mercredi 26 octobre 2011

1 PhD student in the research education subject: Ethology

Feline stress – effects on behaviour and infectious diseases

Animal and human health and welfare are closely interlinked. Living close to animals have measurable positive effects on human well-being and quality of life. Some animals share our environment and lifestyle to such an extent that they acquire the same lifestyle diseases as humans. Studies of animal diseases provide information that will not only benefit animals, but which is also important in comparative medicine research for human disease. In the work for good health and welfare for animals and humans, SLU in the future program Future Animal Health and Welfare (www.slu.se/futureanimal) focuses on:

Lifestyle - impact on health and welfare

Within this initiative, four PhD student employments are now announced within closely related subjects and with excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations. The initiative includes one project concerning Feline stress – effects on behaviour and infectious diseases.

The aim of the project is to investigate how group housing of cats affects stress (behaviour and physiology), the immune system and infections. Measures to undertake to reduce stress and prevalence of infections in group housed cats are also investigated. Studies are made on cats with access to outdoors, cats in shelters and cats in breeding colonies.

Qualifications
A university diploma including at least 240 ECTS in veterinary medicine, animal science, medicine, biotechnology, cell biology, biomedicine, or similar subject is required. Good knowledge of the subject and experience of similar research is a merit. The applicant should have a genuine interest in research as well as good skills in speaking and writing in English. A good command of the Swedish language is an advantage but not a prerequisite. Personal qualifications, including ability to cooperate and to work independently, are of utmost importance.

Forms for funding or employment
Employment as PhD student 4 years

Offre d’emploi Chargé de communication scientifique

Le Centre de Recherches sur les Ecosystèmes d’Altitude recrute un(e) Chargé(e) de communication scientifique – responsable du réseau Phénoclim

Le Centre de Recherches sur les Ecosystèmes d’Altitude est un organisme de recherche spécialisé dans l’étude des milieux montagnards. Cette association à but non lucratif allie recherche scientifique et partage des savoirs avec le grand public. Une volonté qui se concrétise notamment par la mise en place de programmes de science participative ouverts à tous.
Voir www.creamontblanc.org

Missions :
Réseau Phénoclim
- Animer et développer en France et à l’étranger le réseau d’observateurs (écoles, professionnels, particuliers, associations, espaces protégés) du programme de recherche participatif Phénoclim www.creamontblanc.org/phenoclim
- Développer Phénoclim en relation avec les réseaux scientifiques et de sensibilisation à l’environnement nationaux et internationaux (Observatoire Des Saisons, REEMA, Alparc, Globe suisse…)
- Former et accompagner les relais d’animation Phenoclim – Gérer la base de données des contacts (inscription observateurs, média, institution) – Rédiger de la lettre trimestrielle de Phénoclim

Communication scientifique
- Assurer la communication scientifique des activités du CREA, et l’adapter aux différents publics concernés (scolaires, jeunes, grand public, partenaires institutionnels, professionnels de l’environnement, scientifiques…)
- Développer divers outils et supports de communications pour vulgariser les programmes de recherche et leurs résultats
- Concevoir des conférences, des formations à présenter à un public divers (scolaires, enseignants, professionnels de la montagne, grand public, français et étranger)
- Etablir une veille des publications internationales scientifiques et de vulgarisation sur les thèmes de recherche développés au CREA, rédiger et diffuser des synthèses périodiques
- Assurer la communication auprès des médias

Communication générale
-Assurer la Communication du CREA (médias, adhérents, partenaires, institutions) -Participer à la recherche de financement (veille des appels à projets et rédaction des bilans
d’activité) -Mettre à jour les pages web (français, anglais) et la page facebook du CREA

Profil :
- BAC +5 en biologie, écologie, communication scientifique – Passion pour la culture scientifique – Capacité à synthétiser des résultats scientifiques – Capacité rédactionnelles (vulgarisation, communication, etc.) – Maitrise de l’Anglais permettant d’assurer des interventions en anglais – Maîtrise des outils de PAO (suite Adobe)
- Maîtrise des outils de communication web

Conditions de travail :
CDI, 35h, poste basé dans les locaux du CREA – Observatoire du Mont-Blanc, 74400 Chamonix Salaire : 1500 €net/ mois minimum, à négocier selon expérience Poste à pourvoir pour remplacement dès que possible

Envoyer par mail CV, lettre de motivation et tout document de communication scientifique déjà réalisé à Anne Delestrade adelestrade@creamontblanc.org avant mi novembre.

Stage – Ecologie alimentaire Oiseaux Marins, Australie (Janvier – Avril 2012)

Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria

Recherche Volontaire et/ou Etudiant(e) en Biologie/Ecologie pour un stage de terrain en Australie (Victoria) de Janvier à Avril 2012.

Intitulé du projet - Répartition des ressources et succès reproducteur de deux espèces sympatriques : le rôle de la productivité marine et de la variabilité environnementale.

Contenu du projet :
- Suivi de la reproduction du puffin à bec grêle (Puffinus tenuirostris)
- Capture, mesures et prises de sang des oiseaux
- Pose de loggers (GPS, TDR, accéléromètres)

Lieu : Australie, Griffith Island (sud ouest de Victoria) et Gabo Island (sud est de Victoria).
Pas de rémunération (avion et logement à Melbourne non pris en charge ; hébergement à disposition sur les sites d’étude). Prévoir également les démarches pour une demande de VISA (working holiday visa).

Profil recherché :
- Volontaire et/ou étudiant(e) en biologie/écologie ayant un intérêt particulier pour l’écologie animale et marine.
- Sociable et autonome, rigoureux dans le suivi de protocoles scientifiques, ayant déjà manipulés des animaux (de préférence des oiseaux)
- Une bonne maîtrise de l’anglais est indispensable (même si les 2 principales personnes en charge du projet sont francophones)
- Passeport en règle nécessaire pour les démarches de demande de VISA

Envoyer CV et lettre de motivation par email à :

Maud Berlincourt
Deakin University
mberlinc@deakin.edu.au

lundi 24 octobre 2011

“Sciences affectives", Assistant doctorant, Neuchatel, Suisse

Université de Neutchatel

Chaire des sciences de l’information et de la communication Centre de Sciences Cognitives Prof. Fabrice Clément Espace Louis-Agassiz 1 2000 Neuchâtel Tel : +41 32 718 12 17


MISE AU CONCOURS
Dans le cadre d'un projet lié au Pôle national (PNR) “Sciences affectives”, est mis au concours un poste
d'assistant-e doctorant-e FNS
Le-la candidat-e retenu-e sera affilié-e à une équipe de recherche basée à l’Institut des Sciences de Langage et de la Communication (Centre de Sciences Cognitives) et intégré-e à un réseau interdisciplinaire international. Il-elle bénéficiera d'un contrat d'une durée de 3 ans pour effectuer une thèse sur l’ontogenèse de l’intérêt auprès de très jeunes enfants (8-16 mois).
Profil :
- Ce poste conviendrait particulièrement bien à une personne désireuse de mener des recherches en psychologie du développement.
- Un Master (ou titre jugé équivalent) en psychologie ou en sciences cognitives est souhaité, avec un fort intérêt pour la cognition sociale et de très bonnes connais- sances méthodologiques.
- Une expérience préalable de recherche avec des bébés représente un avantage, de même que la maîtrise des méthodologies liées à l’eyetracking.
er
Entrée en fonction :
1
Durée de l’engagement :
Traitement :
Dossier :
décembre 2011 (ou selon arrangement) 1.12.2011
au
30.11.2012,
renouvelable
chaque
année jusqu’au 30.11.2014. conditions usuelles de l’Université de Neuchâtel
Les candidat-e-s sont prié-e-s de constituer leur dossier de candidature avec les docu- ments suivants :
- - -
Curriculum Vitae Lettre de motivation Une lettre de recommandation
Délais et contact :
Les dossiers doivent être envoyés jusqu’au 31 octobre 2011. De plus amples informations peuvent être obtenues auprès du professeur F. Clément :
Fabrice.Clement [ à ] unine.ch
26.09.2011
Page 1

samedi 22 octobre 2011

Faculty position in neural circuits and behavior

Department of Biology, Stanford University

Faculty Position in Neural Circuits and Behavior

The Department of Biology at Stanford University invites applications for a tenure track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank. We seek applicants interested in neural circuits and behavior. Examples of interest areas include, but are not limited to, the genetic dissection of neural circuits underlying perception and behavior using state-of-the art techniques in electrophysiology, imaging and/or manipulation of intact neural circuits in a behavioral context. The successful candidate should hold a Ph.D., and is expected to develop a vigorous research program and to participate in the Department’s teaching activities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. More information about the Department and the University can be found at http://biology.stanford.edu/.

All applicants should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae including publication list, a statement of research accomplishments and future plans, a description of teaching experience, and three letters of reference. Please apply at AcademicJobsOnline: http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/Stanford/Biology.

Applicant materials must be received by October 15, 2011. The appointment would begin September 1, 2012.

Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty. It welcomes nominations of and applications from women and members of minority groups, as well as others who would bring additional dimensions to the university’s research, teaching, and clinical mission.

May L. Chin
Faculty Affairs Administrator
Department of Biology
Stanford University
371 Serra Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-5020
Tel: 1.650.725.1827
Fax: 1.650.725.5356

Postdoc position in Visual Cognitive Neuroscience at The Ohio State University (US)

The Bernhardt-Walther lab at The Ohio State University Department of Psychology is looking for a talented postdoctoral researcher. Our research focuses on the perception of complex scenes, objects, and visual attention. We use neuroimaging (EEG and fMRI), psychophysics, eye tracking, and computational modeling. The successful candidate will have access to our newly built lab with test rooms and an Eyelink 1000 eye tracker, a brand new Siemens Trio MRI scanner at the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Brain Imaging as well as an EEG lab at the Center for Cognitive Science. OSU offers an exciting research environment with a strong focus on computational and mathematical modeling within psychology as well as interdisciplinary interactions with colleagues in electrical engineering, computer science, and the neuroscience program at OSU.

For more information see:
http://bwlab.psy.ohio-state.edu/
http://ccbbi.osu.edu/
http://www.cog.ohio-state.edu/

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field as well as a strong research record. Advanced mathematical skills and programming experience (Matlab, Python) as well as prior experience with neuroimaging (fMRI and/or EEG) are a big plus. Interested individuals should send an electronic copy of their curriculum vitae, three representative samples of published or unpublished work, a statement of interest, and the names of two letter writers to Professor Dirk Bernhardt-Walther (bernhardt-walther.1 [ à ] osu.edu). Review of applications will begin in November, and the position can begin as early as January 2012, but a later start date can be arranged.

To build a diverse workforce Ohio State encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. Ohio State is an EEO/AA Employer.

PhD researcher ‘Visual processing outside of awareness: when does subliminal information influence behaviour? at Utrecht University

Job description

The proposed research project deals with perceptual blindness, in which an observer is unaware of information presented to the senses. In some cases, this ‘subliminal’ information can still influence behavior. It is currently unknown what determines whether this information has such an influence. The goal of the proposed research is to unravel the conditions in which blind information affects perception, and when it does not. This will be tested by perceptual and motor measures in normal observers and patients suffering from clinical blindness. The findings will be crucial to constrain models on the underpinnings of (un)conscious visual perception.

You will design and conduct experiments on cognitive processes. The research will be reported in articles which will be submitted to relevant scientific journals. After 4 years the research should lead to a PhD thesis. You will participate in the education program of the Helmholtz research school.

Requirements

We are looking for enthusiastic, and ambitious candidates with a master’s degree in cognitive, neuro- or biological psychology, cognitive neuroscience or in a comparable scientific discipline. Experience with conducting psychophysical and oculomotor experiments as well as strong programming skills will be advantageous.

Conditions of employment

We offer a temporary fulltime appointment for one year. After a positive evaluation the appointment will be extended to a total of four years maximum. Your gross salary starts with € 2,042.- per month in the first year and increases to € 2,612.- per month in the fourth year of employment.The salary is supplemented with an annual holiday pay of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. Other secondary conditions include e.g. a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions.

Organisation

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences of Utrecht University in the Netherlands carries out relevant scientific research of a very high quality and provides challenging academic teaching in the fields of human behaviour and society. The Faculty’s research and teaching contribute to a critical reflection on society, human behaviour and their interconnection. More than 5,650 students follow a broad range of undergraduate and graduate (academic and research) programmes, set up by a collaboration of five departments: interdisciplinary social science, sociology, methodology and statistics, pedagogical and educational sciences, and psychology. As a result of the Faculty’s wide variety of programmes and innovative and groundbreaking research, some 750 staff members have ample opportunity to benefit from each other’s knowledge and expertise.

Additional information

For information about the position or a description of the projects and proposal, please contact dr. Chris Paffen (c.l.e.paffen [ à ] uu.nl; +31 30 253 3372) or dr. Stefan van der Stigchel (s.vanderstigchel [ à ] uu.nl; +31 30 253 3356)


Direct link to this job opening: www.academictransfer.com/11477

jeudi 20 octobre 2011

2 Volunteer Research Assistants needed for Chimpanzee Study, Rwanda

Hiring Organization:
Amber Kleiman, Antioch University New England

Date Posted:
2011-10-15

Position Description:
One or two research assistants are needed to help collect data on a project on chimpanzee behavior in regenerating and fragmented forest in northwestern Rwanda.

A bit about the Research Assistant role in the project: You will play a key role in data collection and will be very involved in all aspects of the project, from data collection to data management and entry. Some days you will work with one Rwandan field assistant to follow the chimps from either 0430-1300 or 1300-1900, collecting behavioral data and GPS points. Some days you will walk transects and measure forest plots and collect forest data. For all field techniques you will be trained and supervised and always be with one other person in the field.

The landscape conditions in Rwanda are tough, and very physically exhausting. You should be prepared to walk 5-10 miles a day and carry a backpack of your personal gear and field equipment. You can expect to be in the field 8-10 hours per day, six days a week. This work is hard but very rewarding if you are passionate about primates and tropical ecosystems.

To apply, please email me your resume (CV if possible) and a short cover letter explaining why you would like this position.

Qualifications/Experience:
This is a terrific experience for someone who is looking to expand his or her primate experience, or wants to get a foot in the door in the primate world, or wants to learn new techniques in tropical research. The ideal candidate would feel comfortable troubleshooting field issues, working in mountainous conditions, working with others, and living in a remote area.

Salary/funding:
This is a volunteer position.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
You should be prepared to front all costs for your stay. This includes airfare (approx. $1800 from New York City), two nights at a hotel for flying in and out of the country ($50/night), and room and board ($10/night).

Term of Appointment:
A minimum 6-week commitment is required. The project dates are January 5-March 24, 2012..

Application Deadline:
December 1, 2011 but earlier applications will be considered priority.

Contact Information:
Amber Kleiman
40 Avon Street
Keene, NH 03431
USA

E-mail Address:
adkleiman@gmail.com

Volunteer Research Assistant

Hiring Organization:
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program

Date Posted:
2011-10-17

Position Description:
We are still looking for 1, possibly 2, more volunteers to round out our research team for the Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Expedition 2012.

Hiring Organization:
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP)
The BBPP is a cooperative between Drexel University (Philadelphia, USA) and the National University of Equatorial Guinea (Equatorial Guinea, West-Central Africa).

Project Description:
The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program is seeking volunteer field assistants for a research expedition to Bioko Island. Research objectives will be focused on multiple projects concerned with the ecology of primates, sea turtles, and amphibians.

Bioko Island lies 30 km off the coast of Cameroon in the heart of one of the world’s least explored biodiversity hotspots. Bioko’s Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Scientific Reserve contains some of Africa’s last truly pristine tropical rainforest. Bioko’s isolation has helped to protect its unusually high primate species richness, and as such is recognized today as the most important place for primate conservation in Africa. Volunteers will assist primarily in research focused on primate census along Bioko’s southern coast and within a dormant volcanic caldera. Depending upon interest and skills, volunteers may have additional opportunities to assist in other projects such as performing nesting sea turtle census, conducting habitat surveys, and collecting amphibians. Participants will not only learn many of the valuable skills necessary for fieldwork in tropical ecosystems, but their participation will help with the long-term conservation strategies of the BBPP.

The Expedition:
The BBPP will embark on a 3 week expedition to Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea in January 2012. In collaboration with an international team of experts in the fields of primatology, herpetology, and botany, this year’s expedition aims to explore and document an extensive swath of Bioko’s biodiversity. Typically focused on primate census, the BBPP’s annual expedition continues to widen its conservation efforts with an increased focus on projects concerning sea turtle conservation, plant diversity, and amphibian inventories. The BBPP has recognized that even Bioko’s remote and pristine tropical forests are not immune to the encroaching threats posed by global climate change, habitat loss, overhunting, pollution, and human-spread pathogens. The 2012 Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Expedition aims to document the variety, range, and diversity of a multitude of Bioko’s wildlife in order to assess the future needs for conservation on the island. As the bushmeat pressure on Bioko’s primates continues to worsen, the chance for volunteers to view many of the island’s 7 species of rare/endemic monkeys in the wild continues to decline.

For additional insight regarding BBPP’s expedition and Bioko primate conservation, refer to the August 2008 issue of National Geographic- Island Ark: A threatened African treasure.


Term of Appointment:
4 January 2012 - 25 January 2012 (However dates may vary by +3 days due to transportation availability)

Application Deadline:
15 November 2011

Contact Information
We prefer applicants use our email address for expedition applications/questions.

E-mail Address:
calderaexpedition@gmail.com

Mailing/Shipping Address:
Dr. Gail Hearn
Drexel University
Department of Biology
3245 Chestnut St., PISB 503
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA

Telephone Number:
215 895 6906

Fax Number:
215 895 1273

Website:
http://www.bioko.org
http://www.drexel.edu/biology/hearn

Qualifications/Experience:
Research assistants must be physically fit and willing to endure primitive living conditions. In addition, a commitment to biodiversity preservation and the conservation of threatened and endangered species is integral, while a sense of humor and enthusiastic nature is encouraged. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring field biologists to gain experience, however we encourage and welcome applicants of all backgrounds. Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Costs:
- The cost of participation is $3000, which covers the following on-island expenses:
• Housing
• Transport
• Meals
• Field Equipment (personal gear excluded)
• Pre-trip Online Materials
• Training in Field Techniques

- Academic credit is available through Drexel University, at an extra charge. University students who come on this expedition usually arrange for credit (independent study) through their home university.
- Participants are expected to provide their own air transport and medical evacuation insurance. Cheap air tickets (~ $1500-$1900 USD RT from East/Central North America to Malabo, EG) typically disappear fast, so we advise acting promptly.

No additional financial support is available from BBPP, but undergraduate students are often able to get financial assistance from their home universities.

Term of Appointment:
3 weeks (Jan 4-25, 2012)

Application Deadline:
November 15th, 2012

Comments:
The annual BBPP Gran Caldera Expedition is the longest running annual research expedition in West Africa. It offers a unique and unparalleled opportunity to experience field biology in one of the most remote regions of the world. Participants will have the opportunity to encounter some of the world’s rarest and least studied animals.

See the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Website (www.bioko.org) for details and an on-line application form. Meet the BBPP research associates and learn more about our ongoing projects on Bioko here: Hearn Lab (www.drexel.edu/biology/hearn).

Contact Information:
Gail W. Hearn
3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 503
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA

Telephone Number:
215 895 1476

Fax Number:
215 895 1273

Website:
http://www.bioko.org

E-mail Address:
calderaexpedition@gmail.com

Assistant Teamleader Primate Department

Hiring Organization:
Stichting AAP


Position Description:
At Foundation AAP we give shape to our ideal in a professional manner: to improve the welfare of abused or neglected exotic apes and small to medium-sized mammals from all over Europe. For one thing we do this by providing shelter for animals from the illegal trade, circuses, animal testing laboratories or simply private owners. For most animals we find suitable new homes in reserves, zoos or in our own permanent shelter in the south of Spain.
AAP also works to prevent welfare issues by actively exercising influence through both Dutch and European policy-makers and decision-makers in this area, and working work with domestic and foreign professional parties on an active and strategic level. Furthermore, AAP is an internationally authoritative knowledge centre.
There are about 70 people on our pay roll and we have an equal number of volunteers, established on a spacious and modern location in the middle of the green area near Almere. Nowhere else would you be able to see the result of your efforts so directly: each animal taken to our grounds and into our care, recuperates. You will be part of a tight, professional group of colleagues: from caretaker to fundraiser, all with the same ideal purpose.

Qualifications/Experience:
Your role
In this remarkably versatile and fascinating position you coordinate and execute the animal care process in the Primate Department. You conduct this work under the leadership and responsibility of the team leader of this department. Practically your activities will consist of facilitating your team, in order to optimize daily affairs in the department. Now and then you will be cooperative / executive (tending to, cleaning, feeding, observing and help forming primate groups). The team exist of 10 (partially english speaking) experienced animal care takers, trainees and volunteers. Additionally you will have some administrative tasks.

Salary/funding:
Our offer
We offer a job with much individual responsibility in an open international, professional organisation in a natural environment where animals and humans are what it’s all about. Your initial salary varies between € 1.403 and € 1.552 (gross based on 32 hours), and anual growth is possible.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Free lunch

Term of Appointment:
Carrying out a practical assignment is part of the application procedure.

Application Deadline:
7 november 2011

Comments:
You can call Huub Vlemmix, team leader primates, for more info: (036)5238755. Send your application letter and CV before November 7th 2011 mentioning number 2011-18-ORATLPR, preferably by e-mail to working.at@aap.nl or by mail to Stichting AAP, Kemphaanpad 1, P.O. Box 50313, 1305 AH Almere, The Netherlands, attn. Elly Koppers, Coordinator Personnel Department.

Contact Information:
Elly Koppers
Kemphaanpad 1
Almere 1305 AH
Netherlands

Telephone Number:
0031 36 5238787

Website:
http://www.aap.nl

E-mail Address:
elly.koppers@aap.nl

PhD positions Leipzig School of Human Origins

We invite applications for the Leipzig School of Human Origins, a joint Ph.D. program of the University of Leipzig and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.

Our Ph.D. program is open for international students and is designed as a 3-year-program starting in fall 2012. The closing date for applications is *January 31, 2012*.

We would be grateful if you communicated the announcement to students who wish to work towards a Ph.D. in anthropology, biology, bioinformatics, evolutionary genetics, primatology, paleoanthropology and related fields.

Here is were you can download a poster of the program:
http://imprs.eva.mpg.de/pdf/IMPRS_poster_2012.pdf

More details on the research groups that are part of the Leipzig School of Human Origins and information on the application procedures may be found at http://imprs.eva.mpg.de/start.html

dimanche 16 octobre 2011

Post-doc Position

Project title: ´Modeling goup size and phenotypic apeareance through game theory for the optimization of the welfare, health and performance of laying hens´.´
SUBPROGRAMA DE PROYECTOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN FUNDAMENTAL NO ORIENTADA. CONVOCATORIA 2010, of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation

Location: Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria Gasteiz (Spain)
To know more about the city: http://www.vitoria-gasteiz.org/

Project supervisor
Dr. Inma Estevez
Ikerbasque Research Professor
Neiker-Tecnalia, Arkaute Agrifood Campus
Animal Production, P.O. Box 46
E-01080 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
iestevez@neiker.net
Telf: (34) 945-121336

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: October 20 2011

PROJECT SUMMARY
The changes resulting from the European Directive (1999/74/EC) for the welfare of laying hens has serious economic implications for the poultry industry. However, one of the main problems stems from the fact that in alternative production systems, both in enriched (furnished) cages, as in various avian models (with or without access to parks), birds enjoy more behavioural freedom, but also have higher opportunities to develop problematic social interactions that can have a negative impact on the welfare, health and productivity of laying hens. These behavioural problems, that can be measure in millions of Euros in lost production for the industry, include primarily, increased aggression, feather pecking and cannibalism; complications that could be even larger if the European Legislation banishes the use of beak trimming as a suitable management practice in poultry flocks, as is speculated will happen in the not too distant future.
Nowadays the use of beak trimming is a required practice to prevent massive mortalities due to cannibalism. The appearance of these unwanted behaviours appears to be related with the number of animals in the group, a parameter which, on the other hand, is critical to determine the choice of enriched cage to be used in production systems. Besides, in experimental situations as well as in commercial practice, it has been observed that individuals with different phenotypic appearance to the most common phenotype tends to be pecked with greater intensity, not unfrequently ending with the death of the animal. The main objective of the proposed project is to analyze the impact of changes in group size and phenotypic appearance on welfare, health and performance of laying hens kept in production systems according to the European directive (1999/74 / EC.). In addition, we intend to develop a mathematical model based on game theory and to conduct mathematical simulations to determine optimal group size and the implications of the individual phenotypical appearance to maximize the health, welfare and performance of laying hens. To achieve this objective we will conduct a battery of experiments, arranged in three phases, in which we progressively will manipulate both the number of birds per group, and the degree of phenotypic diversity by artificially altering the phenotypic appearance of the individuals. It would be unrealistic to experimentally test all the potential group sizes from one to several thousand birds that can be maintain in a group, therefore for this purpose we will use mathematical models to predict the corresponding outcomes. Therefore, in this study the merger between two diverse disciplines such as applied animal behaviour and game theory will allow us to explore and propose social behaviour models that can be use to establish predictions for tested as well as untested group sizes and their subsequent outcomes in terms of welfare, health and performance. For this purpose the data generated in the animal experiments will be feed into the game theory models, by creating cost-benefits matrixes (based on real data) for each social grouping. The results of the calculations will help us to deepen on the mechanisms that determine the social choices, or behavioural strategies in each case. The generated information by means of the animal experiments and mathematical models to be use in this study will allow us to obtain solid information on social dynamics of laying hens that can be latter apply to generate new management strategies to control unwanted behaviours.
Thus, in the long term this study allow us to improve the welfare of laying hens, but also to reduce production costs due to losses in egg production. Finally, to remark that the new generated methodologies are susceptible of application to address a wide range of management problems in animal production.

CHARACTERISTICS AND DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
5 Salary: 35,960 €
Requirements of applicants:
· BSc in: Veterinary Sciences, Biology, Agriculture.
· Proven research experience
· Demonstrable excellent English level
· Experience in Statistical analysis, data bases
· Valid EU driving license (category B in Spain).
· EU citizenship
· Availability to travel
Additional values to be considered:
· A Ph.D. in a related area
· Publications in high impact journals
· Excellent communication and organization skills
Interested applicants should send the application before August 31th 2011 with the following documents:
- Application form
- Copy of D.N.I., or other personal type of identification
- Copy of Bs and Ph.D tittle
- Copy of the driver license.
- Curriculum Vitae, please remark experiences particularly related to this Project
- Selected candidates may be required to show documentation related to items indicated in the CV
- Letters of recommendation are welcome
- All merits have to be demonstrated by sending copies of papers (1st pp only), grants, etc. No demonstrated merits will not be considered (this is required by administrative procedures).
Applications must be address to:
Neiker-Tecnalia (MODELAY Investigador colaborador)
Centro de Arkaute:
Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute.
Apto 46. E-01080. Vitoria-Gasteiz (ARABA) SPAIN
Teléfono: (+34) 945 121313 / Fax: (+34) 945 281422

Temperamental traits in horses: Links between learning capacity and performance

Applications are invited for a PhD position at the University of Aarhus, Science and Technology, Department of Animal Science. The position is available for three years beginning in the first quarter of 2012.

The PhD project focuses on development and validation of methods to measure learning capacity in horses, and on the extent to which fearfulness and HPA-axis output interfere with learning. The ability of horses to learn and remember new tasks is fundamentally important for its use by humans. Fearfulness may, however, interfere with learning, because stimuli in the environment can overshadow signals from the rider or handler. In addition, prolonged high levels of stress hormones can affect neurons within the hippocampus; a brain region central to learning and memory. Previous studies have investigated learning capacity and consistency of learning performance in horses, but there are large discrepancies between studies, suggesting that other aspects, such as fearfulness and motivation, may govern success or failure in learning tests. The PhD project includes measurements of learning capacity, fearfulness and stress reactivity in horses used for different disciplines, including high-level competition horses, aiming to investigate the link between these traits and performance.

Qualifications and specific competences

Successful applicants must have a master’s degree in biology, animal or veterinary sciences and education within the field of animal behavior. Experience with horses is an advantage.

Place of Employment and Place of Work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, Science and Technology, and the place of work is mainly the Department of Animal Science, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele.

Salary and Terms of Employment
Salary and terms of employment are according to current agreement for state-employed academics and government circular from the Ministry of Finance regarding PhD students as well as the appointment structure of 2007 for scientific personnel at universities.

Starting date

First quarter of 2012.

For further information please contact main supervisor Dr. Janne Winther Christensen, e-mail JanneWinther.Christensen@agrsci.dk.
Application procedures:

Please apply for this specific project here:
http://science.au.dk/en/studies/phd-studies/for-applicants/current-call/

Choose November 2011 Call with deadline November 1st 2011.

You will be directed to the call, and must choose the field 'Animal Science'
Then you must fill out the information regarding:

Personal information
Academic background
Admission
Financial support (if any)
Study: In the dropdown menu you must choose the project: "Temperamental traits in horses: Links between learning capacity and performance"
Source (how you found out about the call)
Referees (as a minimum 1 must be uploaded)
Application material (pdf only, max 20 MB, no zip): Motivation, CV, Diploma and transcript of records, project description


Please be aware that you cannot save the application and continue working on it later. Therefore, you must have all relevant appendices, attachments, addresses for referees, etc. ready when you apply, as the entire application must be uploaded to the system in one go.

As a minimum you need to upload the application material:

one reference
curriculum vitae,
motivation (max. 1 page)
transcripts and diploma(s) (Please enter your unweighted grade average calculated and based on your transcript’s grading scale, BSc and MSc separately)
project description (½-4 pages)

You cannot submit the application if one or several of these documents have not been uploaded.

Ph.D. Student Admissions - Graduate Center for Vision Research - New-Yok (US)

Ph.D. in Vision Science at the Graduate Center for Vision Research: Call for Applications

Ph.D. admission applications are reviewed each May. To see the Ph.D. program at a glance, please visithttp://www.sunyopt.edu/academics/Vision_at_a_Glance.pdf
For information on admissions, financial aid, assistantships, advisors, registration, etc., please visithttp://www.sunyopt.edu/academics/grad.shtml
To see Graduate Faculty, visit http://www.sunyopt.edu/research/index.shtml

Ph.D students at the Graduate Center for Vision Research (GCVR) complete 80 semester-hr credits of proseminars, tutorials, colloquia, and research. A special feature of the GCVR is the utilization of small discussion group Cambridge University style tutorials. After being admitted in the fall semester, students rotate through two research labs, at the end of which a graduate advisor is selected. Annual student oral presentations are made each May at a Schnurmacher Institute for Vision Research colloquium. Additional requirements include an NRSA style pre-dissertation research proposal due end of the 2nd year, an oral specialty exam, and a dissertation defense. Intensive training in a selected area of research leads to the required Ph.D. dissertation.
The GCVR is devoted to developing outstanding basic and applied vision researchers. The Center hosts VisioNYC, a quarterly conference of the top vision scientists in the metropolitan New York area, and is also a member of the SUNY Eye Institute (SEI), a consortium among visions scientists located at a number of different SUNY member institutions. The GCVR is housed at the SUNY, State College of Optometry in midtown Manhattan across the street from the Bryant Park and the New York Public Library.

Brain Corporation jobs: 6 positions in computational neuroscience of vision - San Diego, California (US)

Six full-time positions in visual neuroscience at all levels are available immediately at Brain Corporation, San Diego, CA, to develop biologically detailed spiking models of the mammalian visual system.

We are seeking both experimentalists and theoreticians experienced in visual neuroscience. The position will entail researching the spike-timing dynamics of visual processing, devising appropriate models for the functional streams of the visual system, and testing hypotheses using large-scale simulations.

REQUIREMENTS: (1) For theoreticians: a published record of research on spiking networks, spike-timing dynamics, or STDP; for experimentalists: a published record of research on the electrophysiology of the visual system (in vivo recordings of unit activity), (2) knowledge of the visual system beyond standard textbooks, and (3) excellent programming skills in MATLAB, PYTHON, or C/C++ (although we are not doing much programming, the candidate should be efficient with an algorithmic way of thinking). Preference will be given to those who have conducted research on spike-timing dynamics in visual processing.

The employee compensation package includes industry-level salaries, annual performance-based bonuses, matching 401k contributions, and a stock option grant. Additionally, employees have access to facilities and amenities of Brain Corporation partner - Qualcomm Inc. - a leader in semiconductor technology.

Submit your CV/resume and relevant papers to Dr. Eugene M. Izhikevich at jobs AT braincorporation com . In your cover letter, please address all three requirements, your availability date, and your eligibility to work in the US.

Applications without addressing the 3 requirements will not be considered or acknowledged.

Dr. Eugene M. Izhikevich
Chairman & CEO
Brain Corporation
San Diego, California

Junior Faculty Position in Cognitive Neuroscience, UC Irvine, California (US)

University of California, Irvine

Junior Faculty Position in Cognitive Neuroscience

Subject to budgetary authorization, the Department of Cognitive Sciences (www.cogsci.uci.edu) at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) has available a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in cognitive neuroscience. Of particular interest are researchers who employ a multi-method approach to understand the computational and neural organization of speech and language processes or higher-level perception or action. The successful candidate will interact with a dynamic and growing community in cognitive, computational, and neural sciences within the Cognitive Science Department, the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, and the newly founded Center for Language Science. Irvine is located in Orange County on the Southern California coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego.

The online application should include: A cover letter indicating primary research interests, CV, three recent publications, and 3-5 letters of recommendation. Candidates should apply online at: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/apply#SOCSCI.

Review of applications will commence on December 1. Inquiries about the application process or position should be sent to: cogsci [ à ] uci.edu.

The University of California, Irvine is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity.

PostDoc “Corrélats neuraux des affiliations sociales étudiés en électrophysiologie” - CNRS UMR 8160, Amiens

Poste de chercheur postdoctoral

“Corrélats neuraux des affiliations sociales étudiés en électrophysiologie”
Le laboratoire de Neurosciences Fonctionnelles et Pathologies à Amiens (http://www.u-picardie.fr/labo/lnfp) recherche des candidats motivés pour un stage postdoctoral. Notre équipe fait partie du Laboratoire de Neurosciences Fonctionnelles et Pathologies (CNRS UMR 8160) situé entre Lille et Amiens (http://lnfp.dr18.cnrs.fr). A Amiens, le laboratoire est situé d’une part au niveau du service de neurologie du CHU d’Amiens (www.chu-amiens.fr) et au Pôle Santé de l’Université de Picardie Jules Verne (www.u-picardie.fr). Le laboratoire associe plusieurs spécialités médicales (neurologie, psychiatrie...), permettant de fortes intéractions entre cliniciens et chercheurs dans une approche enthousiaste et multidisciplinaire. Actuellement, nos travaux se focalisent sur l’étude théorique et expérimentale des processus psychologiques et neuraux impliqués dans l’attention, les émotions, la motivation et les fonctions exécutives. En particulier, nous nous focalisons sur les troubles préco!
ces pouvant intervenir dans les pathologies neurologiques dans le traitement de ces informations. Les méthodes expérimentales utilisées au laboratoire comprennent: investigations neuropsychologiques; recueil de mesures physiologiques périphériques; (système BIOPAC) et neuroimagerie fonctionnelle (IRMf 3T; EEG haute densité 128 électrodes).

Nous cherchons un chercheur postdoctoral enthousiaste et talentueux ayant obtenu une thèse en psychologie, neuroscience, biologie ou informatique. Le but de ce projet sera d’utiliser les techniques d’électrophysiologie (EEG haute densité; dispositif d’EEG compatible IRM) pour développer une exploration multimodale de la dynamique spatiotemporale des corrélats neuraux impliqués dans les contextes d’affiliation sociale.

Prérequis:

• expérience solide dans l’acquisition, l’analyse des données EEG (logiciel BrainVision 2; Cartool...);
• expérience de l’analyse en terme de potentiels évoqués, analyse fréquentielle, localisation de source;
• expérience et/ou intérêt pour le développement d’un plateau expérimental d’étude d’EEG dyadiques.
Le poste est pour une durée d’un an. Le salaire mensuel est de 1818.60 euros net par mois.

Les candidatures, incluant un CV, une liste des publications, une ou deux lettres de recommandations et/ou une lettre de motivation doivent être envoyées à Harold Mouras (harold.mouras [ à ] u-picardie.fr). L’appel à candidature est ouvert dès maintenant et se terminera au moment où le poste sera pourvu.

Pour toute information complémentaire, merci de contacter par mail Harold Mouras (harold.mouras [ à ] u-picardie.fr).

vendredi 14 octobre 2011

Ph.D.: Développement en bas âge phénotypique des kangourous gris de l'est

Pour ce doctorat, vous analyserez des données sur la croissance, la survie, le génotype, le pedigree et le succès reproducteur de kangourous marqués et d’âge connu, dans le but d’expliquer la variabilité en dates de naissance, taux de croissance et effort reproducteur en bas âge. Votre étude s’intègrera dans un programme à long terme sur l’écologie évolutive des kangourous qui a débuté en 2008.
Vous seriez sur le terrain au Parc national Wilson Promontory dans l’état de Victoria pour 4-­‐5 mois par année sur 3 ans. Ce travail impliquera la capture et l’observation de kangourous marqués. Vous serez inscrit
à l’Université de Sherbrooke et vous collaborerez avec Graeme Coulson à l’Université de Melbourne et Dave Forsyth du Département de l’environnement de l’état de Victoria.
Le/la candidat/e idéal/e aura une maîtrise de type recherche, des publications, de l’expérience de terrain, des
fortes capacités en statistiques et une très bonne connaissance de l’anglais. Une bourse non-­‐imposable est disponible et tous les côuts de déplacement et de recherche seront financés.
Le programme peut débuter en janvier, mai ou septembre 2012.
Pour d’autres informations visitez http://pages.usherbrooke.ca/mfesta/francais.htm
Si cette opportunité vous intéresse, envoyez-­‐moi un courriel avec votre CV, une lettre expliquant vos objectifs en recherche ainsi que les adresses courriel de deux personnes capable d’évaluer votre potentiel en recherche.
Marco Festa-­‐Bianchet:
m.festa@USherbrooke.ca
Ph.D. on early development and fitness in eastern grey kangaroos.

As part of a long-­‐term study of evolutionary ecology of kangaroos that began in 2008, the student will use data on growth, survival, genotype, pedigree and reproduction of marked known-­age individuals to examine questions related to the causes and consequences of variability in timing of birth, growth rate and early reproductive effort. The program will include 4-­5 month of fieldwork at the Wilson Promontory National Park, Victoria, each year for 3 years, capturing and observing marked kangaroos.
The student will be based at the Université de Sherbrooke. Research partners include Graeme Coulson at the University of Melbourne and Dave Forsyth at the Victoria Dept. of Sustainability and the Environment. The ideal candidate will have a research-­‐based M.Sc. degree, publications, fieldwork experience, strong quantitative skills and a basic knowledge of French. Canadian candidates will be preferred, strong foreign candidates are welcomed. A tax­‐free scholarship is available. All travel and research costs will be covered. The program can start in January, May or September 2012.
For more information see http://pages.usherbrooke.ca/mfesta/marco.htm
If you are interested e-­mail me a CV, a letter stating your research interests, and e-­‐mail addresses of two referees able to evaluate your potential as a researcher.

Marco Festa-­‐Bianchet:
M.Festa@USherbrooke.ca

dimanche 9 octobre 2011

Two Assistant Professor Positions, Stony Brook University

Program for Human Evolutionary Biology: Two Assistant Professor Positions

Hiring Organization:
Stony Brook University


Position Description:
As initial appointments in an interdepartmental initiative in Human Evolutionary Biology, Stony Brook University invites applications for two tenure-track positions, one each in the Departments of Anthropology and Ecology and Evolution, at the level of Assistant Professor, beginning September 2012. Successful candidates for these positions will have an outstanding research program, a commitment to excellence in teaching and will participate in a new interdepartmental university initiative in Human Evolutionary Biology.

The Department of Anthropology seeks an individual specializing in an evolutionary approach to the study of human behavior in traditional (living or historic) or westernized human populations. Research areas may include optimal foraging, mating strategies, sexual conflict, life history theory, cooperation and aggression, disease and immunology, or other areas in behavioral ecology or evolutionary psychology. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and teaching an undergraduate course on the evolutionary basis of behavior.

The Department of Ecology and Evolution seeks an individual specializing in human population genetics or evolutionary genomics of primates, including humans. Basic descriptive, statistical modeling, or bioinformatic approaches will be considered. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and teaching an undergraduate course on human population genetics or primate genomics.

Qualifications/Experience:
Both candidates will be expected to teach additional undergraduate or graduate courses in their area of expertise, secure external research funding and play an active role in our highly ranked graduate programs. Stony Brook is located on the north shore of eastern Long Island, NY, amid extensive farmlands and vineyards, miles of beaches, and easy access to the cultural resources of New York City. This is a great place to establish a career and a nice place to be.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. by starting date and a strong publication record. Applicants should apply by email and application should include a letter of application (including research and teaching interests), curriculum vitae, up to three examples of publications, and request that three letters of recommendation be sent to: the Human Evolutionary Biology Search Committee, at either the Department of Anthropology or Ecology and Evolution (depending upon position applied for), Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794.

Applications for the Anthropology position should be emailed to Megan.Alberti@stonybrook.edu and for the Ecology and Evolution position they should be submitted online at http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/recruitment.htm. Questions about the search should be directed to Diane Doran-Sheehy (ddoran@notes.cc.sunysb.edu) or Walt Eanes (weanes@notes.cc.sunysb.edu). Stony Brook University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Application Deadline:
For full consideration applications should be submitted before November 1, 2011.

Contact Information:
Diane Doran-Sheehy
Stony Brook University
USA

Telephone Number:
631-632-9445

Fax Number:
631-632-9165

E-mail Address:
ddoran@notes.cc.sunysb.edu

Camp Administrator, Democratic Republic of Congo

Camp Administrator

Hiring Organization:
Max-Planck-Institute for Evol. Anthropology


Position Description:
Camp administrator for an ongoing long-term project in LuiKotale, Salonga NP, Democratic Republic of Congo. The person will be in charge of camp management, logistics, and communication. This includes organizing working schedules, financial accounting, organizing supplies, maintenance of camp infrastructure, communication with our base in Kinshasa and with local villages. The camp administrator represents the project to regional administrators, wildlife authorities, and village leaders. Language skills in French (oral and in writing) are an essential requirement. Information about the field site and research activities at LuiKotale is available at www.eva.mpg.de/primat

Qualifications/Experience:
Essential requirements are: (1) field experience, (2) language skills (French and English), (3) above average physical fitness, (4) high resistance to social/psychological stress, and (5) practical and technical skills to supervise and maintain the camps technical infrastructure such as solar electricity, generator, satphone, sw-radio. In addition, candidates are expected to organize and supervise simple construction work (e.g. make-shift buildings in camp). Candidates should have social skills, a sense of leadership, a strong motivation to take on responsibility, and tolerance. They should be able to achieve tasks by improvisation, using the limited sources that are available and must have the capacity to live and work with an international team of students, volunteers and local staff. Candidates with medical training will be preferred.

Salary/funding:
300 Euro/month

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
- food (mainly local food and some western food items)
- lodging (in tents) at the field site
- one domestic flight from Kinshasa to the field and back
- contribution of up to 1000 US$ to an international return flight (reimbursement ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETITION OF A 9 MONTS TERM OF APPOINTMENT)
- expenses for visa (reimbursement ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETITION OF A 9 MONTS TERM OF APPOINTMENT)
- please note that expenses during the stay in Kinshasa on the way in/out of Congo as well as the costs for a health insurance can not be covered by the project

Term of Appointment:
9 months starting in Januray 2012

Application Deadline:
November 15, 2011

Comments:
Applicants should send a letter of interest that provides information that is useful for evaluating the qualifications outlined above, a CV, and two letters of recommendation

Contact Information:
Dr. Gottfried Hohmann
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04103
Germany

Telephone Number:
++49 341 3550 208

Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de

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

mardi 4 octobre 2011

VOLUNTEERS South Africa socio-ecology of small mammals

2 volunteers needed from November / December 2011 onwards
2 volunteers needed from January 2012 onwards as field assistants for the project:
Evolution and Socio-Ecology of small Mammals in the Succulent Karoo of South Africa

Opportunity: This is a great opportunity for anybody who wants to get more experience in field work relating to evolution, ecology and behavior before starting an MsC or PhD project.
Project: We study the evolutionary and ecological reasons as well as physiological mechanisms of group living, paternal care, communal nesting and social flexibility in the striped mouse. As this species is diurnal and the habitat is open, direct behavioral observations in the field are possible.
What kind of people are needed? Biology/zoology/veterinary students are preferred as candidates. Applicants must have an interest in working in the field and with animals. Hard working conditions will await applicants, as the study species gets up with sunrise (between 5 and 6 o` clock), and stops its activity with dusk (19 o` clock). Work during nights might also be necessary. Work in the field will be done for 5 days a week. Applicants must be able to manage extreme temperatures (below 0 at night in winter, sometimes over 40°C during summer days). Applicants must both be prepared to live for long periods in the loneliness of the field and to be part of a small social group.
Work of field assistants: Trapping, marking and radio-tracking of striped mice; direct behavioral observations in the field. Volunteers are also expected to help with maintenance of the research station (water pump, solar power, etc.) Confirmation letter: Students get a letter of confirmation about their work and can prepare a report of their own small project to get credit points from their university for their bachelor or masters studies.
Costs: Students have to arrange their transport to the field site themselves. Per month, an amount of Rand 1250 (around 180 US$, 125 Euro) must be paid for accommodation at the research station. Students must buy their own food etc in Springbok (costs of about R 2500, approx. 360 US$ or 250 Euro/month). Including extras (going out for dinner; shopping), you should expect costs of about 600 US$, 450 Euros per month. Students get an invitation letter which they can use to apply for funding in their home country (eg. DAAD in Germany, SSJARP in Switzerland).
Place: The field site is in the Goegap Nature Reserve near Springbok in the North-West of South Africa. The vegetation consists of Succulent Karoo, which has been recognized as one of 25 hotspots of biodiversity. It is a desert to semi-desert with rain mainly in winter (June to September).
When and how long: At the moment we are looking for 2-3 volunteers starting in November / December 2011 and two additional volunteers starting in January 2012. Volunteers are expected to stay at least 4 months, but longer periods of up to 6months are possible.
How to apply? Send a short motivation letter stating why and for which period you are interested and your CV via email to carsten.schradin@ieu.uzh.ch.

More information under
http://stripedmouse.com/site1_3_5.htm
http://www.ieu.uzh.ch/research/behaviour/endocrinology.html
Contact via e-mail: carsten.schradin@ieu.uzh.ch

Dr. Carsten Schradin
Research Assistant, Department of Animal Behavior, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Tel: +41 - (0)44 635 5486

Honorary Researcher at the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Mangabey and Putty Research Co-ordinator

Hiring Organization:
CERCOPAN

Date Posted:
2011-09-28

Position Description:
CERCOPAN (Centre for Education, Research and Conservation of Primates and Nature: www.cercopan.org) is recruiting for a Mangabey and Putty Research Coordinator to start in early November/December 2011. This voluntary position is based at Rhoko, our bush site where we help the Iko Esai community to protect 2400ha of tropical rainforest. The site is home to 60 semi-free ranging forest monkeys, and an array of wildlife including pangolins, wild putty nosed guenons, Mona monkeys, bushbabies, duikers, golden cats and drills.

We are looking for experienced researcher with a sound background in collecting behavioural data. The ideal candidate will be flexible, amicable and dedicated. They must also have the ability to cope well under stress and live happily in basic but comfortable forest living conditions.

This is an excellent opportunity for those wishing to make a contribution to primate conservation and gain additional field research experience before embarking on doctoral research.

Duties include: habituating and collecting data on wild Putty nosed Guenons, collecting behavioural data on semi-free ranging Red capped Mangabeys, assisting with phenological data collection and helping out with other aspects of our work as and when required.

Please send covering letter, references (preferably email contact) and CV to claire.coulson@cercopan.org

For further information, please see the CERCOPAN website www.cercopan.org and Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/cercopan

Qualifications/Experience:
Essential:
- Applicants must have a degree in ecology, conservation, animal behaviour or zoology and a Masters Degree in a relevant subject
- Experience collecting behavioural data
- Interest in Conservation/Primates
- Ability to analyse/ process data and use statistical techniques
- Physically fit

Desired:
- Experience working with primates
- Good communication skills
- Experience working and living in developing countries

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Provisions: Room and board will be provided for an initial 1 year contract. All flights, visa arrangements, insurance etc. are the responsibility of the volunteer.

Term of Appointment:
1 year initial contract with possibility to extend

Application Deadline:
October 28th 2011

Contact Information:
Claire Coulson
4 Ishie Lane,
Calabar, Cross River State
Nigeria

Telephone Number:
+234 (0)8060625458

Website:
http://www.cercopan.org

E-mail Address:
claire.coulson@cercopan.org

Volunteer Research Assistant

Hiring Organization:
California National Primate Research Center

Date Posted:
2011-09-30

Position Description:
Assist project staff with behavioral observations to monitor, record, and analyze social interactions between nonhuman primates in large group enclosures and evaluate rates and levels of aggression and affiliation in the primate breeding corrals. Provide support and assist in the conducting of research on social aggression and stability of large corrals. Collect data on daily management activities and environmental variables for corrals. Assist in experimental social manipulation of breeding corrals.

Qualifications/Experience:
-Knowledge of the principles and practices of animal behavioral observation and evaluation.
-Experience studying non-human primate behavior
-An interest in macaque social behavior
-Relevant educational background in animal behavior, primatology or related field

Contact Information:
Megan Jackson
CNPRC, UC Davis, One Shields Ave
Davis, CA 95616
USA

Telephone Number:
530-754-8049

E-mail Address:
megjackson@ucdavis.edu

Volunteer Field Assitant

Hiring Organization:
University of California Davis, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Pennsylvania

Date Posted:
2011-09-23

Position Description:
We are searching for a highly motivated and self-reliant field assistant to work on a comparative study of red titi monkeys (Callicebus discolor) and equatorial saki monkeys (Pithecia aequatorialis) in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Titis and sakis have both been classified as socially monogamous and yet they show distinct differences in their social behavior, level of paternal care, and degrees of territoriality. Our study is investigating pair-mate relationships and the relative investment of the sexes in territorial behavior. Assistants will be responsible for collecting social behavior, foraging, ranging, demographic, and life history data from three titi groups and two saki groups. Other responsibilities will include assistance with playback experiments to simulate intergroup encounters, recording vocalizations, habituation, and data entry. Assistants will be trained in all relevant data collection and archiving methods, including behavioral sampling on handheld computers, radio-telemetry, database manipulation, etc.

Assistants will not be allowed to collect data for publication independent of our research project – e.g. for their own theses. Ideally, this experience will be seen as an internship for your own future research. We do, however, strongly encourage assistants to work with us coauthoring papers based on or stemming from the data they assist in collecting. If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree that involves fieldwork in the tropics, this will be a fantastic experience.

Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants should have a BS/BA in Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Physical Anthropology, Primatology, or a related field. Although previous experience with primates is not necessary, previous experience with animals, camping, or working outdoors is strongly preferred. The ideal applicant should have prior experience with living or working in a foreign country, preferably a developing country in the tropics. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not necessary. Experience with collecting systematic data in a scientific context is preferred, and a strong interest in primate behavior and ecology a must. In general, applicants must be in good physical and mental condition; feel comfortable being far away from family and friends; be emotionally mature, energetic, and VERY patient; have an excellent eye for detail; not be afraid of bugs, snakes, or being alone in the forest; have very good social skills, especially in small groups; and be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work.

This work will be rigorous and demanding. Assistants will be expected to work about 11 hours in the field each day, about 20 days out of each month. The terrain in the research site is quite hilly in places, seasonally floods in others, and the climate is often hot, humid, and rainy – this is a rainforest just South of the Equator in which close to four meters of rain falls a year – thus persistence, maturity, dedication, and good humor are very important. Preference will be given to applicants with previous outdoor experience in demanding environments.

Salary/funding:
This is a volunteer position. For highly qualified candidates, funding may be available to offset some of the costs of station fees (see details in "Support" below) after completing 3 months on the project.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
This is a volunteer position. Applicants must pay their own round-trip airfare to Quito, Ecuador (cost varies) and for travel within Ecuador to and from the research station (circa US$200). Assistants are also responsible for the costs of obtaining a visa to work in Ecuador (circa US$350), for health insurance and immunizations that permit that work (proof of yellow fever immunization is a must; vaccination against typhoid, rabies, hepatitis, etc., are all also strongly recommended), their own personal field clothes and gear, and for daily station fees of US$32 per day (fee includes on-site lodging, laundry, and three meals daily).

Term of Appointment:
minimum two month commitment

Application Deadline:
Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.

Comments:
All serious applicants please send an email to Amy Porter (amyporter@ucdavis.edu) and submit the following:

1. CV including relevant coursework, previous field/outdoor experience, and where/how you can be contacted
2. Letter of interest (please include dates you are available)
3. References from three persons (preferably professors or research supervisors with whom you’ve worked closely) in which they provide information about your experiences, skills, and training.

Contact Information:
Amy Porter
University of California Davis, Department of Anthropology
Davis, CA 95616
USA

Website:
http://tiputini.usfq.edu.ec/

E-mail Address:
amyporter@ucdavis.edu