POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: Long term study of the Florida Scrub-Jay

I am searching for an individual to become an integral partner in a long-term study of the Florida Scrub-Jay.
The position is funded (NSF) for three years and is to begin in August 2009 (start date is flexible). It provides a competitive salary plus generous benefits. Duties for approximately 5 months (January - June) per year include field work and oversight of a field crew at Archbold Biological Station in south-central Florida: onsite housing is provided. The research associate will be encouraged to develop an independent project within the general theme of the project. The successful applicant will be based in the Department of Biology at the University of Memphis for the balance of the year. During this time, the research associate will have considerable flexibility in how he/she spends their time, although data analysis and publication preparation are expected. The successful applicant will have a PhD, demonstrated expertise in avian biology, field experience (preferably field endocrine techniques), and a strong interest in the links between physiology, ecology, and behavior. Applicants should submit a cover letter stating their qualifications and research interests, curriculum vitae, and complete contact information (include e-mail address and telephone number) for three references. Send applications via standard mail or E-mail (preferred) to Dr. Stephan J. Schoech, Department of Biology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152. (EM: sschoech@memphis.edu). Telephone: 901.678.2327. Feel free to contact me (SJS) for further information. Review of applications will begin immediately.

The University of Memphis is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university.

GRADUATE STUDENT POSITIONS (2) - University of Memphis

GRADUATE STUDENT POSITIONS for two students (Ph.D. or M.S.) are available in the lab of Dr. Stephan Schoech in the Department of Biology at the University of Memphis. Dr. Schoechs research lies at the interface between physiology and behavior and is primarily focused on the behavioral, reproductive, and environmental endocrinology of the Florida Scrub-Jay, a cooperatively breeding and threatened species. Dr. Schoech has been continuously funded by NSF for many years: a copy of his current grant (2009 - 2011) will be made available to potential students (i. e., upon receipt of initial contact I will send a packet of information). The Department of biology at the University of Memphis offers a competitive stipend for teaching assistants and the research of students working under the supervision of Dr. Schoech will be fully supported should their project overlap current funding objectives. Information on graduate study in biology at the University of Memphis can be found at http://biology.memphis.edu. For further information please contact Dr. Schoech via either email (sschoech@memphis.edu) or telephone (901.678.2327).

Field Assistant: Male competition and cooperation in Barbary macaques in Morocco

Hiring Organization:
University of Göttingen

Date Posted:
2009-06-04

Position Description:
We are looking for research assistants to join a PhD project investigating competition and cooperation in male wild Barbary macaques in the middle atlas mountains, Morocco. The project will focus on male reproductive competition and consequences for social relationships and stress physiology. The position will involve habituation and identification of wild Barbary macaques as well as detailed behavioural and physiological data collection. Hormonal sample collection will also be required. The position is for a minimum period of 6 months with longer term commitment preferred. The principle investigator for the project is Christopher Young undertaking a PhD supervised by Prof. Julia Ostner of the University of Göttingen, Germany.

The work at the field site is physically very demanding. The field site is between 1,400 and 1,900m a.s.l. and weather conditions can vary dramatically across the year, with temperature ranging between 35ºC to -5ºC and snow in the winter months. Hence, interested individuals should be physically fit and have previous experience with field work in remote areas. The successful applicant will live in the town of Azrou in an apartment block with basic amenities including internet access.

Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field experience is desirable but not essential. However, priority will be given to applicants who have experience of behavioural and physiological data collection on wild and/or free-ranging primates. Applicants should have prior experience working in physically demanding environmental conditions and also experience of living away from friends and family for a prolonged period. A strong interest in primatological research is a must.

In addition applicants should:
• Be mentally and physically fit for long days in the field in a challenging environment.
• Be prepared to adapt to living in a foreign culture.
• Be able to speak English (French/Arabic beneficial).
• Be adaptable and able to work both as part of a team and individually.
• Be reliable, patient, enthusiastic and committed to scientific research.
• Driving license is desirable.

Salary/funding:
No salary will be provided at this time.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
We are able to reimburse a round trip airfare after the completion of a minimum of a 6 month period. The costs associated with accommodation and travel to and from the field site will be covered by me. Living expenses are to be covered by the applicant and should cost approximately £20 per week. The successful applicant should cover their own health and travel insurance.

Term of Appointment:
A minimum commitment of 6 months is required; however, longer term commitments are encouraged. The first position is to begin soon after a successful applicant has been selected with the position commencing preferably at the start of July. A review of applicants will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. We do intend to fill the position as soon as possible but this is a long running project so all applications are welcome.

Application Deadline:
Until position is filled

Comments:
In order to apply please email a cover letter explaining previous experience, interest and suitability to the position along with a CV (including details of 2 referees) and details of your availability. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Contact Information:
Chris Young
The Courant Research Center Evolution of Social Behavior, Göttingen University
Göttingen 37077
Germany

Telephone Number:
+447708526542

Website:
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/92425.html

E-mail Address:
chrisyoung1888@hotmail.co.uk

Funded PhD Studentships

Educational Organization:
University of Portsmouth

Date Posted:
2009-06-04

Program Description:
Applications are invited for 2 fully funded full-time PhD studentships and 1 Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) in Psychology at the University of Portsmouth. The Department’s research is organised around three Science Faculty recognised Research Centres: International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology; Centre for Human Ecology, Culture and Communication; Centre for the Study of Emotion. There is also a research group in Animal Behaviour (with a strong focus on primatological research).

Applicants in any area related to our research interests (including primatology) are welcome to apply, and are encouraged to contact a potential PhD supervisor before applying. Students interested in primate social communication are welcome to contact Dr. Bridget Waller for more information.

Entrance Qualifications:
Applicants will have a Bachelors degree in Psychology or a related discipline (minimum 2.1 or equivalent), and for the full time PhD studentships a Masters (or equivalent) with research training relevant for the applicant’s research proposal. Applicants for the studentships must be UK or EU residents; for queries about eligibility please call +44 (0)23 9284 5550, or email sci-pgrad@port.ac.uk.

Support (scholarships, travel):
The studentships will be funded for three years and include tuition fees and a maintenance grant (£13,290 in 2009-2010). Students will also receive £1000 per year for research and conference expenses, as well as office space and personal computing facilities. The GTA will spend 50% of their time working for a PhD on the basis of part-time registration, and 50% on Departmental teaching duties. The GTA is a fixed-term appointment for 5 years (salary £24,152-£26,391).

Start + End Dates:
Start date 1st October 2009.

Application Deadline:
The deadline for applications is 19 June 2009. Interviews will be held in early July 2009.

Comments:
Applicants for both the studentships and GTA should submit an outline research proposal of up to 500 words. Applicants for the studentships should send their research proposal and a CV (including the contact details of two referees) to Kerry Walker, Department of Psychology, King Henry Building, King Henry 1st Street, University of Portsmouth, PO1 2DY (Tel: +44 (0)2392 6314, email: kerry.walker@port.ac.uk).

Applications for the GTA position should be made via the University Website (include your research proposal in the application). For additional information about the application procedure for the GTA please call +44 (0)23 9284 3421, or email jobs@port.ac.uk. Please quote job reference number ASCI8033 in all communications.

Contact Information:
Bridget Waller
King Henry 1st Street
Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 0LL
United Kingdom

Website:
http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/academic/psychology/latestnews/title,96956,en.html

E-Mail Address:
bridget.waller@port.ac.uk

Field Assistants: Behavioral Ecology of Phayre's Leaf Monkeys

Hiring Organization:
Andreas Koenig - Stony Brook University

Date Posted:
2009-06-05

Position Description:
Field assistants are needed for a research project on the behavioral ecology of Phayre's leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei) at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Northeastern Thailand. The study is conducted by Andreas Koenig & Carola Borries (Dept of Anthropology, Stony Brook University) and aims to test socio-ecological models regarding costs and benefits of group life, ecology of social relationships, and reproductive strategies.

The study area comprises a primary forest (hill evergreen, dry evergreen, dry dipterocarp, pine and bamboo forest) at an elevation of 300-1,300m asl (monsoon climate with cold winters). In addition to 7-8 primate species, the area harbors e.g., elephants, gaurs, 2 bear species, 8 cat species (including tigers), wild dogs, jackals, snakes (including cobras) and plenty of leeches, mosquitoes, spiders, and ticks.

The work will include: maintenance of a trail system, basic botantical work, behavioral observations (e.g., ranging, activity budgets, focal sampling), data entry as well as maintenance of equipment. Most of the work in the forest is off-trail including areas with dense undergrowth and bamboo stands. The field assistants will be trained in Thailand. Basic accomodation is available at the headquarters within the sanctuary (see our web page; more details available on request).

Qualifications/Experience:
The work in the forest is demanding (particularly during the rainy season) and field worker rather regularly encounter elephants, forest bisons, bears, packs of wild dogs, snakes, etc. Applicants should be physically fit, self-reliant, and feel comfortable under the conditions described. The ability to ride a motorbike is essential. Applicants should have a BS or BA (Biology, Physical Anthropology or related field) and prior research experience. Applicants must be willing to learn the Thai language.

Salary/funding:
No salary.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
No salary is provided. We will provide a small stipend, which is, however, not sufficient to cover all costs on site. Successful applicants need to be prepared to cover ca. $100-$200 per month. Airfare up to $1,500 will be provided; please note, however, that transportation costs will be reimbursed only at the end of your stay (after a complete stay of 13 months on site), i.e., successful applicants have to initially cover their airfare. Positions and funding are contingent of our success in grant applications.

Term of Appointment:
13 months; beginning ca. mid-end of June 2010 or later (depending on when funding becomes available)

Application Deadline:
July 15, 2009

Comments:
Applications should include an application letter, CV/résumé, as well as names, phone numbers and e-mails of 2 references. Applications by e-mail are preferred .

Contact Information:
Andreas Koenig
Dept of Anthropology, Circle Rd, SBS Bldg S-517
Stony Brook, NY 11794-4364
USA

Telephone Number:
631-632-1513

Fax Number:
631-632-9165

Website:
http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/BorriesKoenig/Home.html

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

Field assistants in research project on baboon cognition in South Africa

Hiring Organization:
Rahel Noser, Research Group Cognitive Ethology, German Primate Center

Date Posted:
2009-06-05

Position Description:
I am looking for two highly motivated, reliable and self-organised field assistants to help me collect observational and experimental data and work in the back office in an ongoing research project on baboon cognition. Applicants should be willing to commit for the time between mid-September 2009 and mid-April 2010, for 6 months. The study site is situated in and next to Table Mountain National Park on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Study subjects range in a forest and partly in urban areas.

Field assistants will live in the city of Cape Town, in a lively household shared and run by scientists, non-scientists and a child. They are expected to have good team and work spirits, high social competence, flexibility and a good amount of humour.

Candidates are also expected to work long hours (12+) per day 6 days a week under all weather conditions. They must understand that fieldwork is physically and mentally tough, repetitive and at times frustrating. Therefore, a genuine interest in working with wild animals is an absolute must, as is the ability to cope with the presence of poisonous snakes.

Qualifications/Experience:
Candidates ideally pursue a career in physical anthropology, primatology, zoology, psychology or related fields, and have a valid driver’s license. Candidates with experience in ethological methodology, fieldwork and with travel/living abroad experience, especially in Southern countries, are given priority.

Salary/funding:
None.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
I offer free accommodation and the opportunity to gain experience in primate field research. Assistants are expected to pay for all other costs (travel to and from South Africa, food, phone, internet, visa, extras, insurance, running costs at home etc.).

Term of Appointment:
6 months

Contact Information:
Rahel Noser
Germany

Website:
http://www.cog-ethol.de

E-mail Address:
rnoser@dplanet.ch