Internship proposal for engineering or master student (master 2, only)

 Assessing fish abiotic requirements by ecological niche modelling to design (new) fish species communities for tomorrow’s aquacultureInternship proposal for engineering or master student (master 2, only)Keywords-ecological niche modelling, species distribution modelling, geographic information system, fish, climate changes, aquaculture.Supervisors –Thomas Lecocq (Ph-D, associate professor) and Marielle Thomas (Ph-D, associate professor)Research unit -Research Unit Animal and Animal Product Functionality (UR AFPA), team:Domestication in Inland Aquaculture (DAC), Université de Lorraine, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Boulevard des Aiguillettes BP 70239, F-54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, FranceInternship duration -6 months Internship localization -UR AFPA, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France. Depending on the evolution of the sanitary crisis, a part of the internship could be performed remotely but, as far as possible, this solution will be avoided.Internship grant -554.40 €/month.Application deadline:30/11/2020. Application should include (i) a cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, and (iii) the contact details of two references. This should be sent as a single pdf at marielle.thomas@univ-lorraine.frand thomas.lecocq@univ-lorraine.frContext –Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms through several different practices (i.e. monoculture/polyculture, outdoor/indoor, flow-through systems/recirculated systems and extensive/intensive). Since the 1960s, aquaculture production has rapidly expanded and exponentially grown worldwide as far as to provide more than 50% of the world’s aquatic food consumption nowadays. Aquaculture has thus become a key factor in human food security. However, it is facing major challenges that will be even more important in the next decades. Indeed, sustainability and resilience of current aquaculture production raises concerns. For instance, intensive monoculture based on few species has often (i) significant environmental negative impact, (ii) low ability to withstand competition and disease/pest attacks, and (iii) a low adaptation potential facingto changes in environmental and socio-economicalcontexts. Polyculture in fish production is a long-standing practice,which has been somewhat disregarded in recent aquaculture development in some parts of the world, especially in a production intensification option. Yet, it can avoid some of the drawbacks of fish monoculture.Indeed, there is growing evidence that species diversity contributes to the production system resilience in the context of economic changes, improves farminputs’ utilization, and decreases the amount of waste by the recycling of co-products of some taxa by the other co-farmed species. Nevertheless, such benefits can be reached only when a relevant combination of species is used. This can be achieved by designing fish community based on species compatibility (i.e. species can live in the same farming environment without detrimental interactions) and complementarity (i.e. complementary use of available resources and/or commensalism/mutualism).This one of the aims of the SEPURE project (i.e. « Nouvelles stratégies de construction et de conduite de systèmes de production en étang pour une pisciculture durable») in which scientists (6 research units, INRAE) and fish farmers work together to achieve sustainable and efficient aquaculture.Work –Evaluating species compatibility requires first to assess whetherdifferent species can live in the same abiotic environment (e.g., by considering pH, temperature, water current, etc.). The engineering or master student will perform this assessment with the researchers of the University of Lorraine. She/he will develop ecological niche modelling(ENM)for 50 fish species that have been pointed out by aquaculture stakeholders as relevant for the tomorrow’s fish farming in outdoor production. First, she/he will be involved in the selection of relevant abiotic parameters for fish ENM by consideringparameters available in databases(e.g., https://www.earthenv.org/streams). Second, the student will develop abiotic parameter and species occurrence datasets through geographic information system (GIS) application. Third, she/he will analyze these datasets to determine the niche position and niche breadth

for each species via outlying mean index (OMI) analyses. Multivariate analyses (e.g., MANOVA) will be used to test for significant differences in the mean niche values of species.This step will provide useful insights on the species compatibility. Fourth, ENM will be developed (e.g., boosted regression tree method) for each species. These ENMs will be projected across Europe or the World (depending on the species considered) for current and future climate.This step will provide pieces of information about how the species compatibility could change according to fish farming locations and climate changes.The last step willbe to determine what fish community will be the best for fish farming under a given abiotic niche. Profile-We are looking for highly motivated and rigorous engineering or master student (master 2, only). The candidate is expected(i)to search, read,and understand scientific literature including in English, (ii) to have team skills, a sense of responsibility, and(iii)to havegood skills in GIS and core skills in statistical data analyses(in R language).References1.Lecocq, T., Harpke, A., Rasmont, P., and Schweiger, O. (2019). Divers. Distrib. 25, 1088–1100. doi:10.1111/ddi.12916.2.Segurado, P., Branco, P., Jauch, E., Neves, R., and Ferreira, M. T. (2016). Sci. Total Environ. 562, 435–445. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.188.3.Pandit, S. N., Maitland, B. M., Pandit, L. K., Poesch, M. S., and Enders, E. C. (2017). Sci. Total Environ. 598, 1–11. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.228.

Offre de stage en éthologie – Master 1

 Cohabitation conures / callithricidés en parc zoologique: impact de l’environnement social et physiqueContexteLaconure à poitrinebleue (Pyrrhura cruentata) est une espèce d’oiseau d’Amérique du Sud classée «Vulnérable» parl’IUCN.Une population captive de conures estprésente en parcs zoologiques et fait l’objet d’un programme d’élevageeuropéen (ESB). Afin de renforcerla conservation de cette espècein-situet ex-situ,le programme souhaite développer la présentation multi-espèces conures / callithricidésau sein desparcs zoologiquesde l’EAZA.Dans ce cadre, une étude scientifiqueest en cours pourdéterminer les facteurs essentiels à la réussite de cette cohabitationet au bien-être des individus, afin defournir des recommandations de gestion aux parcs zoologiques européens.Missions de l’étudiant -Effectuer une revue bibliographique sur le sujet-Collecte des données comportementales sur le terrain: relations sociales inter-et intra-espèces, répartition spatiale, effets des enrichissements structurels.-Analyses des résultats (descriptives et statistiques)-Rédaction d’un rapport scientifiquePériode prévisionnelle: 2 mois entre janvier et avril 2021Lieu du stage: Parc zoologique de Clères(76)Responsables du stage: Amélie Romain (Bureau d’études AKONGO, Nantes), Anthony Dabadie(Coordinateur du programme d’élevage européen, Branféré), Julie Levrier (Parc de Clères)Profil recherché-Etudiant en Master 1 éthologie–connaissances des méthodes d’observation-Rigueur dans les observations et la prise de donnéesSi vous souhaitez postuler, merci d’envoyer votre CV et votre lettre de motivation à amelie.romain@akongo.fr

Staff scientist/ Postdoc Opportunity - SNPRC

 Texas Biomedical Research Institute is searching for an exceptional staff scientist or postdoctoral scientist to join the lab of Dr. Corinna Ross at the Southwest National Primate Research Center. Research in the lab is focused upon translational modeling to explore questions in aging and health span in marmosets.  The successful applicant will have immediate opportunities to work closely with an active team of investigators in marmoset behavior, physiology, microbiome and aging on multiple funded research projects. We are particularly interested in candidates who have research experience working with nonhuman animals, especially nonhuman primates.  Candidates who do not have such experience, but have a proven track record of strong data analysis and writing skills will be considered.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS: Required:  Ph.D. in Biology, Psychology, or Biological Anthropology, or related fields with demonstrated excellence.  Strong background in animal behavior, primatology, or aging. Enthusiasm about science, high self-motivation and creativity. Documented excellent skills for experimental design, data analysis and manuscript writing. Strong communication skills (both written and oral). Ability to effectively collaborate with other staff in the laboratory. Preferred: Experiences with animal behavior, nonhuman primate behavior preferred.

Please include the following with your application packet:
Cover letter that details your scientific background, interests and expertise.
Indicate your specific training goals for a postdoctoral fellowship.
Contact information for at least 2 professional references.
Current CV.
Examples of your scientific writing (manuscript, pre-print, dissertation chapter).

Review of applications will begin 11/2/2020 and continue until the position is filled.  Please contact Dr. Corinna Ross at cross@txbiomed.org with questions.

This is a full-time salaried (exempt) position. Texas Biomed business hours are Mondays through Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Texas Biomed is committed to a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug screen is required.

PhD Position - Investment decisions in grey squirrels: The role of future discounting and executive control

 

I am excited to advertise a NERC GW4+ DTP funded PhD studentship co-supervised by Dr. Lisa Leaver and Dr. Tim Fawcett at the University of Exeter and Dr. Sean Rands at the University of Bristol on: 

Investment decisions in grey squirrels: The role of future discounting and executive control 

More information about the project and how to apply can be found here: 

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=4027 

The studentships comprises: 

• A stipend for 3.5 years (currently £15,285 p.a. for 2020-21) in line with UK Research and Innovation rates 
• Payment of university tuition fees; 
• A research budget of £11,000 for an international conference, lab, field and research expenses; 
• A training budget of £3,250 for specialist training courses and expenses. 
• Up to £750 for travel and accomodation for compulsory cohort events. 

The application deadline is at 2359 GMT. Interviews will take place from 8th to 19th February 2021. 

NERC GW4+ DTP studentships are open to UK and Irish nationals who, if successful in their applications, will receive a full studentship including payment of university tuition fees at the home fees rate. 

A limited number of full studentships are also available to international students which are defined as EU (excluding Irish nationals), EEA, Swiss and all other non-UK nationals, though studentships for international students will only cover fees at the UK home fees rate.  

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the studentship (l.a.leaver@exeter.ac.uk).

CDD/CDI en écologie faune sauvage/statistiques

 Pour info, notre institut cherche à recruter un chercheur en écologie faune sauvage/statistiques.
Le contrat est un CDD de 3 ans qui peut se transformer en CDI (i.e. tenure-track).
Les seuls language nécessaire sont l'anglais et R.

https://twitter.com/EcoDynIZW/status/1314222137633394689

https://leibniz-institutfuerzoo-undwildtierforschung.softgarden.io/job/7717245?l=en

https://jobrxiv.org/job/leibniz-institute-for-zoo-and-wildlife-research-27778-ecological-modeller-biostatistician/

Stage M1 2mois

 

Dessine-moi un Mouton : Apprentissage et évolution du Dessin chez les Hominidés

 

Nous recherchons un stagiaire, de préférence M1, pour un stage de 2 mois sur ce sujet.

 

Résumé : Dès l’enfance, l’être humain s’exprime à travers différents comportements artistiques tels que le dessin. Ce dernier a également été rapporté chez d’autres animaux, nos plus proches cousins, les grands singes. L’analyse du dessin est un domaine de recherche actif, notamment en psychologie et en anthropologie, pour en comprendre le développement et l’évolution. Cependant les mesures reposent sur des critères subjectifs et/ou sur la nécessité d’un échange langagier. Ces critères sont discriminants, étant donné que les plus jeunes enfants ou ceux présentant certaines psychopathologies ne seront pas en mesure de s’exprimer sur leurs productions. La même conclusion est établie pour d’autres grands singes. Y a-t-il des intentions ou d’autres caractéristiques présentes dans le dessin, même non figuratif, que nous ne décelons pas ? Pour répondre à cette question, des indices objectifs d’analyse fractale ou encore basés sur le nombre de couleurs utilisées ont permis de mettre en lumière des différences entre les groupes étudiés : chimpanzés – humains ; enfants – adultes. Cependant, ces résultats sont limités. En effet, ces analyses ont été faites sur seulement quelques centaines de dessins et les résultats ne permettent pas de différencier des classes d’âge proches. Afin d’aller plus loin dans la différentiation des dessins, des algorithmes de Deep Learning (réseaux de neurones) seront développés pour identifier de manière plus précise les patterns de chaque groupe et ainsi expliquer sur quels aspects reposent ces classifications. Cette avancée méthodologique permettra d’approfondir objectivement notre connaissance du comportement de dessin d’un point de vue phylogénétique et ontogénique.

 

Tâches du stagiaire : Collecte de données, analyse morphométrique des dessins, gestion d’une base de données, analyses statistiques.

 

Lieu de stage : DEPE, IPHC, Campus CNRS Cronenbourg, Strasbourg ; http://www.iphc.cnrs.fr/

 

Encadrants :

- Cédric Sueur, cedric.sueur@iphc.cnrs.fr, IPHC, CNRS-Université de Strasbourg

- Marie Pelé, marie.pele@univ-catholille.fr, Anthropolab, ETHICS, Université Catholique de Lille