PhD studentship on macaque social behaviour

Hiring Organization:
Department of Psychology, University of Lincoln

Date Posted:
2009-07-31

Position Description:
The University of Lincoln (UK) is offering a number of funded PhD studentships, at least one of these should be on macaque social behaviour. You would work under the supervision of Dr Bonaventura (nickname: Bino) Majolo on one of these three general topics: 1) the development of social relationships, 2) social cognition and decision-making during between-group encounters, 3) social preferences and reciprocity. Projects 1 and 2 will be mainly conducted on wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco, in the field site run by Dr Majolo and Prof. Mohammed Qarro (Ecole Nationale Forestière d'Ingénieurs, Morocco). PhD candidates should be willing to live in Morocco for approximately 15 months (not necessarily consecutive). At the field site, three troops of Barbary macaques are fully habituated to human observers and further troops are potentially available. The third project will be conducted on macaques (Macaca) in labs and research centres in various countries. The University of Lincoln is fully equipped for field work and for experimental studies in captivity or wild. Applicants who would like to discuss the projects further can contact Dr. Majolo (bmajolo@lincoln.ac.uk) but refer to the web site below for the application procedure.

Qualifications/Experience:
A Master on primate behaviour, evolutionary psychology, cognition or anthropology would be desirable. Applicants must be fluent in English. Experience with primates (preferably macaques) is desirable but not essential. Previous experience of fieldwork is essential for candidates interested in either topic 1 or 2. 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. The successful applicant will live in the town of Azrou in an apartment block with basic amenities including internet access.
In addition applicants for topic 1 or 2 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 willing to learn French and/or Arabic.
• 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 essential.

Salary/funding:
Differently funded studentships are available: check website below for details.

Term of Appointment:
Three years

Application Deadline:
21st August 2009

Comments:
Details about the studentships, the application procedure and the application form can be found at: http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/postgraduate/pgrstudentships.htm

Contact Information:
Bonaventura (nickname: Bino) Majolo
Brayford Pool
Lincoln LN6 7TS
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+44-01522-837015

Fax Number:
+44-01522-886026

Website:
http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/postgraduate/pgrstudentships.htm

E-mail Address:
bmajolo@lincoln.ac.uk

Research Assistant for PrimatesPeru; Genetics and behavior of saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis) in southeastern Peru

Hiring Organization:
Washington University in Saint Louis

Date Posted:
2009-07-27

Position Description:
You will be assisting the two main researchers at a field station in southeast Peru called CICRA. CICRA is on the Los Amigos river in the Peruvian Amazon and is fully equipped to sustain long-term projects. You will assist in monitoring the behavior and reproduction of five groups of saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis). Three of these groups are habituated and will be the primary focus of the investigation. You will also assist in trapping the tamarins twice during the study in order to record morphometrics, obtain genetic material and tag individuals so that they might be individually identified.

Here are some of the specific tasks you will participate in:

1. Daily follows of individual tamarin groups
2. Making behavioral observations during follows
3. Using a GPS to get positional data on ranging patterns of groups
4. Setting up and monitoring traps
5. Assisting during processing of animals once trapped. This will include:
a. Photographing individuals
b. Recording data as obtained from the individuals
c. Storing DNA samples (painlessly, and with NO harm to the individual)

This is a great opportunity for a student interested in a graduate program in biology, conservation, ecology or anthropology. You will learn how to record behavioral data, track primates using sound as well as radio telemetry. This project is unique in that it involves more than just an opportunity to observe behavior. Volunteers will also have the chance to learn how to handle wild animals (while keeping in mind both your own and their safety)and record morphometrical and health data from wild tamarins. A wildlife veterinarian on site will be on hand to assist during all such procedures. Training will take about 1-2 months. A minimum of a 3 month commitment is required.

Fill out the application at http://www.primatesperu.com/how-you-can-help/raoa and send a recommendation letter to primatesperu@gmail.com. Decisions will be made as applictions roll in. The expected start date of the project is October 2009 and it will run for 10 months. We expect to require research assistants by November 2009 for a period of 3 - 6 months.

Qualifications/Experience:
Ideally, volunteers should have past experience working/or living in a tropical country, preferably in South America. More importantly, a background in science that allows you to understand the scientific method, basic research terminology, and maintenance of data records is vital.

The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:

* Degree or expected degree in a life science or anthropology
* Knowledge of at least basic Spanish
* Good physical and mental health
* Ability to hike long distances (> 6 miles) in a day
* Ability to carry a moderately heavy pack
* Cheerful, optimistic approach to work
* Ability to be independent of family and friends for extended periods
* Commitment to the project during days of work (5/6 days a week)
* Ability to work with Microsoft Office for data entry/backup
* No fear of snakes, insects, etc.

Salary/funding:
none provided

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
None provided at this time. However, partial refund of plane ticket/stay could be possible, depending on availability of grant money, after completion of the full period.

Stay at CICRA costs $20 a day and includes three meals,snacks, wi-fi internet, and a room in either a dorm-type setting or a cabin. For more details on costs see www.primatesperu.com

Term of Appointment:
At least 3 months beginning November 2009

Application Deadline:
Rolling basis

Comments:
We are looking for 2 more applicants to begin as soon as November. We advise applicants to fill out the application form at http://www.primatesperu.com/how-you-can-help/raoa.

Contact Information:
Mrinalini Watsa
One Brookings Hall, Campus box 1114
Saint Louis, MO 63130
USA

Website:
http://www.primatesperu.com

E-mail Address:
mwatsa@artsci.wustl.edu

PhD Studentship: Grooming strategies of wild chimpanzees

Hiring Organization:
School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, England

Date Posted:
2009-07-29

Position Description:
PhD Studentship: Grooming strategies of wild chimpanzees
School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent
Applications are invited from highly motivated and qualified students for this 3-year PhD studentship funded by The Leverhulme Trust, which will start in October 2009.

Project Outline
Detailed observations suggest that wild chimpanzees may use multiple behavioural strategies to enforce grooming reciprocation. In some bouts, participants appear to groom without conflict, whereas in others a period of ‘negotiation’ seems to occur before either termination or a prolonged reciprocal bout. In some grooming bouts, individuals appear to ‘parcel’, only grooming for a short time before stopping if there is no reciprocation. In other bouts, chimpanzees seem to ‘raise-the-stakes’, with initial brief, reciprocated, bursts of grooming gradually replaced by more sustained grooming. A version of the aptly named ‘tit-for-tat’ strategy may also apply: in some bouts individuals terminate grooming following a lack of reciprocation.
The project will investigate these strategies and test the predictions of different models for the enforcement and maintenance of reciprocity. A particular focus will be to examine reciprocity and exchange between male and female chimpanzees.
This studentship forms part of a grant to Dr Newton-Fisher from The Leverhulme Trust to investigate ‘Social Complexity, Grooming, and the Evolution of Intelligence’, and the student will have scope to be involved in the full breadth of the overall project in relation to their own developing skills and interests.

Application details

To apply, please send a CV together with the names and contact details of two referees, and a covering letter detailing both your research interests and suitability for this studentship, by 20th August 2009 to Dr Nicholas E. Newton-Fisher (N.E.Newton-Fisher@kent.ac.uk), to whom informal inquiries can also be directed. Interviews will be held shortly thereafter.

Qualifications/Experience:
The successful candidate will have a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, and/or a good Master's in a relevant subject, a keen interest in understanding the adaptive functions of social behaviour, and excellent quantitative analytical skills.

Salary/funding:
The PhD Studentship covers tuition fees at Home/EU rates and pays an annual stipend of £13,000. The studentship also provides for IT support, attendance at international conferences and training in Observer software.

Term of Appointment:
3 years

Application Deadline:
20 August 2009

Contact Information:
Dr Nicholas Newton-Fisher
University of Kent
Canterbury, Kent, England CT2 7NZ
United Kingdom

Website:
http://www.kent.ac.uk

E-mail Address:
N.E.Newton-Fisher@kent.ac.uk

Field Research Primatologist

Hiring Organization:
Orangutan Appeal UK


Position Description:
Orangutan Appeal UK is looking to recruit a primatologist as part of the next phase of the Post Release Monitoring Project. This pioneering research involves the long term monitoring of rehabilitated orangutans in a protected reserve of 120,000ha - Tabin Rainforest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia. This is a challenging terrain (particularly in the rainy season), and home to elephants, wild boar and sun bears.

This position entails the monitoring of 4 rehabilitated orangutans that have been raised at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, based at a research camp. The primatologist will be responsible for: supervision of daily data collection, leading a small team of Malaysian research assistants, planning schedules and logistics for the camp, team and orangutans, and ensuring that the methodology conforms to project requirements.

Based at the research camp for a minimum of 6 months, the primatologist will be living in basic forest conditions: camp has generator and running water, but no major appliances. The successful candidate will be required to work the equivalent of a six day week shift (to be agreed), plus a holiday allowance. The remaining 6 months will be spent preparing and processing the data and report writing.

It is essential that the candidate is an excellent communicator who can voice concerns or raise issues before they become problems. Regular close contact with the Appeal is vital, and there will be requirement to liaise with external research and government organizations, which will call for a good deal of tact and diplomacy.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated, hardworking and amicable candidate to make a significant contribution to primate conservation research.

Qualifications/Experience:
Masters degree minimum (Primatology or similar) - essential.
Field experience in tropical rainforest conditions, and ability to live/work in a remote and isolated place under hard physical and psychological conditions.
Experience of leading a team.
Must be willing to work under the direction of Orangutan Appeal UK.
Must be able to commit for at least 1 year, but preferably 2 – 3 years.

Salary/funding:
£10,000 per annum.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accommodation and food provided at research camp.
International and domestic flights, and related travel expenses will be covered/ reimbursed after 6 months. Health insurance and vaccinations also provided.

Term of Appointment:
Starting Autumn 2009

Application Deadline:
ASAP

Comments:
To apply, email a covering letter, CV and contact details for 2 referees.

Contact Information:
Sue Sheward/Sarah Green
11 Forest Hall, Lyndhurst Road,
Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QQ
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+44 (0) 1590 622966

Fax Number:
+44 (0) 1590 622966

Website:
http://www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk

E-mail Address:
orangutanappealuk@btinternet.com

PH.D. STUDENT–Monk Parakeet Research

We are looking for a Ph.D. student to conduct research on monk parakeets in Texas. The monk parakeet population in the U.S. has been increased exponentially since accidental and intentional releases of the bird began in the1960’s. One of the main concerns surrounding the increase in monk parakeet populations is their construction of nests on electrical transformers and transmission lines.

We are looking for a student to conduct a comprehensive study of monk parakeet nest-selection, sub-station selection, habitat use, and food habits. This information will expand our knowledge of this bird’s basic ecology and will be used to make recommendations for altering the environment in and around utility structures to prevent colonization by the parakeets.

Additionally, the student will be expected to expand this study to accommodate their interests. Salary ($22,000), tuition ($6,000), insurance ($3,000) and funding for this project will be provided annually by the Luminant’s Environmental Research Program. This program requires that 1) students have > 1100 combined on their math and verbal GREs and 2) students submit a proposal for research, which must be accepted by Luminat’s scientific advisory board prior to the commencement of research and classes.

At Texas A&M University the student will be working extensively with Drs. Nova Silvy and Robert McCleery. We plan to select a student by the end of the summer. We will work with the student to develop a proposal to submit to the scientific advisory board in the fall. The student can then register for classes and begin work in Jan 2010. We are looking for a self-motivated independent student with a previous record of academic achievement and field experience. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, greater than 1100 on the GRE, and considerable field experience. To apply, send a resume including GRE scores and GPA, a brief explanation how you are prepared for Ph.D. program and rigorous field research, and a list of 3 references to DR. ROBERT MCCLEERY (EM: bmcc@tamu.edu) by 31 Jul2009.

WBBA OFFERS TWO $1,000 GRANTS

WBBA OFFERS TWO $1,000 GRANTS each year, one for research and the other for monitoring, for individuals and/or organizations engaged in projects in the New World using marked birds.The research grant should help test a hypothesis, while the monitoring grant is intended to help individuals or institutions establish or continue monitoring programs that investigate changes in bird populations.Students (including undergraduates) and organizational interns are encouraged to apply.Grant awardees will be asked to submit results of their grant projectsfor publication in future issues of North American Bird Bander as wellas present results at future WBBA annual meetings. Applicants for thesegrants should submit a project proposal and two letters of referenceattesting to the qualifications of the applicant.

Proposals must includea description of the research or monitoring program that includesobjectives, methods, and a budget detailing how requested funds will beused. Applicants may increase their chances by having smaller projectbudgets or detailing the use of requested funds for larger projects. Theproposal constitutes the application and should be limited to no morethan three typed pages, including full contact information. Noadditional forms are required; no information packets are available fromWBBA.

Applicants for these annual grants should submit the informationdescribed above by 31 Aug to:GEOFFREY GEUPEL,WBBA Awards, PRBOConservation Science,Palomarin Field Station, PO Box 1157,Bolinas CA94924 USA.Announcement of successful applicants will be made at the WBBA annual meeting in late summer/early fall and funds will be available from the treasurer soon after.