Postdoctoral Scientist position

 

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund seeks to recruit a full-time Postdoctoral Scientist to support an NIH-funded international collaborative project on “Great apes and the evolutionary origins of long life: the influences of early life adversity on lifespan and individual frailty in wild chimpanzees and gorillas” (https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10936791).  The overarching goal of this project is to examine how variation in prevalence of and resilience to early life adversity shapes the capacity to achieve long life spans in diverse environments, focusing on human’s closest living relatives. The project leverages detailed life course data (including behavior, demography, ecology and physiology) from three of the most extensively studied populations of wild African great apes, which show differences in behavior, ecology and life span: Virunga mountain gorillas studied by the Fossey Fund’s Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda, and eastern chimpanzees studied by the Gombe Stream Research Center in Tanzania and the Kibale Chimpanzee Project in Uganda. 

 

The Postdoctoral Scientist will join a productive and highly collaborative team of international and interdisciplinary researchers representing all three great ape study sites.  Specifically, this position will support analyses of physiological biomarkers and their integration with other life course datasets.  In the first year of the position, the ideal Candidate will spend time based at the University of Michigan in the U.S.A. and at the Fossey Fund’s Ellen DeGeneres Campus in Rwanda, and would work with Principal Investigators to lead validation and analyses of physiological biomarkers (e.g., measures of stress, inflammation, oxidative stress) from wild mountain gorillas. In subsequent years, more time would be spent engaged in research, data analysis and other activities based in Rwanda. Depending on the applicant’s skill set and interest, we also anticipate opportunities to participate in comparative analyses across study sites in subsequent years.

 

The ideal start date for this position is January-February 2025, with flexibility, and it is anticipated to last for up to three years subject to annual renewal of funds.  To apply, please send an email to Dr. Shannon McFarlin (smcfarlin@gorillafund.org), including a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by December 15, 2024 for full consideration.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completed PhD in biology, zoology, evolutionary anthropology or a related field, or anticipated PhD degree completion within six months of the start date.
• Strong skills in statistical analysis, including coding in R.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and record-keeping skills.
• Strong collaborative skills, and/or experience working as part of a diverse, multicultural and/or international team.
• Ability to travel, including extended periods based in Rwanda.

 

Desired Qualifications: 

The following experience would be advantageous; candidates with one or more of these qualifications are especially encouraged to apply.

• Experience in quantification and analysis of physiological datasets from vertebrate animal populations (e.g., for characterization of stress physiology or other hormone biomarkers, physiological indicators of immune function, physiology of aging), especially experience with enzyme immunoassays (ELISA).
• Experience in the analysis of detailed longitudinal databases generated from vertebrate animal populations.
• Expertise in the behavioral ecology and/or physiology of social mammals (primates or other taxonomic groups).
• Demonstrated record of peer-review publication.

 

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Research Assistant

 The Behavioral Services Unit at the Oregon National Primate Research Center is seeking a Research Assistant to collect behavioral data on groups of captive rhesus macaques for a study on social connectedness and health. Some positive reinforcement training will also be involved. This is a full-time position with funding for 1-2 years. Prior experience with non-human primates preferred but not required.

For more details and to apply: https://externalcareers-ohsu.icims.com/jobs/32244/research-assistant-2/job?hub=6&_gl=1*rzj0s7*_ga*MTM1ODE2NDgxMC4xNzMwMTMwMTQ4*_ga_5Y2BYGL910*MTczMTk2OTQxMi43LjEuMTczMTk2OTQ0NC4yOC4wLjA.&mobile=false&width=1252&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-480&jun1offset=-420

Contact Dr. Kris Coleman (colemank@ohsu.edu) with any questions.

offre de stage

 NOTRE AMBITION
A l’interface entre la recherche fondamentale et le terrain, l’Itavi apporte aux professionnels des filières
avicole, cunicole et piscicole des expertises et des outils pour anticiper et s’adapter aux évolutions
structurelles.
Itavi oriente ses activités techniques en vue de répondre aux objectifs suivants :
o Evaluer et promouvoir les innovations technologiques ;
o Maîtriser la qualité des produits ;
o Apporter des références et réaliser des expertises ;
o Explorer de nouveaux systèmes de production ;
o Anticiper les évolutions structurelles.
Pour mener à bien nos missions, ce ne sont pas moins de 30 experts à l’écoute des problématiques
rencontrés par les professionnels de l’élevage intervenant sur 9 thématiques :
 Economie
 Alimentation et Techniques d’élevage
 Bâtiment et Energie
 Bien-être animal
 Santé Hygiène
 Environnement
 Qualité des produits
 Elevage de précision
 Durabilité
TRANSMETTRE NOS SAVOIRS
Vous préparez un diplôme agri/agro ou un master (bac + 5), voir un niveau inférieur et vous avez envie
de découvrir un univers scientifique passionnant, riche en challenges et en opportunités ? Nous vous
offrons l’opportunité de réaliser votre stage à l’Itavi en vue d’accompagner nos experts dans leur
mission et de vous enrichir d’une expérience au plus près de l’innovation scientifique.
Evaluation du bien-être des poissons : Validation des indicateurs et de
l’applicabilité d’un outil dédié aux fermes truiticoles
Contact
Merci d’adresser un CV et une lettre de motivation à :
Joanna Litt, Responsable thématique bien-être animal – Contact : 06 46 15 72 38, litt@itavi.asso.fr,
Aurélien Tocqueville, Responsable du service pisciculture – Contact : 06 07 03 51 91,
tocqueville@itavi.asso.fr,
Domaine : pisciculture, bien-être animal, évaluation multicritère
Contexte et objectif du projet dans lequel s’inscrit le stage
La prise en compte et l’amélioration du bien-être animal sont devenues centrales ces dernières années
pour les filières de production animale, y compris les poissons d’élevage. Conscients de cet enjeu, l’ITAVI
et la filière piscicole se sont engagés dans une démarche de progrès visant à améliorer les conditions de
vie des animaux en fournissant aux pisciculteurs un outil scientifiquement validé pour objectiver le bien-
être des truites en élevage. C’est dans cette optique qu’a été développée une première version de l’outil
EBENE®, constituant une première avancée significative pour l’amélioration des pratiques d’élevage
dans cette filière.
Cet outil, développé par ailleurs pour les volailles de chair, les poules pondeuses, les palmipèdes gras et
les lapins, repose sur cadre générique structuré et couvrant l’ensemble des principes et critères de bien-
être animal. Il permet à un observateur formé d’évaluer de façon rapide, simple et instantanée le bien-
être des truites directement en élevage, en collectant un ensemble d’indicateurs sanitaires et
comportementaux.
En vue de finaliser l’outil et de le déployer sur le terrain, une dernière étape reste à conduire visant à
s’assurer de la bonne applicabilité de la méthode en conditions terrain réelles et à vérifier certaines
qualités des indicateurs sur un échantillon de fermes. C’est le travail que nous proposons de réaliser dans
le cadre de ce stage.
Objectif du stage et missions :
Le stage proposé vise :
1. à s’assurer de la bonne applicabilité de la méthode en conditions terrain réelles
2. à vérifier certaines qualités des indicateurs sur un échantillon de fermes, telles que leur fiabilité
(importance de l’écart entre des mesures réalisées par deux observateurs réalisant une même
évaluation ou entre deux évaluations successives réalisées par un même observateur), leur
sensibilité (capacité à détecter des écarts signifiants entre systèmes de production), et leur
redondance (relations d’interdépendance entre indicateurs)
3. à proposer le cas échéant des améliorations à l’outil.
Il s’inscrit dans un objectif plus large de progrès et d’accompagnement au changement dans la filière
piscicole.
Pour ce faire, le ou la stagiaire aura pour missions :
- de constituer avec l’aide de ses encadrants un échantillon d’élevages à suivre et de planifier les
visites à réaliser en contactant les éleveurs et en préparant les équipements nécessaires en
amont des visites. Certaines visites nécessiteront l’appui d’un second observateur avec qui il
faudra se coordonner.
- de collecter, saisir et enregistrer les données recueillies lors des visites en suivant
scrupuleusement le protocole pré-défini.
- d’analyser les données en vue d’évaluer les qualités des différents indicateurs
- de proposer des ajustements à réaliser en fonction des résultats obtenus.
Une restitution des résultats auprès d’un public plus large composé des partenaires et d’acteurs du
projet sera organisée en fin de stage. Ce travail contribuera à finaliser l’outil et à préparer son
déploiement opérationnel sur le terrain.
Profil :
 Formation : Bac+5 agro/agri ou Master*
*Le stage pourrait être ouvert à un niveau d’études inférieur très motivé (ex BTS Aquacole) ou réduit à
une période plus courte (minimum 4 mois) selon profil. Le cas échéant une délégation d’une partie de
l’analyse de données vers du personnel interne ou externe à l’ITAVI serait envisagée.
 Compétences : Capacités relationnelles et sens de l’observation, rigueur, organisation et
autonomie. Facilité de travail en équipe. Goût pour le milieu piscicole et le bien-être animal –
une expérience ou de bonnes connaissances en pisciculture et en particulier en élevage de
truites est un plus. Goût pour les déplacements fréquents.
 Autre : le stage implique des déplacements nécessitant d’être véhiculé (frais pris en charge)
Conditions proposées :
Stage de 6 mois* sur le premier semestre 2025, co-encadré par le service Bien-être animal et le
service Pisciculture de l’ITAVI
Poste basé préférentiellement dans les locaux de l’ITAVI à Haut-Mauco, sur le site de l’Agrocampus
(40280)
Indemnités prises en charge :
 Gratification : 659,76 €/mois (conforme à la réglementation) + 50€ d’indemnité de double
résidence (si éloignement > 50 km)
 Forfait repas journalier : 5,2 €/repas
 Ordinateur portable fourni
 Frais de transport domicile/travail selon réglementation en vigueur
 Frais de déplacements remboursés selon les barèmes de l’ITAVI
 1 journée de télétravail autorisé par semaine.
Vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur les activités de l’Itavi ? Retrouvez-nous sur www.itavi.asso.fr

Itavi, expert des filières avicole, cunicole et piscicole

offre de stage

 Project title: Grouping together during hot weather? A study of the collective behaviour of aggregation in sheep.
This call is supported by the #DigitAg consortium within the scope of the French National
Research Agency under the Investments for the Future Program, referred to as
ANR-16-CONV-0004.
In grazing livestock farming systems, sheep express a unique collective behaviour of
aggregation linked with environmental heat. During the expression of this behaviour, which
can last several hours in the event of prolonged heat, individuals no longer ingest. The
collective dynamics associated with the expression of this behaviour, their links with
environmental temperature and the individual or collective fitness associated with the
expression of this behaviour are poorly determined. However, this behaviour well known by
shepherds can be a hindrance to the herd's performance and as well as an issue for the
management of animal welfare. The global evolution of climate and the multiplication of heat
waves in the Mediterranean area accentuate the need to study this behaviour in order to
understand it and propose ways of managing the grazing environment.
During this project, using digital tools, we will focus on the characterisation of (i) the
collective dynamics of grouping (using embedded devices, video recordings and direct visual
observations) and (ii) the local climatic conditions (temperature, humidity and solar radiation
sensors). This monitoring will be carried out in different groups of ewes (2 to 10 individuals)
at the Domaine du Merle (Institut Agro Montpellier, Salon-de-Provence). This monitoring
will be completed by behavioural data, in particular the monitoring of the physiological
parameters responsive to heat stress.
Key-words: Collective behaviour, aggregation, heat stress, animal welfare, embedded sensors
Field site: Domaine du Merle, 13300 Salon de Provence, South of France
Period of work : February/March to August/September 2025
Salary: The candidate will receive a grant of around 614 €/month. Travel and stay expenses
in the field will be paid by the project. Candidates will have to assume their living expenses.
We encourage students to find additional support from their university, or from other
institutions.
Qualification and Skills of candidates: A person with background in ethology / animal
behavior (level of master is preferred) wishing to learn about the digital monitoring of animal
behaviour both in terms of tools and methods or, conversely, a person with an
electronics/computer science/data analyst background wishing to apply their skills to the field
of animal behaviour.
The candidate will have to work in a farm station, to follow a formation with sheepherders to
manage sheep in the barn and in the field. The candidate will be also in charge of the care of
sheep involved in the experiments, which requires strong commitment during the whole week
including week-ends and close collaboration with the staff of the field station. The candidate
will thus be involved in physical activities linked to the management of adult sheep, will
work in the field under relatively hot Mediterranean climate and at dawn and possibly sunset.
The work in the field will be done in close collaboration with another student and possibly
professionals during short stay field periods. Thus, the job requires the capacity to work in a
team.
While French speaking is not mandatory, it will be an advantage in the field station.
People interested will have to contact:
Jean-Baptiste MENASSOL
jean-baptiste.menassol@supagro.fr
https://umr-selmet.cirad.fr/en/l-unite/pages-agents/jean-baptiste-menassol
Richard BON
richard.bon@univ-tlse3.fr
https://cbi-toulouse.fr/eng/page-personnelle-30

Stanford University - Job Posting

 

Stanford University is seeking a Veterinarian 1 to administer appropriate veterinary care to all animals in the Stanford research colonies, and make critical health care decisions in a wide variety of situations. This veterinarian will support the research program of a laboratory aimed at the creation and deployment of a highly novel, large-scale neural interface for direct communication with the brain.

The position has three main functions:

• Provide veterinary oversight of the lab’s animals, leading an enrichment and behavioral training program, and research management.
• Provide veterinary guidance and care where/when needed for a range of large and small animal species and work collaboratively with Stanford’s Animal Care Unit.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, institutional protocols, and voluntary animal welfare laws and regulations, help to develop standard operating procedures for veterinary care and study implementation, help research staff design and implement in vivo studies, train and oversee lab members on animal training, veterinary care, surgical procedures, lab SOPs, and animal use laws and regulations.

Duties include:

Perform veterinary care physical exams, diagnostic work-ups, medical treatment, surgical and non-surgical research procedures, and/or euthanasia, for all species found in the research colony populations.

Ensure accuracy of research and clinical records in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Provide expert care in the areas of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care of research animals.

Develop and manage IACUC protocols with the PI. Assist with preparing and submitting the lab’s animal use procedures for the Administrative Panel on Laboratory Animal Care review and coordinate the monitoring the lab’s approved research projects with the Administrative Panel on Laboratory Animal Care.

Provide assessments of animals prior to intrastate, interstate, and international shipments, including physical examination, review of colony history, and pertinent diagnostic tests.
Supervise other workers, as assigned.
Manage direct reports in the laboratory and oversee all vivarium operations
Serve as a liaison between the lab and the Veterinary Service Center (VSC) to facilitate research activities and ensure animal welfare
Ensure proper anesthesia and pain management for all procedures and postoperative care
Complete pre-op exams, post-op care, and administer controlled substances
Manage surgical sterile preparation, surgical inventory and OR operations
Provide medical and behavioral health monitoring of lab’s animals and oversight of housing
Provide on-call services as assigned
Administer clinical treatments as directed
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, institutional protocols, and voluntary animal welfare laws and regulations
Maintain accurate documentation and medical records in accordance with lab requirements, institutional requirements, and regulatory bodies
Develop and review SOPs to reflect current and best practices and verify training in lab staff.
Develop and manage the lab’s animal training program to achieve voluntary data collection using positive reinforcement

Develop, manage and help implement the lab’s enrichment program

Assist in the design and implementation of in vivo studies
Complete reports as required for research studies

May perform tasks associated with other teams including, but not limited to, animal care or surgery under supervision of someone trained in those areas

* - Other duties may also be assigned

The expected pay range for this position is $160,953 to $197,563 per annum.

Interested applicants please apply directly at: Veterinarian 1 - Stanford University Careers

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

PhD

 

PhD Opportunity, fully funded by the NERC GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership

From cognition to conservation: using cognitive and behavioural research to enhance red-billed chough reintroductions.

Entry Ref: 5400

September 2025 start

Supervisors

Alex Thornton, University of Exeter, Centre for Ecology and Conservation

Rachel Miller, University of Cambridge, Department of Psychology

Malcolm Nicoll, Institute of Zoology

Elizabeth Corry, Wildwood Trust

Malcolm Burgess, University of Exeter, Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour

We are looking for a highly motivated, talented student with broad interests in animal behaviour, cognition and conservation. The project will be based at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in beautiful Cornwall. 

Full details of the project and how to apply are here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5400

If you have any questions about the project, please write to alex.thornton@exeter.ac.uk

 

Project summary:

As cognition shapes animals’ responses to changing environments, cognitive research is increasingly recognised as a key component of conservation. This PhD project aims to use behavioural and cognitive principles to enhance reintroduction attempts of Britain’s most endangered corvid, the red-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax.   

Working with an interdisciplinary supervisory team of cognitive biologists and conservationists (including Paradise Park and CASE partners Wildwood Trust, coordinators of the chough reintroduction scheme in Kent), the project will incorporate controlled experiments, behavioural observations and population monitoring on up to 80 captive and released choughs in Kent and Cornwall.  

Specific research directions are flexible, but broadly, we aim to (1) quantify individual variation in cognitive abilities likely to impact adaptability and survival (e.g. self-control, innovation, social learning, exploration) and (2) relate this to fitness-relevant measures like body condition, stress responses and reproductive success in captivity and the wild. We will then (3) use findings to (a) establish real-world consequences of cognitive performance on behaviour, survival and reproductive success post-release (b) inform release decisions, (c) develop targeted pre-release training and d) expand release protocols. Each objective will be co-developed with the student, with extensive opportunities for you to shape project development according to your interests and the accumulating evidence.