mercredi 29 août 2012

Hopkins Marine Station

The Hopkins Marine Station, a division of the Department of Biology of Stanford University, invites applications for a tenure track faculty position as Assistant Professor with a research and teaching specialization in the area of marine organismal biology. Areas of interest include but are not limited to physiology, genomics, evolution, biochemistry, and behavior, particularly in regard to response and adaptation to the changing marine environment. Research conducted on any multicellular marine organism is welcome. The position will be based at the Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove, CA. Applicants are expected to develop a vigorous research program and to participate in undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral education and training. For information about Hopkins Marine Station consult our web page: http://hopkins.stanford.edu/

Applicants are requested to provide a cover letter, a curriculum vitae including list of publications, a statement of research accomplishments and future research plans, a description of teaching experience and aspirations, and the names and contact information of three persons whom we can contact for letters of recommendation.

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2012 and continue until the position is filled. The appointment is anticipated to begin September 1, 2013.

Interested candidates should apply online at AcademicJobsOnline.Org. Questions should be directed to Dr. Mark Denny at HopkinsSearch@lists.stanford.edu.

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 and teaching missions.

Postdoctoral position in arthropod acoustics/vibration, University of Toronto Scarborough

A postdoctoral position is available in the Integrative Behaviour and Neuroscience Group (IBN) at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) to join one of the following research projects. 1) Directional hearing and auditory processing in the parasitoid fly, Ormia ochracea. 2) Vibrational communication and sensory processing in spiders.

The successful candidate will have expertise in one or more of the following: acoustic/vibration measurement and calibration; laser vibrometry; electrophysiology; animal behaviour; insect biology; Matlab programming; electronics; engineering.

Salary is ~C$40k/yr with an initial appointment of 2 years and the possibility of renewal.

Location: UTSC is one of three campuses of the University of Toronto, Canada’s largest and leading research university, and holder of one of the most extensive digital library collections in North America. The UTSC campus is located in an eastern suburb of Toronto adjacent to extensive parkland. The IBN is a research group within the Department of Biological Sciences at UTSC. The successful candidate will join the Mason Lab, the facilities of which are outlined here: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/amason.

Please apply by sending your application to Prof. Andrew Mason by e-mail (amason@utsc.utoronto.ca). Please provide a single file that includes a letter outlining your interest and suitability for the position, a detailed CV, and contact details of two referees.







Funded PhD student position in arthropod acoustics/vibration, University of Toronto Scarborough

A PhD studentship is available in the Mason lab, Integrative Behaviour and Neuroscience Group at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), to join a research program on directional hearing and auditory processing in the parasitoid fly, Ormia ochracea. Possible focus of PhD research includes: neural correlates of perception in a simple nervous system; precedence effect; auditory selective attention; auditory stream segregation; noise masking; auditory priming; sound localisation; modelling/simulation of mechanical or neural systems. Research facilities are outlined here www.utsc.utoronto.ca/amason, and include laser vibrometry, respirometry, neurophysiology, imaging, and an invertebrate husbandry facility.

The ideal student would have an interest and/or experience in the following areas: acoustic measurement and calibration; single-cell electrophysiology; psychoacoustics; animal behaviour; insect biology. Programming experience, especially Matlab, and knowledge of electronics would be an asset.

Funding and program duration. The University of Toronto guarantees graduate student funding for up to 5 years of a PhD program. Graduate stipends are ~C$24,000 for domestic and ~C$34,000 for visa students. Funding details are available at the graduate department through with the successful applicant will enrol – either Cell and Systems Biology (http://bit.ly/OXWmOz) or Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (http://bit.ly/PJhv2M). Outstanding international students would be eligible to apply for the prestigious Vanier Scholarship (http://bit.ly/O5LSOZ).

Location: UTSC is one of three campuses of the University of Toronto, Canada’s largest and leading research university, and holder of one of the most extensive digital library collections in North America. All graduate research and TA activities would take place at UTSC, but advisory committee members could be drawn from any of the three campuses, thus the intellectual support for this PhD studentship is both broad and deep. The UTSC campus is located in an eastern suburb of Toronto adjacent to extensive parkland.

Please apply by sending a single file that includes a letter outlining your interest and suitability for the position, a detailed CV, transcripts, and contact details of two referees to Prof. Andrew Mason by e-mail (amason@utsc.utoronto.ca).

Stage

Volunteer vacancy

Cape ground squirrels of The Kalahari

A volunteer is required for a period of 12 months to help undertake a long-term research project on Cape ground squirrels in the Kalahari Desert, South Africa. This project has been set up by Cambridge and Zurich University and is based at the Kalahari Meerkat Project, a world-renowned research station.

Students with at least BSc in biology/ecology or zoology are preferred. Successful applicants must have an interest in field work and previous experience working in challenging environments and with wild animals. The applicant will be heavily involved in habituation of new groups as well as collection of weights and observational data. There is also an opportunity for the applicant to undertake a small research project on the squirrels.

Volunteers are provided with accommodation and paid a monthly allowance to cover their food. A return flight to South Africa and insurance will have to be organised and funded by the applicant, but costs for internal travel by bus (Johannesburg to Upington) will be reimbursed, you will be collected from Upington and taken to the study site.

If you are interested in this position, please send a CV and a short letter stating your motivation to apply, and two names acting as referees to: jamiesamson@hotmail.com

The closing date for applications is the 10th September and persons shortlisted must be available on either the 17th or 18th September for a Skype video interview.

lundi 27 août 2012

Postdoctoral position on Plasticity in the song system at the University of Liege, Belgium


A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Jacques Balthazart and Charlotte A. Cornil in the GIGA Neurosciences at the University of Liège, School of Medicine, to study by a combination of in vivo imaging and molecular techniques the question of how brain plasticity is regulated at the cellular level in two songbird models (zebra finches and starlings) with different song learning and neuroplasticity characteristics. The successful candidate will be in charge of neuroanatomical and neurochemical studies by techniques such as immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and/or tract tracing that will be combined with in vivo imaging studies performed in Antwerpen. The candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in these imaging studies. We are seeking for a highly motivated post-doc candidate with a strong background in neuroendocrinology and (avian) neuroanatomy. Experience in the study of brain plasticity would be an asset. Applicants must have a PhD. The position is available on October 1st, 2012 and applications will be considered until the position is filled. Funding is available for five years but contracts will be issued annually with possible renewal by mutual agreement. To apply, please send a motivation letter, CV and at least two letters of recommendation to Jacques Balthazart (jbalthazart@ulg.ac.be) or Charlotte Cornil  (charlotte.cornil@ulg.ac.be). 
For more information, see: 

Bénévolat pour participer au suivi de la migration des oiseaux au Cap Gris Nez


  • Type d'offre : Bénévolat
  • Limite des candidatures : le 30 Novembre 2012
  • Lieu : Cap gris nez, Pas de Calais (Nord Pas de Calais)
  • Recruteur : L'association La Vie du Nord
L'association La Vie du Nord recherche des bénévoles pour participer aux suivis de la migration des oiseaux aux Cap Gris Nez du 1er septembre au 30 novembre 2012.
Pour tous renseignements et réservation contacter avant le 30/11/12 :

  • Coordonnées : Nathan Legroux au 06.47.45.33.81 ou laviedunord@live.fr

Un(e) Chargé(e) d’études (« flore-habitats »)


  • Type d'offre : Emploi / CDI
  • Limite des candidatures : le 10 Septembre 2012
  • Lieu : Le Mans, Sarthe (Pays de la Loire)
  • Recruteur : Le Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels de la Sarthe
Le Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels de la Sarthe recrute un(e) Chargé(e) d’études (« flore-habitats »)

STRUCTURE

Créé en 1992, le Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels de la Sarthe (CENS) est une association loi 1901 qui a pour objet la connaissance, la protection, la gestion et la valorisation du patrimoine naturel du département de la Sarthe. Il gère actuellement plus d’une trentaine de sites (environ 200 ha) sur une vingtaine de communes. Pour assurer ses missions, le CENS s’appuie principalement sur les politiques publiques Natura 2000, Espaces Naturels Sensibles et Réserves Naturelles Régionales.
Le CENS est membre de la Fédération des Conservatoires d’Espaces Naturels et également affilié à Réserves Naturelles de France.

 

MISSIONS

Sous l’autorité directe du Président (et/ou Bureau, CA) et du Directeur ; en lien avec les autres membres de l’équipe du CENS (chargé d’études, technicien gestion de sites…), le (la) chargé(e) d’études réalise des études, des suivis scientifiques et suit la mise en œuvre de projets.
Il (elle) aura en charge les missions suivantes sur les sites étudiés et/ou gérés par le CENS :
  • Réaliser et rédiger des études écologiques ou expertises (inventaires, diagnostics, identifications, cartographie d’habitat naturels…),
  • Saisir des données dans les bases (SERENA…), élaborer des cartographies sur SIG (ArcView),
  • Participer à la mise en œuvre de plans de gestion,
  • Participer à la réalisation d’études, à l’élaboration et la rédaction de rapports, plans de gestion, notes de synthèses et documents de présentation,
  • Suivi de dossiers (devis, suivis techniques et administratifs).
 

PROFIL

  • Formation initiale niveau bac+4 ou 5 (phytosociologie, biologie, écologie, environnement, gestion des milieux naturels…),
  • Expérience professionnelle requise d’au moins 4 ans dans des missions similaires,
  • Très bonnes connaissances et expériences naturalistes en tant que botaniste, phyto-écologue (flore vasculaire, phytosociologie-végétation nord-ouest de la France, maîtrise des différentes classifications des habitats et cartographie des milieux naturels),
  • Connaissance et expérience de gestion conservatoire (restauration des espaces naturels ou semi-naturels),
  • Capacité de rédaction d’animations (réunions, sorties…),
  • Esprit de synthèse, d’analyse et aisance rédactionnelle indispensables, de même que la maîtrise des outils informatiques (bureautique, SIG),
  • Autonomie, sens de l’organisation, disponibilité, adaptabilité et goût pour le travail en équipe et en réseau,
  • Compétences pour établir et maintenir des relations positives avec les partenaires et très bonne capacités relationnelles,
  • Connaissance et pratique de l’animation de sites naturels auprès des partenaires locaux, capacités pédagogique et vulgarisation,
  • Idéalement expérience réussi au sein d’un CEN, à défaut au sein d’autres organismes gestionnaires d’espaces ou associations de protection de la nature,
  • Permis B.
 

CONDITIONS DU POSTE

  • Contrat : CDI temps plein,
  • Poste à pourvoir dès que possible,
  • Localisation : Le Mans (La Chapelle-Saint-Aubin) avec des déplacements dans le département (Sarthe),
  • Rémunération : Selon expérience et capacités, grille Convention Collective de l’Animation.
 
Candidature (lettre de motivation manuscrite avec CV et prétentions salariales) à adresser (avec mention « confidentiel ») avant le 10 septembre 2012 à :
 
Renseignements : exclusivement par message électronique à d.bergeal-cen.sarthe@espaces-naturels.fr
 


  • Coordonnées : Monsieur le Président du Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels de la Sarthe - 1 rue du Moulin aux Moines – 72650 La Chapelle Saint Aubin - (Nous vous invitons également à les faire parvenir au directeur par email : d.bergeal-cen.sarthe@espaces-naturels.fr)                     

Un(e) chargé(e) de mission pour l'antenne Pays Basque


  • Type d'offre : Emploi / CDD
  • Limite des candidatures : le 4 Septembre 2012
  • Lieu : Urt, Pyrénées Atlantiques (Aquitaine)
  • Recruteur : Le Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels d'Aquitaine
Le Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels d'Aquitaine recrute un(e) chargé(e) de mission pour l'antenne Pays Basque
  • Prise de fonction : 15 septembre 2012
  • Contrat : CDD de 12 mois – Evolution probable vers CDI
  • Convention Collective Nationale de l’Animation - groupe D, indice 315 soit un salaire brut de 1836,45euros (hors prime de précarité) en 2012, qui sera revalorisé au 01/01/2013 au coefficient 325 soit un salaire brut de 1894.75 €, hors revalorisation du point (actuellement 5,83 €)
  • Durée du travail : 35 heures semaine (annualisées)
  • Lieu de travail : Antenne Pays Basque du CEN Aquitaine (Urt)
 

Contexte du poste

Le Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels d'Aquitaine a pour mission d'assurer la conservation et la valorisation d'espaces naturels à forte valeur patrimoniale. A ce jour, le CEN assure la gestion partenariale de plus de 4000 hectares de landes, tourbières, pelouses, … sur l’ensemble de la Région Aquitaine (73 sites à ce jour). Le Conservatoire est également opérateur technique pour l’élaboration et l’animation de plusieurs documents d’objectifs Natura 2000.
L'antenne Pays Basque du Conservatoire recherche un chargé de mission qui rejoindra une équipe de 4 personnes (le chargé de secteur et 3 chargés de missions). Il sera placé sous la responsabilité du chargé de secteur et basé à l’antenne d'Urt.
Le poste proposé pour une durée de 12 mois comprend les missions suivantes.
 

Missions principales

Suivi des Plans de gestion des sites d'Errota Handia et de Chourroumillas

  • Mise en œuvre des suivis, inventaires, cartographies (habitats, flore, faune)
  • Programmation, animation et suivi des travaux de gestion et de restauration d’habitats
  • Information et sensibilisation
  • Contribution à la sécurisation foncière
  • Programmation de l’activité et rédaction des rapports d'activité annuels
 

Appui technique auprès de collectivités territoriales (Communes, Syndicats, ...)

  • Suivis scientifiques et inventaires, caractérisation des habitats et diagnostics environnementaux
  • Suivi des travaux
  • Élaboration des notices/plans d e gestion
  • Programmation de l’activité et rédaction des rapports d'activité annuels
 

Profils recherchés

Compétences

  • Compétences naturalistes faune, flore et habitats notamment en zones humides
  • Bonnes connaissances de la botanique et de la phytosociologie,
  • Maîtrise de la classification des habitats (typologie Corine, Natura 2000)
  • Connaissance des techniques de gestion et de restauration d'habitats naturels, notamment de zones humides
  • Maîtrise des outils informatiques et cartographiques (Qgis, Mapinfo)
  • Connaissances faunistiques (entomologie : odonatologie, lépidoptérologie, mammalogie, ...)
  • Connaissance des politiques de biodiversité et agri-environnementales (Natura 2000, zones humides, mesures compensatoires…)
 

Savoir-faire

  • Capacités rédactionnelles, travail en équipe, aptitudes relationnelles
  • Autonomie, rigueur scientifique et esprit de synthèse
  • Sens du contact avec les acteurs locaux
  • Aptitude à transférer les connaissances et l'expérience dans le domaine
  • Maîtrise de l’organisation de réunions de travail
 

Formation et expérience

  • Formation dans le domaine de l’écologie appliquée, au minimum Bac + 2 (IUP, Master)
  • Expérience professionnelle en lien avec les missions du poste appréciée, notamment dans les inventaires de terrain et la rédaction de notices ou plans de gestion.
 

Divers

  • Permis B exigé
  • Horaires réguliers- dépassements possibles pour soirée pour des réunions ou inventaires, ou le week-end pour des animations
 
Candidatures à faire parvenir avant le 4 septembre 2012 à :
(de préférence par mail)

  • Coordonnées : à l'attention de Tangi LE MOAL - CEN Aquitaine - Maison pour tous - place du Marché - 64 240 URT ou par e-mail : recrutement.cen@gmail.com                       

vendredi 24 août 2012

Ph.D. opportunity - Welfare of free-range laying hens


A PhD opportunity in Animal Welfare is available at the Animal Welfare Science Centre - University of Melbourne, Australia.
This Ph.D. project will focus on the welfare of laying hens in free-range systems.
The candidate is expected to have a strong background in the field of animal behaviour and/or stress physiology and demonstrated independence in conducting research. A Master’s degree in animal behaviour, physiology, or related area is preferred.
Expected start date is from October 2012.
For more information or to apply, please send a cover letter and a current curriculum vitae via email to Jean-Loup Rault at raultj@unimelb.edu.au
For more information regarding the Animal Welfare Science Centre, visit us at www.animalwelfare.net.au

M.Sc. Poultry Applied Ethology – Precision focus


A Master’s of Science position is available in the area of Poultry Applied Ethology, in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta. The main project will be developed in consultation with other members of the University of Alberta Poultry Research Centre based upon the student’s interests and strengths, but will have a precision agriculture theme, investigating practical aspects of broiler breeder feeding and social behaviour, including the development of behavioural vices. More information about the project is available upon request. Qualifications: Candidates should have or will receive a BSc degree in agriculture or the biological sciences (or DVM degree) before the end of August 2012, with an anticipated start date for the Master’s program being September 2012 (or January 1, 2013 can also be arranged). The University of Alberta requires that individuals entering into a Master’s program have an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher. However, interested individuals with GPAs of 3.0 or higher should submit applications for consideration. Any experience in applied ethology, animal welfare science and/or poultry production would be a great asset. Stipend will be $19,000/year for 2 years.
Ethology Research Group (Dr. Clover Bench)
The Applied Ethology research group focuses on housing design and management, behavioural biometrics of stress and disease in animals, ontogeny (development) of behaviour, behavioural genetics, and the scientific basis of livestock welfare standards. Our group works with a variety of livestock species (including poultry, swine and beef cattle) with collaborative research partnerships provincially, nationally, and internationally.
Broiler Breeder Research Group (Dr. Martin Zuidhof)
The broiler breeder research group focuses on management and nutritional solutions to optimize reproductive performance in meat-type poultry, which are prone to weight-related reproductive dysfunction. We focus on energy partitioning and nutrient responses of individual animals.
Potential applicants should send their expression of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least one reference person to:

Dr. Clover Bench
Assistant Professor, Applied Ethology
Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science
4-10 Ag/For Centre
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta   T6G 2P5
Email:
clover.bench@ualberta.ca , Tel: (780) 492-9081
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank all applicants for their time and effort but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be considered for future vacancies.

Working Equine Behaviour & Welfare Advisor



Salary: £36,000 - £39,900 per annum
Location: Central London [with overseas travel]
Benefits: 25 days holiday, contributory pension, life assurance and more
Contract type: Permanent
Job reference: ID1208


The Role
The Brooke’s work is evolving and expanding all the time, it is a great time to join the Animal Welfare & Research Team! We are looking for an individual to further mainstream welfare thinking and high-standard welfare practices into the Brooke’s work.  We are looking to cultivate and boost organisational learning about animal welfare, ethics, equine behaviour and humane handling of working horses, donkeys and mules and its application in practice. The post-holder will interact with all departments to ensure that Brooke and partner programme staff are supported to make the best use of available evidence to improve working equine welfare. 


Criteria
We are looking for someone who would work reactively and proactively using a variety of approaches to engage others in their professional advice on equine welfare, handling and management. Collaborative working, overseas travel, facilitating workshops and technical communication support will be required for this role.

Closing Date: 4 September 2012 (4pm)
Interviews to be held on: 13 September 2012
To Apply
For further information including the job description and person specification, please download and complete an application form found on the right hand side of this page.
Completed application forms should be returned to recruit@thebrooke.org or to Human Resources, The Brooke, 30 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4HH.
Please do not send CVs as they will not be considered.
The Brooke strives to promote equality of opportunity.

Resident Researcher for Projet Grands Singes, Cameroon



Hiring Organization:
Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp


Date Posted:
2012-08-10


Position Description:
PGS is looking for a Resident Researcher who will join the PGS research team in Cameroon and work on great ape conservation-applied research or a related topic in the area, with the possibility of University affiliation for postdoctoral work. Likely areas of research include great ape socio-ecology, diet, ranging patterns, nest-building behaviour, etc; botany, phenology and forest composition; human-animal wildlife conflict mitigation; the impacts of commercial logging and its associated problems on great ape populations; hunting pressure surveys and village forest mammal inventories, socio-economic surveys, etc, but this list is not restricted and we welcome project ideas from candidates. Likely activities in the forest research site will involve walking daily on transects to gather indirect information on great ape ecology, diet and behaviour; work in the villages and nearby markets for studies on bushmeat offtake and consumption in the region, etc. The Resident Researcher is welcome to propose his/her own research/study idea.

The second role of the Resident Researcher will be the general overview of PGS activities in the field, and he/she will be expected to report to the Project Director on a monthly basis and to the In-country Coordinator on a daily basis, as required. They will be expected to take charge of camp management and dealing with local personnel, assisted by the PGS authorised researchers at camp at the time; providing images and reports from the field on a monthly basis for reporting and project publicity; and monitoring of the integrity of the research site and the project’s objectives in the field.

The successful candidate will be provided with necessary research equipment; satellite phone; lodging in the city, village and research site (lodging in the research site and probably village as well will be in a tent); and use of facilities where available (city: hot water, internet, electricity, gas; village and research site: gas for cooking, possibility of limited power for light and some computer use; in country transport). You will be accompanied at all times by a trained and knowledgeable local guide, Cameroonian or international researcher, or member of the PGS team. However, you will often and regularly be the only expat worker staying at the research site. It is estimated that you will spend 4-6 weeks in the field and 2 weeks in Yaoundé when necessary, to work on data entry, analysis and report-writing, and although this can be flexible, the emphasis is on the Resident Researcher being able to offer a more permanent presence in the field.


Qualifications/Experience:
An interest in conservation or research of great apes or other wildlife and/or rural development and socio-economics is necessary. Academic background in conservation biology or a related is essential, preferably post graduate or doctorate level. Physical fitness and tolerance of tough conditions and isolation for periods of time is an advantage. Knowledge of French is essential and an experience of living and working in Central Africa would be hugely beneficial. The Resident Researcher will be expected to spend some field missions in the research camp alone, possibly within 3 months of arrival, with no other researcher present and with local guides and cooks to manage, etc. It is therefore important to be comfortable with living in isolation for weeks at a time while maintaining high spirits and professionalism.


Salary/funding:
The Resident Researcher will receive a stipend of €500/calendar month (into a bank account in home country) and one return flight from Yaoundé to home country (reimbursed after completion of appointment). Holiday and time to travel within the country or continent is flexible and can be discussed prior to appointing overseas. Travel home during the appointment is possible, but PGS cannot fund the travel. PGS will cover a short-term tourist visa cost to enter Cameroon, and a long term residency (2 years) once in country; however the Resident Researcher must cover all other costs related to their travel (ie, insurance, vaccinations, etc) and should bring a tent, sleeping bag, suitable clothing, medicines and other personal items required for living in the forest/village.


Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Food and drink is not supplied. Field worker must buy their own food prior to each entry into the forest (estimated at €2/day in the field, but possibly twice that when in the city). In country travel for work is covered by PGS.


Term of Appointment:
This position is for 24 months (although shorter contracts will be considered) and is available from late 2012/early 2013 (with some degree of flexibility).


Application Deadline:
For more information, interested candidates should write to Nikki.tagg@kmda.org with a cover letter and CV before 30th September 2012.


Contact Information:
Rue 1.859
Yaounde, none BP 5619
Cameroon


Telephone Number:
00447901877622


Website:


E-mail Address:

Volunteer research assistant: Ecology and social behavior of howling monkeys in Palenque, Mexico



Hiring Organization:
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM)


Date Posted:
2012-08-06


Position Description:
We are looking for volunteers to assist in projects studying the social system and ecology of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Palenque National Park, Mexico. The project investigates the social and genetic factors mediating individual participation in naturally occurring howling bouts and group defense in black howler monkeys (by Dr. S. Van Belle). Assistants will work in a team together with Dr. Van Belle while observing study groups. Observations days runs start at sunrise to sunset during which multiple types of data such as activity and proximity scan samples are collected, in addition to GPS recording of ranging patterns. Resting days will be scheduled regularly as part of the field work.


Qualifications/Experience:
The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
-Be physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in hot/humid conditions.
-Be capable of team work and not have issues with authority figures.
-Have a background in biology/anthropology/zoology/psychology or a related field.
-Be interested in primate behavior, ecology, and conservation.
-Be hardworking, disciplined in following field procedures and be reliable.
-Some knowledge of animal behavior and data collection preferred but not required.
-Enjoy being outdoors and experiencing the tropical rainforest.
-Enjoy being in the culture of southeast Mexico


Salary/funding:
No salary will be provided.


Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Assistants will be responsible for airfare/transportation to and from Palenque and for food costs. Lodging will be provided by the field project in a comfortable fully equipped house (electricity, hot water, high speed internet, bunk beds, two bathrooms with showers, a large living room kitchen area) about 2 km from Palenque National Park. The town of Palenque is only 2 km away where banking, telephone services, hospitals, supermarkets, drugstores and others are available.


Term of Appointment:
4 - 6 months or more starting Sep/Oct 2012 to Dec 2012/Feb 2013.


Application Deadline:
none


Comments:
To apply, please email a recent copy of your CV and describe your research interests and experience, and your availability for this position. 

Note on contingencies: Volunteers should be covered by medical insurance when traveling to Mexico. They will need to sign a releasing liability form upon joining the research team in Palenque.

Contact Information:
Dr. Alejandro Estrada
Field Research Station Los Tuxtlas-UNAM
Mexico
aestrada@primatesmx.com

or

Dr. Sarie Van Belle
Dept. of Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
USA
sarievanbelle@primatesmx.com

Website:
http://www.primatesmx.com


Contact Information:
Mexico


Website:


E-mail Address:

Gibbon Rehabilitation Project



Hiring Organization:
Volunteer Work Thailand


Date Posted:
2012-08-21


Position Description:
This project has been rescuing and rehabilitating white handed gibbons from the pet trade and tourism industry since 1992. Every year new baby gibbons are smuggled into the bars and onto the beaches in Phuket to entertain the tourists. Wiped out on the island 30 years ago, the illegal trade is now decimating wild populations throughout Thailand. Since 2002 the project has successfully re-established a small independent breeding wild population of reintroduced captive gibbons in Khao Phraw Thaew non-hunting area on Phuket.

The project is looking volunteers who are available for at least three weeks. Depending on the duration of your stay, your education and experience, you may participate in activities at the quarantine and rehabilitation site (i.e. food preparation, feeding, cage maintenance, enrichment/observation), the reintroduction site (i.e. forest feeding, mapping and trail maintenance, data collection, etc), at the education centre (environmental education and fundraising), and with other miscellaneous tasks (i.e. campaigning, office work, teaching English in the local primary school, etc).

Volunteers pay a 20,000 Thai Baht deposit (£400) and they get 75% of this back on the completion of the agreed volunteering period. The 5,000 Thai Baht fee (£100) includes accommodation but volunteers are responsible for their own food. There are no other fees involved but volunteers will obviously have to pay their travel to Thailand and make sure they have their vaccinations prior to working with the gibbons.


Qualifications/Experience:
None. The initial two weeks will be considered your training period. You will be learning as you work. You will alternate your days working in Quarantine Site, Rehabilitation Site and Education Center. Training will finish at the forest site.


Comments:
If you have any questions or want to apply please visit the VWT website and then contact host organisation directly. This project is listed on page four of volunteer pages: www.volunteerworkthailand.org


Contact Information:
Office 1722
London, none W1A 6US
United Kingdom


Telephone Number:
+44 (0)20 7193 9163


Fax Number:
N/A


Website:


E-mail Address:














Howler Monkey Power Line Deterrent Project



Hiring Organization:
Volunteer Latin America


Date Posted:
2012-08-19


Position Description:
This project rescues injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals and provides them immediate medical care, rehabilitation, and eventual release into the wild. 

Howler monkeys are a specialty and one of the serious problems they face in Costa Rica is electrocution via unshielded power lines and transformers.

The injuries resulting from the monkeys grasping the uninsulated electrical lines or transformer leads are gruesome, painful, and often fatal. If an animal does survive, it will be severely burned and likely to lose a hand. Many females have babies in tow when injured. If the infant doesn't die from electrocution, or the fall from the high lines, then they have to try to survive, injured, orphaned, and abandoned in the jungle. 

In order to improve survival odds and prevent these injuries the project is currently exploring ways of discouraging Howler Monkeys from coming into contact with live and deadly power lines until they can be changed to insulated ones. 

What is needed right now is someone to oversee a small 'proof of concept' project. In a nutshell, the organisations involved (Refugio Animales de Nosara and SIBU Sanctuary) want to create silhouettes of life sized turkey vultures out of recycled rubber which they would hang on the guide wires of electric poles as they are a natural enemy of Howler Monkeys. 

The impact could be huge with communities all over the country participating in the manufacture and placement of these silhouettes in areas where the Howlers are being electrocuted.

Albeit, it's only a temporary fix but the organisations involved see this as the best course of action outside changing the uninsulated power lines and transformers to insulated ones.


Qualifications/Experience:
Anyone wanting to help with suitable skills


Comments:
If you have any questions or want to apply please visit the Volunteer Latin America Facebook page for the contact details: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Volunteer-Latin-America/473957055948018


Contact Information:
Office 1728
London W1A 6US
United Kingdom


Telephone Number:
+44 (0)20 7193 9163


Website:


E-mail Address:

Postdoctoral position in vocal production, Reed College


A postdoctoral position is available to investigate the neural basis of vocal pattern generation in the frog, Xenopus laevis. Research will combine whole-cell physiology with anatomical and functional imaging techniques aimed at deciphering the cellular and network properties underlying a frog vocal production. 


The successful candidate will be a talented and highly-motivated scientist interested investigating the neural basis of natural behaviors. Broadly trained neurobiologists with experience in electrophysiology, histology and imaging techniques are preferred. 

Reed College is a premier liberal arts institution renowned for academic and research excellence. The postdoc will have outstanding opportunities for developing mentoring skills by guiding undergraduate research, while also benefiting from frequent interactions with fellow postdocs in an active biology department. A Portland-wide postdoctoral association is being organized that will promote career-enhancing interactions with fellow postdoctoral colleagues at several regional institutions (including Lewis and Clark College, Portland State University, and OHSU). Reed College is located in Portland, Oregon, a vibrant city with outstanding cultural, culinary, and professional opportunities as well as access to spectacular outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and year-round skiing. 

The position will be available starting 1 May 2013. The position will be available a minimum of two years, and can be extended dependent on funding and mutual agreement. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, CV, and three letters of recommendation to ezornik@reed.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 


Ph.D. opportunity - Welfare of free-range laying hens


A PhD opportunity in Animal Welfare is available at the Animal Welfare Science Centre - University of Melbourne, Australia.
This Ph.D. project will focus on the welfare of laying hens in free-range systems.
The candidate is expected to have a strong background in the field of animal behaviour and/or stress physiology and demonstrated independence in conducting research. A Master’s degree in animal behaviour, physiology, or related area is preferred.
Expected start date is from October 2012.
For more information or to apply, please send a cover letter and a current curriculum vitae via email to Jean-Loup Rault at raultj@unimelb.edu.au
For more information regarding the Animal Welfare Science Centre, visit us at www.animalwelfare.net.au

Call for Postdoc Projects Open


For further information
please see: www.futureocean.org/postdoc-2012

Job Vacancies at the Brooke, International Equine Welfare Charity


Working Equine Behaviour & Welfare Advisor
Salary: £36,000 - £39,900 per annum
Location: Central London [with overseas travel]
Benefits: 25 days holiday, contributory pension, life assurance and more
Contract type: Permanent
Job reference: ID1208

The Role
The Brooke’s work is evolving and expanding all the time, it is a great time to join the Animal Welfare & Research Team! We are looking for an individual to further mainstream welfare thinking and high-standard welfare practices into the Brooke’s work. We are looking to cultivate and boost organisational learning about animal welfare, ethics, equine behaviour and humane handling of working horses, donkeys and mules and its application in practice. The post-holder will interact with all departments to ensure that Brooke and partner programme staff are supported to make the best use of available evidence to improve working equine welfare.

Criteria
We are looking for someone who would work reactively and proactively using a variety of approaches to engage others in their professional advice on equine welfare, handling and management. Collaborative working, overseas travel, facilitating workshops and technical communication support will be required for this role.

Closing Date: 4 September 2012 (4pm)
Interviews to be held on: 13 September 2012

Offre de stage non rémunéré


Thème : Altruisme et prosocialité chez des perruches ondulées et des capybaras.
Encadrement : Dalila BOVET et Mathilde LALOT.
Durée : Plusieurs périodes de stage de 2 mois possibles durant l’année 2012-2013.
Lieu : Laboratoire d’Éthologie et Cognition Comparées (LECC) à Nanterre et Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes.
Description : Tests cognitifs chez des capybaras à la Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes le matin et chez des perruches ondulées hébergées en laboratoire l’après-midi.
Qualifications : Niveau bac+2 minimum en biologie, agronomie ou éthologie. Etre rigoureux, motivé et patient. Convention de stage obligatoire.
Indemnité mensuelle : Aucune.
Contact : Envoyer CV et lettre de motivation par mail à Dalila Bovet (dbovet@u-paris10.fr) et à Mathilde Lalot (mathilde.lalot@gmail.com).