samedi 1 juin 2013

Postdoctoral Position – Acoustic communication in zebra finches – Laboratory of Compared Ethology and Cognition (LECC), University Paris West – Nanterre – La Défense, France.

Postdoctoral Position – Acoustic communication in zebra finches – Laboratory of Compared Ethology and Cognition (LECC), University Paris West – Nanterre – La Défense, France.

We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to work on a joint research project of Dr. Thierry Aubin (Bioacoustics team, Center of Neuroscience Paris South) and Dr. Sébastien Derégnaucourt (LECC, University Paris West – Nanterre – La Défense) The successful candidate will work on social aspects of song learning in the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata). More details on the research project can be found on the LECC website:
The 18-month position is funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR SHS2 BirdVocalCulture). Salary is determined by the University of Paris West and will depend on the experience of the candidate. The starting date is November 1st, 2013.
Employment will be at the University of Paris West. The main place of work will be the Laboratory of Compared Ethology and Cognition, but the project also involves spending some time at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany.
The position is open to candidates who have recently obtained their PhD or who are already holding a Post-Doc position. The ability to speak French is not necessary.

Required skills:
* Background in Bioacoustics.
* PhD in animal behaviour or a related field.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills for both formal and informal audiences.
* Experience conducting research, preferably in captive populations of birds.
* Strong experimental design and analytical skills.
* Experience using standard statistical and programming software packages (e.g. Statistica, SPSS, Matlab, R).

Preferred skills:
* Experience using signal processing packages (e.g. Sound Analysis Pro, Avisoft, Praat)
* Experience using the Observer program by Noldus (design, data collection, and analysis) and/or other behavioral monitoring programs
* Experience using operant conditioning procedures (e.g. Go/NoGo)

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design, conduct and analyze experiments on bird behaviour, especially acoustic communication
- Assist with statistical analysis
- Work in close association with two other research teams.
- Communicate research results in staff seminars, scientific journals, conference presentations, and popular publications.

Applicants should send their curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, and a cover letter describing their research interest as well as their motivation to apply for this specific position to Sébastien Derégnaucourt: sebastien.deregnaucourt@u-paris10.fr and Laurent Nagle laurent.nagle@u-paris10.fr

The deadline for applications is July 15th, 2013.