mercredi 24 décembre 2014

jeudi 18 décembre 2014

Postdoctoral position: "Investigating the Social Behaviour of Fish Using Immersive Closed-Loop Virtual Reality"

We seek an outstanding scientist for a postdoctoral position to develop, and employ, immersive 3D closed-loop virtual reality (VR) environments to investigate visually-mediated social behaviours in fish. Like other group-living vertebrates fish must respond rapidly to changing visual cues in order to effectively employ social information when making movement decisions. Consequently they are an excellent system for investigating the process by which complex, high-dimensional visual information is translated into low-level movement decisions. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in computer science, robotics, biophysics, neuroscience, physics, or a related field. Expertise in developing closed-loop VR environments is not essential, but applicants must be skilled in C++ and/or Python and have experience with computer vision / 3D computer graphics.
This project is a close collaboration between Iain D. Couzin (MPIO and U. Konstanz, Konstanz), where the postdoctoral fellow will be based, and Andrew Straw (IMP Vienna) an expert on closed-loop VR. The position is available initially for 2 years from Feb 2015, with the possibility of extension based on performance.
The new Department of Collective Behavior is located on the campus of the University of Konstanz in the historic city of Konstanz, by Lake Constance in southern Germany. It is approximately 50 minutes (by train or car) from Zurich International Airport and closely affiliated with the nearby Max Planck Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology in Radolfzell.
The Max Planck Institutes and the University of Konstanz focus on excellence in research and the successful applicant will benefit from excellent infrastructure, opportunities for training and a highly collaborative and international research environment. The working language is English and consequently applicants must be fluent in this language; knowledge of German is not necessary.
Applications, including a CV, and in addition a 2-page description of past research activities should be sent, in PDF format, to icouzin@orn.mpg.de with subject line “MPI Fish VR”. In addition, applicants should arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent separately to dpiechowski@orn.mpg.de. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
The Max Planck Society and the University of Konstanz are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in their workforce and therefore we encourage applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. We offer extensive support to help researchers balance professional and home life, including assistance with childcare and support of the elderly, and flexibility in how employees arrange working hours. For details see http://www.mpg.de/equal_opportunities

For further information regarding this position please contact Iain D. Couzin, Director and Chair. (icouzin@orn.mpg.de)

mercredi 17 décembre 2014

PhD available in Animal Social Communication and Cognition

PhD studentship available for 2015 in animal social communication & cognition

Emotional signalling in animals: identifying positive affect and its consequences

School of Psychology, University of Sussex
 Supervisor: Prof Karen McComb (University of Sussex) and Dr Leanne Proops (University of Sussex)

Emotional signalling is a crucial but poorly understood aspect of animal social behaviour, mediating important social interactions and contributing to an individual’s ability to form social relationships and reproduce successfully. One aspect of emotional signalling in animals that has received surprisingly little attention is the way in which positive emotions are expressed and the consequences of this signalling both for the individual itself and its conspecifics.  Displaying positive emotions may contribute to building an individual’s own resilience as well as enhancing its ability to form social bonds – a possibility that has not been investigated in animals. Moreover, it is now recognised that animal welfare should be assessed not simply by the absence of negative emotions, but also by the presence of positive ones, so a systematic study of how positive emotions are expressed in a range of species would have considerable applied value. The PhD student would use techniques developed in our lab for quantifying animal facial expressions (and vocalisations) in order to identify cues that are consistently associated with positive emotional experiences. They would also explore the relationship between signals with positive emotional valence and physiological and behavioural measures of coping behaviour. Work on domestic horses would provide a starting point for this study, but the project would look at parallels in cues used to signal positive emotion across a range of different mammal species and their relationship to individual coping mechanisms and social behaviour.

Applications should be made by Friday 30th January 2015. The award of the studentship will be based on a competitive process. If awarded, it would be a full-time studentship (funded for a duration of three years) covering tuition fee, and a maintenance allowance. The maintenance allowance is currently £13,863 per annum. There is an expectation to contribute to teaching on a paid basis.

Eligibility requirements for potential candidates:
·       This award will only pay fees at the Home/EU rate. The maintenance allowance is currently £13,863 per annum.
·       Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Master's degree in Psychology or a related discipline.

Guidance for applicants:
Please send your initial enquires by email for the attention of 'Postgraduate Coordinator' to: psychology@sussex.ac.uk

If you wish to discuss the details of this PhD project further please contact Prof Karen McComb (karenm@sussex.ac.uk

Applications should be submitted to the University of Sussex online postgraduate application system (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/2015entry) by Friday 30th January 2015.

Please submit your online application together with:
·       A research statement that briefly outlines our current state of knowledge, hypotheses that could be addressed, and an outline of potential methods. Your answer should not exceed 2 pages including references, be set at minimum 10 font type with margins a minimum of 1cm.
·       A teaching-related statement that addresses the normal expectation that you contribute to teaching of statistics and research methods (up to 300 words).
      An up to date CV
·       A current degree transcript(s) with full details of performance on all completed courses
      Two academic references

      The proposed source of funding should be specified as 'GTA’.

mardi 16 décembre 2014

Job Title: The Calgary Stampede Performance Animal Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Area of Specialization: Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Start Date: Immediate
Faculty/Admin Area: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Department/Unit: Production Animal Health
Job Term: 2 years guranteed.  Up to three years possible depending on performance
Salary:  To be determined based on experience and motivation, minimum of 55,000 per year
Background
Research into the welfare of performance animals is lacking as are programs to train highly qualified personnel, such as scientists, within the performance animal industry.  Both areas are required to ensure the sustainability of the performance animal industry. UCVM working with the Calgary Stampede have initiated research and training opportunities; this fellowship increases those experiences and continues building a program in performance animal health and welfare.

Qualifications/Expertise Required:
A Ph.D. degree in the area of animal behavaviour and welfare.  Experience with animals used in western events performance  would be an asset.  The successful candidate should also have relevant and recent peer-reviewed first author publications. Funding is available immediately, however the candidate is still expected to seek external research support

Duties and Responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
1) Research  Activities
• Provide leadership and complete multiple research projects on the welfare of performance animals used in western events. There is an expectation that the work would result in peer-reviewed publications.
• Involvment with outreach/education opportunities with the Calgary Stampede that could also result in peer-reviewed publications.
•The fellow will be expect to apply for external fundiing each year
2) Industry experience
 •Extensive work with management, Stampede departments, volunteers, sponsors, suppliers, event participants, consultants, exhibitors and industry representatives and the community regarding animal care and welfare issues.
•Oversee and maintain animal care codes of practice and programs for the OH Ranch, Stampede Ranch, Rodeo, Chuckwagons, Agriculture and Western Performance Horse.
•Assist in the development and delivery of training programs on animal care for staff, volunteers, and other key stakeholders.
•Participate and provide expertise in animal care strategic planning.
•Actively participate in the communication of animal care initiatives to both internal and external stakeholders. 
•Work with animal care assessment consultant.

Supervision
The Fellowship will be primarily supervised by Dr. Ed Pajor, the Anderson-Chisholm Chair in Animal Care and Welfare and Max Fritz, Director of Western Events and Agriculture at the Calgary Stampede, this position will combine post-doctoral research with the experience of working within the performance animal industry at the Calgary Stampede.  Dr. Ed Pajor will have primary responsibility for research activities and will approve all activities with the Calgary Stampede (CS).  Daily supervision and reporting while working on CS activities will be to Mr. Fritz. 

About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation’s most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada’s top five research universities by 2016, where innovative teaching and ground breaking research go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. The strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by our Gaelic motto, which translates to ‘I will lift up my eyes.

 About Calgary
Named a cultural capital of Canada and one of the best places to live in the world, Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

Application Information
This position would be best suited for an individual interested in a career in the performance animal industry.  Interested candidates should send a cover letter describing their interest and motivation, a CV and contact information for three references to eapajor@ucalgary.ca (subject header: CS Post-Doc position) or to the address below. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Calgary respects, appreciates, and encourages diversity.


Ed Pajor, PhD
Anderson-Chisholm Chair in Animal Care and Welfare
Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Department of Production Animal Health
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Calgary
3330 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1
CANADA


PhD fellowship

PhD fellowship on the Refinement of Humane endpoints of long-term studies: Using murine species-specific behaviours to assess reduced welfare in the home cage of mice and rat models at the LIFEPHARM Centre.
Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen is offering 1 PhD fellowship commencing April 1st 2015 or soon thereafter. The application deadline is 31 January 2015.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and Novo Nordisk A/S established a research centre in 2010 - The LIFEPHARM Centre (www.lifepharm.dk) - with a total budget of DKK 78 mill covering activities until the end of 2018.

The present position is part of the Centre´s activities. The purpose of the research centre is to strengthen the research in experimental pharmacology and toxicology and to increase the output of candidates and PhDs with a strong in vivo pharmacological profile.

It is expected that the future PhD fellows will be enrolled in the Graduate Programme for In Vivo Pharmacology and Experimental Animals (IVP) at SUND and participate actively in this network. The IVP Graduate Programme was established in 2006 as a collaboration between the Faculties of Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, University of Aarhus, and industrial partners; Novo Nordisk A/S, LEO Pharma and H. Lundbeck A/S. www.invivofarm.dk


For more information on LIFEPHARM or IVP please contact:
Professor Jens Lykkesfeldt
Director of LIFEPHARM
Head of IVP
Phone: (+45) 35 33 31 63)


Project description:
The objective of the proposed study is to establish a test battery consisting of non-invasive, home cage-linked, natural behaviour-based and highly sensitive tests, which can be used routinely for assessing discomfort, stress and low-grade pain in laboratory mice and rats in long-term studies in animal models for late complications in diabetes and hemophilia. The hypothesis is that most experimentally induced discomfort during animal experimentation will affect natural behaviours such as nest building in mice, hoarding in rats, burrowing in both species, interaction with a known handler in rats and negative sucrose contrast in mice and rats (i.e. enhanced sensitivity to reward loss). A test battery based on these behaviours will be validated to run as routine procedures in the home cages of group-housed rats and mice. For hoarding and burrowing, relevant devices will be designed, incorporated and validated; nest building, sucrose negative contrast and human approach tests will be modified to run in home cages. Perspective: Combining these tests to an assessment tool will provide a refinement in long-term rodent studies, improving both animal welfare and experimental outcome since e.g. pain in diabetic neuropathy and discomfort due to nephropathy will be evident sooner than by standard observations due to the reduced/impaired performance of natural behaviours


Principal supervisor
Assoc. Prof Dorte Bratbo Sørensen
E-mail:brat@sund.ku.dk 
Direct Phone: (+45) 35 33 27 24
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Section of Experimental Animal Models
University of Copenhagen


Co-supervisors

Jan Lund Ottesen Laboratory Animal Science, Novo Nordisk A/S
Email: jlo@novonordisk.com

Anna Olsson, Laboratory Animal Science, Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), Portugal
Email: Olsson@ibmc.up.pt


Required qualifications
  • MSc in biological science, veterinary medicine or other equivalent degree with a special interest in topics such as animal behaviour and animal welfare, animal research and In vivo pharmacology
  • High motivation and an ability to work independently
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Preferred qualifications
  • Education and training in Laboratory Animal Science on FELASA Category C or equivalent training.
  • Knowledge and practical experience with Animal behavioural testing including handling of laboratory rodents
  • Experience with Animal welfare assessment

General Job description

Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at SUND are to:

  • Manage and carry through your research project
  • Take relevant PhD courses
  • Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
  • Participate in international congresses
  • Spend a period at a research institution abroad
  • Teach and disseminate your research
Part of the PhD project will potentially be performed in the Animal Unit at Novo Nordisk in Denmark.

We offer
  • The opportunity to work in a well-equipped, highly innovative and scientifically stimulating environment.
  • Excellent training opportunities.

Key criteria for the assessment of candidates
  • The grade point average achieved
  • Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD programme
  • Previous publications
  • Relevant work experience
  • Other professional activities
  • Language skills
The successful candidate is also required to be enterprising and to possess good interpersonal skills.

Formal requirements
The position is available for a 3-year period for applicants holding a relevant master´s degree.

It is a prerequisite that the PhD candidate is enrolled as PhD student at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen according to the rules stipulated in "Bekendtgørelse nr. 18 af 14. januar 2008 om ph.d.-graden."

Terms of employment
Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organisations. The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (2007).

Questions
For further information contact Dorte Bratbo Sørensen, brat@sund.ku.dk     

Foreign applicants may find the following links useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk



Application Procedure

Applications - in English - must include all the following:

  • Cover Letter, stating which PhD project you are applying for and detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project.
  • CV
  • Diploma and detailed transcripts of records.
  • Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any), peer reviewed and other.
  • Personal recommendations.
  • A maximum of 3 relevant scientific works which the applicant wishes to have included in the assessment.

The application will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen encourages all interested in this post to apply.

Please submit the application with the required attachments by clicking on "Apply online". Only online applications will be accepted. The closing date for applications is 23.59 pm, 31 January 2015.


Apply online

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 5000 students, 1000 PhD students and 1800 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community.

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.
Deadline: 31-01-2015

Employer: The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen




Manager, Animal Welfare

The National Pork Board in Clive, IA, seeks a dynamic person to become a manager within our animal science function.  This person will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of animal welfare and welfare-related programs. The essential job functions for this position include:  oversight of animal care content for National Pork Board’s various certification programs.  The manager will work cross departmentally with NPB staff in the areas of communication, producer services, and social responsibility to provide technical advice with respect to animal welfare and welfare-related issues. This person will also assist with coordination of special projects within the animal welfare program.

The ability to communicate orally and in written form with producers, veterinarians, and other diverse professionals; capability to translate animal welfare research and situations for producers and other audiences. Familiarity with the food chain from farmer to packer/processor to retail food company.  A minimum of one year experience in a pork production setting or equivalent experience incorporated in an advanced degree program. Applicants should have a proven track record of strong project management skills.

BS or MS degree in animal science, animal physiology or a closely related field with emphasis on animal welfare. A DVM with experience in animal welfare is also acceptable.

This position may require up to 35% domestic travel by both air and auto and requires a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management.   Applicants should be able to support the mission of the organization with enthusiasm to serve U.S. pork producers.

Qualified candidates should forward their cover letter, resume and salary requirements by December 31, 2014 to:


No phone calls please.

The National Pork Board, an equal opportunity employer, offers an exceptional benefits package and work environment.  Visit us online at www.pork.org/careers  and www.PorkBeInspired.com




STAGE M2 en Dynamique des populations d’insectes

Impact de l’évolution des surfaces cultivées et du réchauffement climatique sur les populations d’insectes ravageurs des cultures de protéagineux dans le Grand Ouest
Contexte
L’autonomie protéique est un enjeu fort des filières d’élevage (porcin, bovin) du grand Ouest pour leur durabilité et leur compétitivité. Les cultures de protéagineux grains (pois, lupin, féverole) destinées à l’alimentation animale constituent des alternatives durables, sur le plan environnemental et économique, aux importations de soja et participe notamment à la limitation de la déforestation dans les régions productrices de soja, et à la réduction de l’utilisation d’intrants dans les exploitations françaises. En effet ces cultures peuvent présenter un intérêt pour réduire la fertilisation via la fixation de l’azote atmosphérique aux cultures suivantes insérées dans une rotation, et d’autre part, elles hébergent une biodiversité fonctionnelle importante pouvant participer au contrôle naturel des ravageurs. Ces cultures souffrent cependant de rendements variables selon les années, dus en grande partie à un manque de maîtrise des facteurs biotiques, tels que les ravageurs, maladies et mauvaises herbes. Les régions Bretagne et Pays de la Loire sont engagées dans un programme visant à sécuriser les rendements de ces cultures pour permettre leur développement, le projet Sécuriprot (2014-2019). L’institut de Génétique, Environnement et Protection des Plantes (UMR INRA-Université de Rennes 1 – Agrocampus Ouest) est fortement impliqué dans ce projet et notamment l’équipe Ecologie et Génétique des Insectes qui coordonne le volet s’intéressant au diagnostic, à la compréhension et à l’expérimentation de solutions agroécologiques pour gérer les insectes ravageurs. Dans ce cadre, une démarche prospective est nécessaire pour prédire l’évolution de la pression en ravageurs dans les prochaines décennies et ainsi participer aux choix stratégiques concernant les espèces prioritaires et les méthodes de contrôle à privilégier au sein du projet.
La dynamique des populations d’insectes ravageurs dépend fortement des conditions climatiques annuelles, et des ressources disponibles dans l’environnement. Le réchauffement climatique peut ainsi entrainer une modification de l’aire de répartition d’une espèce, un avancement de la date de colonisation des parcelles, une meilleure survie hivernale ou une augmentation du nombre de générations par an, et par conséquent avoir un impact sur la pression de dégâts exercée par le ravageur sur les cultures dans une région donnée (Olfert et al., 2012). D’autre part, selon l’hypothèse de concentration de ressource (Root, 1973), une augmentation des surfaces cultivées en fabacées protéagineuses peut s’accompagner d’une augmentation de la densité en ravageurs, mais qui affectera de façon différente les espèces selon leurs degrés de spécialisation respectifs. L’évolution des pratiques et des modes de cultures sur ces parcelles (limitation des produits phytosanitaires, surface relative en Agriculture Biologique) peut également avoir un impact.
Objectif du stage
Le stage proposé s’inscrit dans le cadre du projet inter régional Bretagne – Pays de la Loire Sécuriprot. Il vise à dégager des tendances fortes d’évolution future des dynamiques de population de ravageurs des cultures de protéagineux dans le Grand Ouest dans un contexte de changement climatique et d’augmentation des surfaces. Cette étude sera basée sur l’analyse de données historiques de captures d’insectes réalisées par le réseau Agraphid depuis plus de 30 ans, de données climatiques et d’évolution des surfaces cultivées sur cette même période. Des préconisations concernant les méthodes de suivi, les espèces à cibler et les méthodes de contrôle devront être dégagées. Les insectes ravageurs considérés seront le puceron vert du pois Acyrthosiphon pisum, spécialiste des fabacées, et le puceron noir de la fève Aphis fabae, plus généraliste. Selon les données disponibles, la sitone du pois Sitonia lineatus ou d’autres ravageurs des cultures de protéagineux pourront aussi être intégrés à l’étude.
Les missions du stagiaire:
Effectuer une synthèse bibliographique sur le sujet
Centraliser, harmoniser et mettre en forme les données récoltées par les partenaires du projet
Choisir et créer des indicateurs pertinents pour décrire l’évolution climatique, l’évolution des surfaces et des dynamiques de population d’insectes ravageurs
Analyser les données pour établir des corrélations entre les indicateurs
Interpréter les évolutions passées et en tirer des projections pour le futur
Participer à la définition d’un protocole de suivi des principaux insectes ravageurs des cultures de protéagineux. Des tests en parcelles expérimentales de différents protocoles et dispositifs de piégeage seront réalisés par d’autres personnes impliquées dans le projet. Une participation ponctuelle aux relevés de terrain pourra être nécessaire.
Rédiger un rapport de stage

Profil souhaité
M2 cursus universitaire ou ingénieur/e en biologie ou agronomie avec de solides bases en écologie et dynamique des populations
Compétences et intérêt fort pour l’analyse des données et les statistiques
Connaissances en entomologie
Permis de conduire souhaité

Conditions de travail
Stage co-encadré par Bruno Jaloux (IGEPP, Agrocampus Ouest Angers) et Maurice Hullé (IGEPP, INRA Le Rheu)
Stage de 6 mois, période à déterminer entre février et septembre 2015
Stage basé à Agrocampus Ouest, Centre d’Angers (49) avec séjours fréquents au Rheu (35)
Indemnités : 436,05 € net par mois

Merci d’envoyer un CV et une lettre de motivation à Bruno Jaloux bruno.jaloux@agrocampus-ouest.fr et à Maurice Hullé maurice.hulle@rennes.inra.fr avant le 15 décembre 2014

Avian Field Trainees, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology (Seewiesen), Germany

FIELD TRAINEES needed in fulltime for monitoring and catching breeding passerines at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, in the research group ‘Evolutionary Ecology of Variation’.
Website: http://www.orn.mpg.de/159079/Research_Group_Dingemanse Location: Seewiesen, Bayern, Germany.

Job description:
The field Trainees will help collect breeding and behavioural data on Great Tits (Parus major) from approximately end of March to mid/end of July 2015. The research focuses primarily on identifying how natural and sexual selection act on animal personalities and behavioural plasticity. Trainees will work closely with an international team consisting of several post-docs, PhD and Master students, as well as other assistants. Field work is physically demanding, and involves walking over hilly terrain for long days outdoors in all weather conditions. The breeding season is intense and with typically only 1 day off per week. Duties include behavioural observations, nest monitoring, bird handling and data entry.

Qualifications/Experience:
Candidates preferably study Biology or a related field. Having experience handling birds (preferably small passerines), including ringing and measuring, is a plus but not a requirement. Ideal candidates are highly motivated, well organized, able to work both independently and as part of a group. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be experienced in operating vehicles with manual transmission.

Non-EU candidates are not eligible for this position (UK and Swiss citizens are eligible). A small financial compensation and housing in shared accommodation will be provided. Accepted trainees should be vaccinated against Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE or FSME) before arriving in Seewiesen. Applicants should also be aware that Lyme disease (carried by ticks) is prevalent in the area and should inform themselves about this disease beforehand.
In an effort to employ more people with disabilities, the Max-Planck-Society specifically encourages people with disabilities to apply for the position.
Applications: Review of the applications will begin mid-January and continue until the positions are filled. To apply, please send (1) a statement of relevant experience, (2) a short resume or CV, and (3) contact information of two references to Alexia Mouchet (eMail: amouchet@orn.mpg.de).

PhD opportunity in Visual Ecology

PhD position in Visual Ecology  (Prof. John Endler)

Summary: We would like to offer a PhD position aligned with a recently ARC-funded Discovery project to investigate how animals process highly contrasting colour patterns using behavioral experiments with guppies or bowerbirds.

Background: Animals often use complex colour patterns to find food, avoid predation, attract mates and compete for resources. However, after several decades of research on how (and if) animals perceive colour, and the threshold at which animals can detect differences between colours, we remain surprisingly ignorant of how animals process highly contrasting colours. Second, we have a poor understanding of how these colours interact in complex patterns that provide signaling or camouflage mechanisms. We aim to understand how highly contrasting colours are perceived by animals; determine how different colour pattern elements have to be, relative to their positions, to maximise visual contrast; and examine highly contrasting colour patterns in the context of colour-driven tasks in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Your PhD project will be an important contribution to this work, and will involve:
·      Behavioural experiments with guppies or bowerbirds
·      Fieldwork
·      Neurobiological methods and visual modelling
Location: You will be based at Deakin University, Geelong, Australia in the laboratory of Prof. John Endler. You will have access to world-class equipment and made-to-order facilities, and also stimulating academic environment in the Centre for Integrative Ecology. You will also work in collaboration with Dr. Karen Cheney and Prof. Justin Marshall at the University of Queensland, Brisbane with further opportunity to work with international colour vision experts Prof. Daniel Osorio (University of Sussex, UK) and Prof. Misha Vorobyev (University of Auckland, NZ).
Funding: We will help you to apply for a PhD scholarship to cover your tuition fees and stipend. Depending on your nationality and location, this could include: Australian Postgraduate Award (APA, Australian students); International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS, international students), or a similar scholarship from your own country. The ARC Discovery Project will cover travel, fieldwork and experimental costs.

We encourage high quality candidates to contact us directly at:
Prof. John Endler (john.endler@deakin.edu.au) (please note: in the field until beginning of Jan)
Dr. Karen Cheney (k.cheney@uq.edu.au)

PhD positions in vertebrate ecology

Various competitively-funded PhD positions are available for excellent applicants to study the ecology of vertebrates with the Conservation Ecology Group at Durham University.  Note that these projects vary in their funding restrictions: some are restricted to UK applicants but a couple are open to any applicant.  Please see the specifics of the projects and, if in doubt, ask the named contact.

Details are here:

Deadlines are 9th Jan or 2nd of Feb, depending on funding.

--
Dr Philip A. Stephens
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Durham University
South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK


Tel: +44 (0) 191 334 9102 (internal: 49102)

Home page:
Twitter: @PS_Applied_Ecol

Group page:
Twitter: @CEGDurham

Behaviour, Ecology & Evolution Research at Durham:

BEER is pleased to be hosting the 2015 ASAB Easter meeting:

Site colloque SFECA 2015

Le site du colloque SFECA 2015 est désormais ouvert. Vous pouvez vous inscrire au colloque à l'adresse suivante: 


Une fois connecté sur le site, il faudra tout d'abord vous pré-inscrire. Après validation, vous pourrez procéder à l'inscription définitive. Vous pourrez également y déposer vos abstracts.
Pour rappel: 
-     Date limite d'inscription en early bird :  le 28 février 2015 (pour les étudiants et statutaires Sfeca).

-          -    l'appel à Symposia : avant le 15 janvier 2015

-          Date limite de soumission des abstracts : 2 mars 2015

11th ‘Ecology & Behaviour’ meeting

We are pleased to announce the call for abstracts for the 11th ‘Ecology and Behaviour’ meeting that will take place in Toulouse (France) from May 18th to May 21tst 2015.
This international meeting is an excellent place of exchange for young researchers (PhD students and post-docs) working in the field of ecology, evolutionary biology and animal behaviour. Every year the conference gathers about a hundred participants from all over Europe and the high success of the previous editions has been the best proof of its high scientific quality.
Six thematic sessions have been defined for this 11th edition: (1) Movement ecology, (2) Cognition: memory and learning, (3) Social and sexual selection, (4) Interspecific interactions and coevolution, (5) Population ecology and individual variability, (6) Biodiversity facing global changes.
In order to facilitate the participation of young researchers in this conference the Association of the ‘Ecology and Behaviour’ Meeting will provide accommodation and lunches to the attendees. The registration for the participants presenting their work as a poster or oral communication will be either free (PhD students) or for a reduced fee (post-docs).
Submit an abstract
We invite you to submit the abstract of your poster or oral communication on our website : http://eb2015.sciencesconf.org/.
The deadline for online abstract submission is on Friday, February 13th 2015 (for luck purposes).
Additional information
Our website (http://eb2015.sciencesconf.org/) is regularly updated and contains all the information regarding the submission of abstracts, the registration for the conference, the scientific program, the invited lecturer, the location of housing…
In case of any questions, please contact us by email: eb2015@sciencesconf.org.
Feel free to forward this message to any people that might be interested in attending the 11th edition of the ‘Ecology and Behaviour’ meeting.
Looking forward to meeting you in Toulouse!
The organizers.

lundi 15 décembre 2014

Séminaire « Des Animaux de Compagnie aux Espèces Compagnes »

1. Responsables scientifiques

- Sébastien Mouret (Sociologue, INRA, UMR Innovation, Montpellier SupAgro)
- Jérôme Michalon (Sociologue, Environnement, Ville, Sociétés (UMR 5600)/Centre Max Weber (UMR 5283))
Contacts : mouret_s@hotmail.com ; jerome.michalon@gmail.com
Entités organisatrices : Association « Imaginaires et Pratiques des Relations »
AnthropoZoologiques » IPRAZ et le groupe de recherche Animal’s Lab.
Partenaires : Fondation Adrienne & Pierre Sommer et l’Observatoire CNIEL des Habitudes Alimentaires.

2. Enjeux et objectifs du séminaire

Comment vivre ensemble entre humains et animaux ? La question de savoir comment changer nos rapports aux animaux de manière à ce que ceux-ci ne soient plus seulement considérés comme de simples moyens mais aussi comme des fins, suscite un intérêt croissant tant de la part de la communauté scientifique, que du grand public. Les réponses à cette question éthique et politique peuvent se formuler au travers d’un travail empirique d’exploration et de compréhension des relations que les humains entretiennent avec des animaux, afin de rendre compte de leur histoire, leur diversité et leur complexité. Si celles-ci sont marquées par la violence, l’indifférence, le mépris et l’abandon, elles sont aussi faites de plaisir, l’épanouissement, d’amour, de confiance, de respect et d’intelligence pour les humains comme pour les animaux. En ce sens, elles représentent donc une ressource pour penser les modalités d’un monde commun entre humains et animaux, et clarifier les conditions qui rendent possible ou empêchent son existence.
Longtemps appréciée pour son « exotisme », l’étude des relations entre humains et animaux fait aujourd’hui place à un intérêt sérieux et fécond de la part de sociologues. Leurs travaux se sont appuyés, entre autres, sur le renouvellement de la division ontologique classique personnes/objets par celle d’humains/non humains, initié par la sociologie pragmatiste. Ces recherches contribuent au développement, en France, d’un champ de recherches en sciences humaines et sociales encore balbutiant, à la différence de ce que les Anglo-saxons nomment Animal Studies, dont les recherches sont structurées sous la forme d’une communauté pluridisciplinaire où le souci éthique vis-à-vis de l’animal occupe une place centrale. Il nous semble aujourd’hui nécessaire et important, d’une part, d’éclairer le peu d’intérêt porté par la sociologie à la présence d’animaux dans la vie sociale des humains et, d’autre part, de proposer de nouvelles distinctions théoriques et nouveaux outils conceptuels et méthodologiques permettant de saisir le sens et l’importance de la socialité entre humains et animaux. Sur ces deux points, la notion « d’animaux de compagnie » appelle une attention particulière.
Le séminaire aura un double objectif : (1) dresser un état des lieux des recherches sociologiques et historiques autour de l’animal de compagnie, mais également autour de la notion même d’animal de compagnie ; (2) déplier les perspectives que nous offrent différents travaux sur les relations entre humains et animaux pour mieux penser le terme de « compagnie », voire le redéfinir.

2.1 Qu’est ce qu’un « animal de compagnie » ?

Une partie de ce séminaire sera consacrée à la recension et à l’analyse des travaux ayant traité de « l’animal de compagnie » en sociologie et en anthropologie. Il s’agira de voir quels propos ont été tenus sur la relation de compagnie entre les humains et les animaux, mais aussi et surtout de préciser les contours qui ont été retenus par les chercheurs pour définir cette relation « de compagnie ». Quelles espèces animales ont été désignées sous le vocable « de compagnie » ? A quels groupes sociaux a-t-on associé la relation de compagnie ? La notion « animal de compagnie » en elle-même fera l’objet d’une généalogie : à partir de quelle période ce terme est-il utilisé ? Par qui ? Dans quels espaces linguistiques ? Est-ce que les sens qu’il revêt dans différentes langues sont équivalents ? Il faudra donc prendre en compte l’instabilité de la notion au niveau diachronique et au niveau synchronique : par exemple, pourquoi l’ « animal de compagnie » est-il préféré à l’ « animal familier » ? Outre ce travail sur les catégories, il sera question d’évoquer les postures de recherche qui ont été mobilisés pour appréhender l’objet « animal de compagnie ». Si, de prime abord, les approches critiques et/ou normatives semblent avoir dominé le champ, notamment dans le monde francophone, nous nous attacherons à identifier d’autres perspectives, peut être plus compréhensives. D’autre part, les méthodologies mises en oeuvre pour appréhender la relation de compagnie seront examinées. Dans ce premier axe, on cherchera ainsi à examiner de manière rétrospective la relation de compagnie : qu’est-ce qui a fait que cette relation a été identifiée, délimitée et souvent désignée comme un problème, le symptôme d’une certaine décadence du monde occidental ? Mais l’approche sera également prospective dans la mesure où on tentera de proposer d’autres terminologies, permettant de rendre mieux compte de certains enjeux de la relation de compagnie, occultées par les perspectives critiques.

2.2 Au-delà de la compagnie : vers les « espèces compagnes » ?

Le second axe de ce séminaire part de la proposition formulée par Donna Haraway dans son Manifeste des espèces de compagnie quant à la manière d’appréhender les relations anthropozoologiques dans nos sociétés contemporaines, et de répondre aux enjeux ontologiques, éthiques et politiques qui les traversent : comprendre la genèse, la transformation, la complexité et la richesse de ces relations sous la figure – et la catégorie - d’« espèce de compagnie ». Ce traité de biosocialité et de biopouvoir nous invite à voir et penser les relations entre humains et animaux, comme une longue histoire biosociale de relations de compagnonnage. Pour Haraway, il est possible de déceler du « compagnonnage », plus que de la « compagnie », dans presque toutes les relations à l’animal, à condition d’y prêter attention.
Toutefois, il ne s’agit pas dans ce séminaire, et par les communications qui y seront présentées, de proclamer l’adoption ipso facto de cette proposition issue de la philosophie, et d’envisager de suite, sans examen et discussion préalables, la mobilisation dans une réflexion sociologique. Au contraire, ce séminaire a pour visée principale d’apprécier la valeur heuristique de la figure « d’espèces compagnes », dans une réflexion prenant à la fois comme unité d’analyse les relations, ainsi que les êtres qui en sont les principaux objets, à savoir les animaux et les humains. Autrement dit, il s’agit ici de mettre en évidence la fécondité et la portée de cette proposition sur le plan de l’analyse sociologique, tout en soulignant les difficultés que soulèvent sa traduction et sa déclinaison dans ce champ disciplinaire, et les impasses auxquelles son usage peut conduire.
Pour démarrer cette discussion, et définir les principales orientations de ce séminaire, il nous semble que la notion « d’espèces compagnes » opère bien plus qu’un redécoupage, voire une refonte des catégories courantes qui sont mobilisées pour classifier les espèces animales présentes dans la vie sociale des humains : les animaux « sauvages », « d’élevage », « de compagnie », « d’expérimentation » etc. Les « espèces de compagnie » peuvent être vues comme des formes particulières « naturecultures », autrement dit d’intrication et d’entrelacs de la « nature » et de la « culture ». Fondée sur un refus du partage entre les catégories de « nature » et de « culture », « l’espèce de compagnie » désigne et regroupe à la fois de multiples modalités d’association entre humains et animaux, qu’il convient de clarifier à travers différentes dimensions d’analyse : la coévolution, la cohabitation et la socialité interspécifique. Ces trois dimensions appellent selon nous à une attention particulière, car elles permettent d’interroger la pensée sociologique sur ses rapports avec la biologie et l’éthologie ; sa réflexion sur la morale ; et ses façons de définir et de reconnaître un lien social véritable. En ce sens, elle permet de clarifier comment la sociologie peut saisir la présence d’espèces animales dans la vie sociale des humains, et donc s’ouvrir plus largement à la « question animale » et pour peser dans ce débat.

3. Programmation du séminaire 2015

Le séminaire se déroulera sous la forme de séances mensuelles au cours de l’année universitaire 2015. Au cours de chaque séance, les communications des intervenants seront mises en discussion. Le séminaire suit une approche pluridisciplinaire. La plupart des intervenants choisis développent des approches scientifiques des relations entre humains et animaux qui se situent à la frontière entre sciences sociales (sociologie, anthropologie, philosophie) et sciences de la vie (biologie, éthologie).

Programme

- 12 Janvier 2015 : Introduction à la catégorie "animal de compagnie"
Intervenants : J.P. Digard (Anthropologue / CNRS) et J. Porcher (Sociologue / INRA)
14 h – 17 h
Lieu : Salle Chopin/Debussy - CNIEL - 42 rue de Châteaudun 75314 Paris.

- 27 Février 2015 : Accompagner les humains : un travail de soin des animaux
Intervenants : J. Michalon (Sociologue / Centre Max Weber) et C. Mondémé (Linguiste / GEMASS)
14 h – 17 h
Lieu : AgroParisTech, 16 rue Claude Bernard - Paris

- 13 Mars 2015 : L’animal de travail : un animal de compagnie ?
Intervenants : E. Baratay (Historien / Université de Lyon) et N. Lainé (Anthropologue / LESC)
14 h – 17 h
Lieu : Salle Chopin/Debussy - CNIEL - 42 rue de Châteaudun 75314 Paris.

- 10 Avril 2015 : L’animal de compagnie : entre nature et culture
Intervenants : D. Guillo (Sociologue / CNRS) et M. Kreutzer (Éthologue / Université Paris 10)
14 h – 17 h
Paris. Le lieu sera précisé ultérieurement

- 22 Mai 2015 : Soins vétérinaires et « pathologies » de la compagnie
Intervenants : P. Fritsch (Sociologue) et T. Bedossa (Vétérinaire)
14 h – 17 h
Paris. Le lieu sera précisé ultérieurement.

- 19 Juin 2015 : L’agression et compagnie : une antinomie ?
Intervenants : S. Mouret (Sociologue / INRA) et Christophe Blanchard
(Sociologue/Université Paris XIII)
14 h – 17 h.
Paris. Le lieu sera précisé ultérieurement

samedi 13 décembre 2014

PhD studentship available for 2015 in animal social communication & cognition

signalling in animals: identifying positive affect and its consequences

School of Psychology, University of Sussex
 Supervisor: Prof Karen McComb (University of Sussex) and Dr Leanne Proops (University of Sussex)

Emotional signalling is a crucial but poorly understood aspect of animal social behaviour, mediating important social interactions and contributing to an individual’s ability to form social relationships and reproduce successfully. One aspect of emotional signalling in animals that has received surprisingly little attention is the way in which positive emotions are expressed and the consequences of this signalling both for the individual itself and its conspecifics.  Displaying positive emotions may contribute to building an individual’s own resilience as well as enhancing its ability to form social bonds – a possibility that has not been investigated in animals. Moreover, it is now recognised that animal welfare should be assessed not simply by the absence of negative emotions, but also by the presence of positive ones, so a systematic study of how positive emotions are expressed in a range of species would have considerable applied value. The PhD student would use techniques developed in our lab for quantifying animal facial expressions (and vocalisations) in order to identify cues that are consistently associated with positive emotional experiences. They would also explore the relationship between signals with positive emotional valence and physiological and behavioural measures of coping behaviour. Work on domestic horses would provide a starting point for this study, but the project would look at parallels in cues used to signal positive emotion across a range of different mammal species and their relationship to individual coping mechanisms and social behaviour.

Applications should be made by Friday 30th January 2015. The award of the studentship will be based on a competitive process. If awarded, it would be a full-time studentship (funded for a duration of three years) covering tuition fee, and a maintenance allowance. The maintenance allowance is currently £13,863 per annum. There is an expectation to contribute to teaching on a paid basis.

Eligibility requirements for potential candidates:
·       This award will only pay fees at the Home/EU rate. The maintenance allowance is currently £13,863 per annum.
·       Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Master's degree in Psychology or a related discipline.

Guidance for applicants:
Please send your initial enquires by email for the attention of 'Postgraduate Coordinator' to: psychology@sussex.ac.uk

If you wish to discuss the details of this PhD project further please contact Prof Karen McComb (karenm@sussex.ac.uk

Applications should be submitted to the University of Sussex online postgraduate application system (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/2015entry) by Friday 30th January 2015.

Please submit your online application together with:
·       A research statement that briefly outlines our current state of knowledge, hypotheses that could be addressed, and an outline of potential methods. Your answer should not exceed 2 pages including references, be set at minimum 10 font type with margins a minimum of 1cm.
·       A teaching-related statement that addresses the normal expectation that you contribute to teaching of statistics and research methods (up to 300 words).
      An up to date CV
·       A current degree transcript(s) with full details of performance on all completed courses
      Two academic references

      The proposed source of funding should be specified as 'GTA’.