lundi 29 mars 2010

PhD position on Dolphins’ Vocal Communication

The Animal and Human Ethology laboratory (UMR 6552 CNRS - Rennes 1 University,) and the scientific department of the delphinarium in Planète Sauvage park (next to Nantes city, France) are proposing a PhD project on dolphins’ vocal communication.

Applicants should apply at the address below with full CV:
Contact: alban.lemasson@univ-rennes1.fr

PhD title: Vocal communication and social relationships in captive bottlenose dolphins

PhD supervisor: Alban Lemasson, Co-supervisor : Martine Hausberger

Starting date: September 2010

PhD objectives: (1) describe the vocal production of a captive group of 5 dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and test the influence of social and environmental factors on the acoustic structuring of individual repertoires and on the communicative rules, (2) investigate the question of the function of whistles through an analysis of the contexts of call emission and through experiments aiming at testing the perceptual and recognition abilities of animals.

Competences of the candidate: Master diploma obtained no later than June 2010. University education in ethology required. Skills in acoustic recording and analysis desired. Skills in computer/electronic welcomed.

Position is dependent upon result of grant application; successful applicant will have to start September 2010.

Website of the research unit : http://www.ethos.univ-rennes1.fr/

Website of the animal park : http://www.planetesauvage.com/