: anytime from Mar 2009. Time period: 3 months minimum.Duties include regular censusing of color-banded birds, searching for and monitoring nests, quantifying territory quality, mist-netting, behavioral observations, and data entry.
The study is based at Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary in the remote tropical north of Western Australia.Qualifications: experience monitoring color-banded birds, nest-searching, and mist-netting. Must also be physically fit and able to work in extremes of temperature and humidity, and enjoy isolated and basic living conditions shared with diverse other people (and potentially bugs, snakes, etc.).
Stipend towards expenses: AUD$750-1000/mo depending on experience plus cost of travel to the site from Derby, Australia.
Onsite accommodation in tents is provided, but assistants cover their own food costs.
For more information contact: MICHELLE HALL (EM: hall@orn.mpg.de) and ANNE PETERS (EM: peters@orn.mpg.de). To apply, please email a letter outlining previous field research experience, a resume including names and contact information for 3 referees, and dates of availability.

mardi 2 décembre 2008

PhD in Molecular Primatology

Hiring Organization:
MPI-EVA Leipzig

Date Posted:
2008-11-28

Position Description:
I am looking for a PhD student to conduct a project aimed at using DNA sequence analysis to improve our understanding of the evolutionary histories of primate populations. Primates in the wild exist in populations with very varied distributions. For example, some primates may occur in fragmented patches in a restricted area, whereas others may be quite widespread. Some closely-related species occupy widely separated ranges, while others occur adjacent to one another and may even hybridize along their contact zone. The wealth of nuclear genome sequence information newly available from chimpanzees, macaques, and other primates enable us to ask questions concerning the long-term histories of primate populations. By using high-throughput methods to resequence multiple segments of the nuclear genome of small numbers of representatives of different populations, we seek to understand when and how populations diverge, how they remain separate in the presence of gene flow, and the social, ecological and demographic factors that ultimately underly the patterns observed.

Qualifications/Experience:
Candidates with experience in relevant molecular biology lab techniques, population genetics theory, and skills in genetic data analysis are encouraged to apply. The student will be a member of the genetics group of the primatology department of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (see http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/files/genetics.htm) and receive a degree through the Leipzig School of Human Origins, an International Max Planck Research School of the University of Leipzig and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (see http://www.leipzig-school.eva.mpg.de/start.html). Students are supported by fellowships.

Applicants will ideally already have a master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Anthropology). Alternatively, an excellent bachelor’s degree (e.g., first, with high honors) may be acceptable but please enquire prior to applying. Candidates should also have good organizational skills, be interested in behavioral ecology, genetics and evolution, be able to work independently as well as in a team and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment.

Term of Appointment:
Must begin by September 1, 2009

Application Deadline:
January 31, 2009

Contact Information:
Dr. Linda Vigilant
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Leipzig
Germany

Fax Number:
+49-341-3550-229

Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/files/genetics.htm

E-mail Address:
vigilant@eva.mpg.de

Fieldwork with rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico.

Hiring Organization:
University of Chicago

Date Posted:
2008-11-30

Position Description:
We are looking for volunteers to help assist with a behavioral endocrinology project on free-ranging rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico (see http://ucm.rcm.upr.edu/cayosan.html). The project is being undertaken in the lab of Prof. Dario Maestripieri, University of Chicago (see lab webpage http://primate.uchicago.edu), and volunteers will be working directly alongside me, Dr James Higham, on a daily basis (see my webpage http://primate.uchicago.edu/james.htm for information about me and my research interests).

Volunteers will be expected to work on Cayo Santiago from 7:00 – 14:30 for 5 or 6 days a week, and may also be required to undertake data entry and/or processing in the later afternoon and early evenings. While on Cayo Santiago, duties will include learning to recognize group members, behavioral data collection, and the collection of fecal and urine samples for endocrine analysis.

These positions are ideal for graduate students or recent graduates looking to gain experience of fieldwork and of data collection. You will be trained in a number of field techniques, and I am also happy to explain in detail the laboratory procedures that will ultimately take place on samples collected. A number of projects from different researchers based at institutions around the world will take place on Cayo Santiago over the course of the volunteerships, offering opportunities for volunteers to meet other researchers and other students from a range of universities, and in a range of fields.

Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants should:
1) Be physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in hot conditions.
2) Have a background in biology/anthropology/zoology/psychology or a related field.
3) Be interested in primate behavior
4) Be hardworking and conscientious
5) Be independent, and capable of spending extended periods away from family and friends

Salary/funding:
We may be able to provide some support for candidates, depending on their experience. However volunteers may have to contribute some or all of the following expenses: return travel to the field site, medical insurance, field clothes and personal expenses, food, and housing. Shared accommodation can be often be found very cheaply in Punta Santiago (e.g. $200 per month).

Term of Appointment:
Start dates around 1st March 09. 6 months preferable. Candidates will not be considered for periods of less than 4 months.

Application Deadline:
We will consider applicants at any time.

Contact Information:
Dr James Higham
USA

Website:
http://primate.uchicago.edu

E-mail Address:
jhigham@uchicago.edu