recherche : fondation Fyssen, fin : 31 octobre 2008

FONDATION FYSSEN
194 rue de Rivoli - 75001 PARIS
Tél : 01 42 97 53 16 – Fax : 01 42 60 17 95

http://www.fondation-fyssen.org

LA FONDATION FYSSEN a pour objectif général de "promouvoir sous toutes ses formes, l’analyse scientifique des mécanismes logiques du comportement animal et humain, ainsi que leur développement ontogénétique et phylogénétique". Les domaines de recherche répondant à ces objectifs sont : l’éthologie, la psychologie, la neurobiologie, l’anthropologie, l’ethnologie, la paléontologie humaine et l’archéologie.

Dans le cadre de ses activités, la FONDATION FYSSEN attribuera un certain nombre de : "SUBVENTIONS DE RECHERCHE"

Elles s’adressent aux jeunes chercheurs français et étrangers, après post-doc, de moins de 35 ans pour les sciences biologiques et de moins de 40 ans pour les sciences humaines, de préférence déjà titulaire d'un poste, qui s’établiront de façon indépendante en constituant autour d'eux une équipe de recherche afin de mener à bien une opération scientifique collective au sein d’une structure d’accueil en France dont l’activité entre dans les objectifs de la Fondation.

Une priorité sera donnée aux chercheurs qui développeront leur projet dans un laboratoire différent de celui où ils ont obtenu leur doctorat et de celui (ceux) où ils travaillent actuellement.

La subvention pourra être de l’ordre de 15.000 à 30.000 Euros, non renouvelable. Le financement de gros matériels supérieurs à 7.500 Euros est exclu.

Un an après l’attribution, les chercheurs devront fournir un rapport financier détaillé de l’utilisation du financement ainsi qu’un court rapport scientifique en français.

Le dossier 2008 doit comprendre :
1. formulaire de demande de Subvention de recherche (à télécharger sur notre site)
2. lettre de soutien du laboratoire d’accueil, avec l'original dans le dossier N°1
3. lettres de recommandation de deux personnalités scientifiques extérieures au laboratoire d’accueil, avec les originaux dans le dossier N°1
4. curriculum vitae et liste des publications du candidat
5. description du projet de recherche (5 pages maximum)
6. description du budget prévisionnel
7. liste des personnes pressenties pour travailler sur le projet de recherche
8. liste des autres financements sollicités
9. résumé du projet de recherche en Français et en Anglais : sur une seule page.

Le dossier complet doit être adressé par courrier en 15 exemplaires au Secrétariat de la Fondation Fyssen, 194 rue de Rivoli - 75001 PARIS.

DATE LIMITE DE RECEPTION DES CANDIDATURES à la Fondation :
31 OCTOBRE 2008

Influence du statut sanitaire sur la nutrition et la croissance des animaux et l'hétérogénéité des troupeaux en élevage porcin

Date de diffusion : 27/08/2008
Date de première diffusion : 27/08/2008
Date de fin de parution prévue : 30/12/2008

POSTE A POURVOIR

UMR1079 (INRA/Agrocampus Rennes) Systèmes d'élevage nutrition animale et humaine (SENAH), équipe "Alimentation et Métabolismes"

Contexte socio-économique et scientifique
La dégradation du statut sanitaire est un facteur limitant des résultats techniques et économiques des élevages porcins. Elle conduit à un accroissement des coûts alimentaires pour l'éleveur et des rejets dans l'environnement. Une meilleure connaissance des effets du statut sanitaire sur la nutrition permettra de mieux prédire les conséquences de ces interactions sur la croissance de l'animal et la qualité des carcasses et des viandes.
Les effets sur la croissance d'un statut sanitaire dégradé peuvent être le fait des trois composantes de la nutrition (ingestion, digestion et métabolisme). La quantité d'aliment ingérée par des animaux malades est inférieure à celle d'animaux sains (Sandberg et al, 2005). Cette diminution est bien caractérisée chez des animaux malades, infectés par des bactéries ou des virus. Qu'en est-il chez des animaux ayant un mauvais statut sanitaire entraînant des maladies sub-cliniques ? Mais la baisse de l'ingestion n'expliquerait pas à elle seule la baisse de croissance observée (Sandberg et al, 2007). L'efficacité digestive est altérée chez des animaux ayant des maladies digestives mais serait peu modifiée lors d'infection modérée (Sandberg et al, 2007). Elle pourrait peut-être même être améliorée, en réponse à une baisse d'ingestion. L'utilisation métabolique des protéines et de l'énergie alimentaire serait modifiée chez les animaux malades. Mais ce sujet a été peu étudié chez des animaux élevés dans de mauvaises conditions sanitaires. On sait que globalement, les besoins en protéines pour le fonctionnement basal de l’organisme sont accrus (Le Floch et al, 2004), en lien avec des besoins spécifiques pour les fonctions de défense. Mais ces besoins sont encore peu caractérisés et peu quantifiés. De plus, il existe une forte variabilité de réponse à un état sanitaire dégradé entre les individus. Quelle est l'ampleur de cette variabilité et quels sont les mécanismes sous-jacents ?
Les conséquences d'un problème de santé ponctuel sur la croissance des animaux ont été étudiées sur des échelles de temps courtes. Les conséquences à plus long terme, voire sur l'ensemble de la vie de l'animal, sont peu connues. Une des questions est de savoir si des animaux qui ont un retard de croissance à un moment donné de leur vie sont capables de rattraper ce retard par des phénomènes de croissance compensatrice comme observé suite à des restrictions alimentaires (Heyer et Lebret, 2007). Cette croissance compensatrice est-elle identique pour les tissus gras et maigre, sachant que le rapport entre tissus maigre et gras est un élément déterminant de la qualité des carcasses ?

Dans ce contexte, les objectifs de la thèse sont 1) de quantifier l'influence du statut sanitaire sur les performances de l'animal (vitesse de croissance et composition du gain de poids) et du troupeau (variabilité entre les individus) sur l'ensemble du cycle de production du porc charcutier et 2) d'étudier les mécanismes nutritionnels qui expliquent cet effet, en lien avec l'utilisation de l'aliment.






Programme de travail
Etape 1. Analyse de bases de données issues d'élevages expérimentaux. L'objectif est de quantifier les conséquences (valeurs moyennes et variabilité) d'un statut sanitaire satisfaisant ou dégradé, sur la croissance des porcs (jusqu'à l'abattage) et sur la qualité des carcasses (âge à l'abattage, Taux de Muscle des Pièces). L'approche proposée est une analyse statistique des bases de données existantes dans les élevages expérimentaux (INRA Saint-Gilles, IFIP Romillé, CRAB Crécom).
Etape 2. Expérimentation in vivo - station expérimentale INRA, Saint-Gilles. L'objectif est de valider sur des modèles expérimentaux in vivo les résultats obtenus à l'échelle de l'élevage (étape 1) et d'identifier les réponses nutritionnelles qui expliquent les modifications de la croissance et de la qualité des carcasses. Le modèle expérimental utilisé sera un challenge non infectieux consistant à élever des animaux dans des conditions sanitaires optimisées ou dégradées (Le Floch et al, 2004).
Etape 3. Modélisation des interactions entre statut sanitaire et nutrition. La troisième étude consistera à réaliser des simulations avec le modèle de croissance InraPorc (Van Milgen et al, 2005). Cette étude aura pour objectif de tester les différentes hypothèses de mécanismes permettant d'expliquer les conséquences du statut sanitaire sur la croissance (modification de l'ingestion, de la digestion, du métabolisme et de la variabilité inter-individuelle de ce critère). Ces hypothèses conduiront à de nouveaux paramétrages du modèle. La comparaison des résultats obtenus par simulation avec ceux obtenus par analyse des bases de données et mesurées dans l'essai in vivo permettront de valider ou d'invalider les hypothèses posées.


Collaborations
La première étape de la thèse sera réalisée en partenariat avec Paulo Lovatto, professeur à l'Université de Santa Maria au Brésil et actuellement en année sabbatique au laboratoire. Les aspects relatifs aux qualités des carcasses et des viandes seront menés avec l'aide de Maryline Kouba, Professeur à Agrocampus Rennes.

Par ailleurs un comité de pilotage sera constitué. Il réunira des personnalités de l'Ecole Nationale vétérinaire de Nantes, des Chambres d'agriculture de Bretagne, de l'Institut de la Filière Porcine et de l'AFSSA.

Le candidat devra présenter un intérêt pour les approches à des échelles de l'animal et de l'élevage. Il possèdera des compétences en biologie animale et en statistiques. Il devra être autonome et rigoureux, ouvert d'esprit et aimer le travail en équipe.

Nature du financement : Financement public type bourse
Précision sur le financement : financement région Bretagne
Salaire : env 1400 euro net /mois

MODALITE DE DEPOT DE CANDIDATURE

contact :
Lucile Montagne, 02 23 48 59 08, e.mail montagne@agrocampus-rennes.fr
Jaap van Milgen, 02 23 48 56 44, e.mail : jaap.vanmilgen@rennes.inra.fr

Lors de vos contacts, merci de mentionner l'association Bernard Gregory et la référence de cette offre

AERES

Vous envisagez de faire votre thèse et vous recherchez des informations sur une école doctorale, la qualité du suivi des doctorants, la vie étudiante... Faites donc un détour par le site web de l'AERES.
La suite ici

Demi-poste d'ATER, Saint-Etienne

Un demi-poste d'ATER est disponible immédiatement au laboratoire "Ecologie & Neuro-Ethologie Sensorielles EA3988" de l'Université Jean Monnet. L'activité de recherche porte sur les communications parents-jeunes chez les oiseaux. L'enseignement s'effectue à l'IUT de Saint-Etienne (TP et TD de biologie). Merci de contacter TRES RAPIDEMENT Clémentine Vignal à l'adresse suivante : Clementine.Vignal@univ-st-etienne.fr
Conditions pour postuler : soit avoir terminer sa thèse (ou à la rigueur avoir prévu la soutenance avant Noël prochain), soit être titulaire d'un M2 + fonctionnaire de catégorie A (CAPES, Agrégation).

Volunteer Research Assistant

Hiring Organization:
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, a cooperative program of Drexel University (Philadelphia, USA) and the National University of Equatorial Guinea (Equatorial Guinea, Central/West Africa)

Date Posted:
2008-08-19

Position Description:
Volunteer Research Assistant (10 needed) on an annual 3 week expedition (~January 2 – 24, 2009) to survey primate populations in Bioko Island's remote Gran Caldera de Luba.

The most recent expedition (January 2008) is the subject of a 22 page feature article in the August 2008 issue of National Geographic magazine. That’s your best introduction to where you will be going and what you will be doing. However, here’s some background:

Bioko Island has 7 endemic monkey species including two of Africa's most threatened, the drill and Pennant’s red colobus. All seven are found in the pristine Gran Caldera de Luba, a spectacular naturally protected volcanic crater on the southwestern coast of Bioko Island. This area is accessible only in the dry season (December through February), and then only by boat and a 2-day up-river hike. The Gran Caldera consists of undisturbed tropical monsoon forest; it was rarely visited in the past, and recently (last 10 years) our expedition has provided the only visitors (except for illegal commercial hunters).

This expedition, with a total of 20 scientists and volunteers, typically spends 2 weeks camped in the Caldera to complete the census, plus additional time tagging the four species of nesting sea turtles (mostly leatherbacks with 4000 nests and green turtles with 1000 nests) that visit the adjacent black sand beaches. Primate group encounter rate is very high (up to 2.3 groups/km on some trails). The expedition also includes local participants from the national university (UNGE) and from the isolated Bubi village of Ureca. The work is conducted in English, but the official language of Equatorial Guinea is Spanish.

Qualifications/Experience:
Research Assistants must be physically fit and willing to endure primitive work conditions. In addition to a commitment to biodiversity preservation, a sense of humor and knowledge of Spanish are helpful characteristics. Students must be at least sophomore level in their home university. Adult volunteers must be over the age of 21.

Salary/funding:
The cost of participation is $3000, which covers on-island expenses. Participants are expected to provide their own air transport and medical evacuation insurance. Academic credit is available through Drexel University, but at an extra charge. Many students arrange for credit (independent study) through their home university.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The participation fee of $3000 covers your on-island costs: housing and meals in the capital city of Malabo; transport to the field site including boats, trucks, and porters; field facilities including tents, food and equipment. It also covers the pre-trip educational materials and on-site training in field techniques.
Modest BBPP scholarships are available for undergraduates or graduate students with particularly useful skills. No additional financial support is available from BBPP, but students are often able to get financial assistance from their home universities.

Term of Appointment:
January 2-24, 2009

Application Deadline:
September 30, 2008

Comments:
See the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Website (www.bioko.org) for details and an on-line application form.

Contact Information:
Gail W. Hearn
3200 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA

Telephone Number:
215 895 1476

Fax Number:
215 895 1273

Website:
http://www.bioko.org

E-mail Address:
gwh26@drexel.edu

Volunteer for Projet Grands Singes, Cameroon

Hiring Organization:
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, a cooperative program of Drexel University (Philadelphia, USA) and the National University of Equatorial Guinea (Equatorial Guinea, Central/West Africa)

Date Posted:
2008-08-19

Position Description:
Volunteer Research Assistant (10 needed) on an annual 3 week expedition (~January 2 – 24, 2009) to survey primate populations in Bioko Island's remote Gran Caldera de Luba.

The most recent expedition (January 2008) is the subject of a 22 page feature article in the August 2008 issue of National Geographic magazine. That’s your best introduction to where you will be going and what you will be doing. However, here’s some background:

Bioko Island has 7 endemic monkey species including two of Africa's most threatened, the drill and Pennant’s red colobus. All seven are found in the pristine Gran Caldera de Luba, a spectacular naturally protected volcanic crater on the southwestern coast of Bioko Island. This area is accessible only in the dry season (December through February), and then only by boat and a 2-day up-river hike. The Gran Caldera consists of undisturbed tropical monsoon forest; it was rarely visited in the past, and recently (last 10 years) our expedition has provided the only visitors (except for illegal commercial hunters).

This expedition, with a total of 20 scientists and volunteers, typically spends 2 weeks camped in the Caldera to complete the census, plus additional time tagging the four species of nesting sea turtles (mostly leatherbacks with 4000 nests and green turtles with 1000 nests) that visit the adjacent black sand beaches. Primate group encounter rate is very high (up to 2.3 groups/km on some trails). The expedition also includes local participants from the national university (UNGE) and from the isolated Bubi village of Ureca. The work is conducted in English, but the official language of Equatorial Guinea is Spanish.

Qualifications/Experience:
Research Assistants must be physically fit and willing to endure primitive work conditions. In addition to a commitment to biodiversity preservation, a sense of humor and knowledge of Spanish are helpful characteristics. Students must be at least sophomore level in their home university. Adult volunteers must be over the age of 21.

Salary/funding:
The cost of participation is $3000, which covers on-island expenses. Participants are expected to provide their own air transport and medical evacuation insurance. Academic credit is available through Drexel University, but at an extra charge. Many students arrange for credit (independent study) through their home university.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The participation fee of $3000 covers your on-island costs: housing and meals in the capital city of Malabo; transport to the field site including boats, trucks, and porters; field facilities including tents, food and equipment. It also covers the pre-trip educational materials and on-site training in field techniques.
Modest BBPP scholarships are available for undergraduates or graduate students with particularly useful skills. No additional financial support is available from BBPP, but students are often able to get financial assistance from their home universities.

Term of Appointment:
January 2-24, 2009

Application Deadline:
September 30, 2008

Comments:
See the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Website (www.bioko.org) for details and an on-line application form.

Contact Information:
Gail W. Hearn
3200 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA

Telephone Number:
215 895 1476

Fax Number:
215 895 1273

Website:
http://www.bioko.org

E-mail Address:
gwh26@drexel.edu

Cadres et plus....un nouveau site

Qu'est-ce que Cadres et Plus ?
Cadres et Plus est une association Loi 1901. Cette association a mis en place un site Internet destiné aux cadres en recherche d'emploi. Ceux-ci peuvent publier un blog personnel et insérer leur CV.
La particularité de Cadres et plus est de fonctionner en mode Push.
Régulièrement, les nouvelles publications sont valorisées auprès des cabinets de recrutement et des entreprises enregistrés dans une base de données (principalement en région Centre et en région parisienne). Ces prospects reçoivent une lettre d'information.


Quelles sont les conditions pour bénéficier de ce service ?
Ce service est entièrement GRATUIT. Il est ouvert à tous les cadres en recherche d'emploi ou désireux de changer d'emploi.

Comment disposer de ce service ?
Il faut se rendre directement sur le site Cadres et plus : http://www.cadres-et-plus.fr
Les modalités de publication sont comparables à celles d'un blog. De plus, un guide d'édition est téléchargeable depuis l'espace personnel.

RDV ici

Research Assistant

Hiring Organization:
Azafady

Date Posted:
2008-08-07

Position Description:
This is a new post created due to the success and expansion of the Lemur Venture conservation programme run by Azafady in the protected areas around Fort Dauphin in South East Madagascar.

The programme began in 2007 and has rapidly grown. In order that we maintain the current level of research expertise and care of the volunteers taking part in the programme, we are now looking to increase the capacity of our team with this additional post.

Overview of the post.

You will assist the Project Co-ordinator in developing and implementing a conservation programme for lemurs. To do this effectively you will need to gain an understanding of the dynamics between the conservation of lemurs and local communities and develop mechanisms to ensure that conservation has a positive impact on the community. The work you do will be based on the collection and analysis of detailed field research and engagement with the local community.

The programme will be delivered through working alongside teams of local Malagasy staff and dedicated, short term, overseas volunteers.

Main Duties and Responsibilities.

1. To assist the Lemur Venture Co-ordinator in developing and implementing a programme of research to cover primates, vegetation and human communities living within or close to primate habitats.

2. To lead sections of the research with groups of volunteers including management during the activity and compilation of data.

3. To assist in managing the collection and processing of accurate field data for all survey components

4. To produce sections of technical reports and scientific papers to agreed deadlines

5. To assist with non-research based activities relevant to the conservation programme including environmental education, reforestation activities, community mapping and community interaction.

6. To assist in the training and management of volunteers and other participants where necessary and supervise them during the conservation programme

7. To assist in managing and supervising the maintenance of the projects scientific resources and equipment

8. To assist with the logistical operations relating to the project including the administration and management of finances, production of reports, allocation, use and maintenance of resources.

9. To assist in the management, health and safety and welfare of local staff and volunteers

10. To deputise for the Lemur Venture Co-ordinator as required.

Qualifications/Experience:
Person Specification.

Essential.

Postgraduate in an environmental, biological or other related discipline
Commitment to integrated conservation and development projects
Experience of data analysis and report writing
Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills
Good administrative skills
Ability to manage own time and work to deadlines
Ability to train, manage and lead a small team
Excellent team working and motivational skills
Ability to work in and contribute to easy going and amiable group living conditions
Personally resilient and able to cope with isolating field conditions
Ability to cope with basic living conditions with good humour
Flexible to changing circumstances
Physically fit
First Aid qualification

Desirable.

Experience of field research
Experience of a tropical country
Knowledge of natural resource management and rural development
Knowledge of lemur research and conservation in Madagascar
Experience of GIS applications
Familiarity of field operational logistics
Desire to learn Malagasy

Salary/funding:
All expenses (flights, visas, vaccinations, insurance, personal equipment, some food, and general living costs) to be covered by the volunteer.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Whilst in the field (8 weeks out of every 12), food is provided and own tent is required. Basic accommodation provided when in town (4 weeks out of 12) but volunteer will have to cover own food expenses.

Term of Appointment:
Minimum 6 months. 12 months preferred,

Application Deadline:
Ongoing until filled

Comments:
E-mail CV and covering letter to mark@azafady.org

Contact Information:
Mark Jacobs
Azafady, Studio 7, 1 A Beethoven Street
London W10 4LG
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+44 (0) 208 960 6629

Website:
http://www.madagascar.co.uk

E-mail Address:
mark@azafady.org

assisting kea field research

We are looking for people interested to assist our kea research in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand, during the period from start of October 2008 until end of May 2009. The project investigates the social behaviour and physical cognition of Nestor notabilis, an endemic mountain

parrot. The research includes nest site observations, radio tracking adult and fledged kea, and conducting simple intelligence tests.

It requires strong physical condition (incl. being weather-proof), experience to walk in steep mountains, good feeling for animal behaviour, strong interest in research (proper data recording and following protocols) and minor interest to earn money.

The project is run by the University of Vienna (FWF P19087-B17) with research permit of the Department of Conservation (CA-20594-FAU). Participation for a minimal duration of three month is required.

People interested in assisting contact Dr. Gyula Gajdon asap by email
(gyula.gajdon@univie.ac.at), with ‘assisting kea field research’ as the email’s subject and including a letter of motivation, information about possible periods for participating and a cv referring to the requirements listed above.

Dr. Gyula K. GAJDON

---------------------------------------------------

Department of Neurobiology and Cognition Research

University of Vienna

Althanstrasse 14

A-1091 Vienna

Austria

Email: gyula.gajdon@univie.ac.at

WWW: http://www.nc.univie.ac.at/index.php?id=7246

NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN PRIMATE COGNITION

The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park (SI/NZP) in collaboration with The George Washington University (GWU), Ape Mind Initiate (AMI) is soliciting applications from qualified candidates with a doctoral degree and a specialization in Primate Cognition. The primary focus of the research is to support a National Science Foundation funded program, “The Evolution of Cultural Learning” directed by Dr. Francys Subiaul. This comparative research program focuses on studying different types of imitation learning (e.g., motor-spatial and cognitive imitation) in human children and apes (subiaul.com/ami.html). This position is part of the Think Tank and Great Ape House research program, which are home to 6 orangutans and 6 gorillas. Emphasis will be placed on a new education/research direction that will involve the public as well as high school and university students in the AMI, SI/NZP research program.

The position is for 2 years with the possibility of renewal. Salary will be competitive but limited by NSF funding constraints. Applications should be sent electronically and include: a letter of interest and a letter of research stating how the applicant’s own interests and experiences are compatible with the funded research program, a CV, and the names of three referees including emails and current affiliation. Applicants should submit all application materials to Dr. F. Subiaul subiaul@gwu.edu. Questions about the zoo program may be directed to Lisa Stevens, Curator, Primates and Giant Pandas (stevenslm@si.edu). Only complete applications and candidates with doctoral degrees (or those who anticipate a Ph.D. by the start of the appointment) will be considered. The review of applications will begin on July 1 and continue until the position has been filled.

**************************************
Francys Subiaul, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Mind, Brain & Evolution Center
Speech & Hearing Science
The George Washington University

2115 G Street, N.W. # 204
Washington, D.C. 20052
202-994-7208 (Office)
202-994-1344 (Lab)
202-994-2589 (Fax)
subiaul@gwu.edu (Email)
subiaul.com (Web)

Field assistant wanted ? Falkland Islands ? late Sept 2008 to late Dec 2009

/Can you:/
/Mist-net small birds?/
/Work long hours unsupervised in harsh natural conditions?/
/Contribute to your own expenses?/



/The project/

We are investigating the behaviour and breeding ecology of two species of plover in the Falkland Islands by monitoring colour-ringed individuals through time. This will be the fourth year of tracking breeding and survival of these populations.

We are interested in the effects of predation and genetic divergence on behaviour and survival of several different Falkland Islands bird species; working at a site which has no introduced mammals, we will investigate the importance of avian predation on different prey species, and also collect DNA samples from different species for comparison with related populations in mainland South America.

Lastly, we are designing and trialling a protocol for monitoring the abundance of several different species of landbird at a given site –monitoring which is vitally important for the persistence of vulnerable island populations.

See my webpage here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/biodiversity-lab/stclair.html for a brief (and only slightly out-of-date) description of my project.



/The place/

The study site is on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands
(http://www.sealionisland.com/index.php/uk/38/) which is a Ramsar wetland of international importance, an Important Bird Area, an Important Plant Area, and an incipient National Park. Accommodation on the islands is in a Portakabin, with intermittent heating and hot water. The only buildings on the island belong to Sea Lion Lodge, which is a hotel visited mainly by birders and wildlife photographers. The island has colonies of three penguin species, southern giant petrel and other seabirds, a healthy population of striated caracara and large breeding populations of elephant seals; it is a beautiful and inspiring place to work. However, weather can be harsh and a great deal of walking is required to cover the study site.



/The job/

The job run from mid to late September 2008 to late December 2008. It will consist of a short period of training with me, and then up to three months of independent work with minimal supervision, as I will be working elsewhere in the islands for much of this time. You will be searching for nests (all species) and individual plovers/families and monitoring survival until outcome using re-visits and nest cameras. You will make focal observations on some nests to determine incubation routines and the effects of extreme weather on cooperation between parent birds.

A number of different landbird species will be captured by mist-netting for blood sampling and biometric measurement.

Lastly, a monitoring protocol for land-bird abundance will be trialled to quantify repeatability and usefulness. The monitoring is planned to be continued by community participation and will involve marking out a transect route and encouraging visitors to collect data.



/The candidate/

This is a volunteer post – applicants must be willing to pay for their own transport to the study site, and to contribute to their expenses once there.

You will be a keen birder with sharp eyes and plenty of experience of mist-netting small passerines. You must be personable and happy to engage with visitors to the island, to explain the project and encourage participation in bird monitoring. You must be physically fit, hard-working and meticulous and have a proven ability to work independently. As you will appreciate from the project description, this is a very diverse project which will involve many different challenges. A proven ability to collect high-quality data is essential (i.e. a good degree in a biological subject or equivalent experience) and you should be prepared to type up your data in the evenings and during stormy weather! You must have a positive attitude and an ability to look after yourself – this means cooking your own meals and being capable of working alone for a substantial period of time, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is a payphone and slow internet access at the Lodge, so you will be able to make and receive calls and emails to/from loved ones.



/Costs/

I fly from the UK via the RAF airbridge, which at the reduced rate for researchers costs £1275, although it may be possible to fly through South America on the LanChile airline for less money. I expect that a budget of *£2000* would cover your flights and expenses for the whole field season; in reality, expenses should be considerably less. To put this in context, a tourist flying from the UK to Sea Lion Island will pay ~£2,200 for return flights, and £133 per night for accommodation!



/Interested?/

Please send a current CV with an email stating why you feel you are a strong candidate to me at jjhsc20@bath.ac.uk
I will also need the contact details of two referees.

If you have any questions, please direct them to me at the same email address or give me a bell on UK 01225 385 437.

Volunteer biologist

Hiring Organization:
Gola Forest Programme

Date Posted:
2008-08-01

Position Description:
A volunteer field biology position is available at the Gola Forest Reserves, Sierra Leone. The Gola Forest Reserves, located in southeastern Sierra Leone, are managed by the Gola Forest Programme (GFP), a partnership between the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), and the Government of Sierra Leone. The Gola Forest is part of the Upper Guinea Forest Region, a “biodiversity hotspot” and thus contains a high level of species diversity and endemism. The GFP has over 100 staff, including a Research and Monitoring department. Research in Gola focuses on documenting the distribution, abundance, and ecology of flora and fauna in the Reserves, focusing on endemic, vulnerable, and endangered species. The forest contains a wide variety of interesting and eclectic animal species such as Jentick’s duikers, pygmy hippos, western chimpanzees, bongo, forest buffalo, the white-necked picathartes, and 10 species of primates.

The Gola forest is home to two endangered monkey species: the Western red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus badius) and the Diana monkey (Cercopithecus diana). The ability to aid in their conservation is partially reliant on knowledge of their patterns of abundance and distribution as well as their habitat requirements. One way to better understand these facets are to conduct studies on their feeding and ranging behavior. In response to those needs, the GFP has initiated a monkey ecology project.

Position duties:

The volunteer(s) would be expected to commit to one year with the project, and will be in the field for the majority of this time. Duties will include:

●Assisting in habituation
●Collecting data on diet and ranging behavior
●Collecting data on Diana monkey seed dispersal behavior
●Writing weekly reports
●Training local staff in data collection
●Taking part in a chimpanzee survey scheduled for late 2008 to early 2009 and/or
●Taking part in a monkey survey of the entire Reserve, scheduled for early to mid 2009

Habituation and data collection will be conducted with one or more of the following people: a GFP research technician, a local field guide, a Sierra Leonean student.

Qualifications/Experience:
Position requirements :

-Bsc in zoology, biology, environmental studies, or other related discipline
-Previous field experience, especially in biological data collection
-Previous experience working in a developing country
-Previous experience studying primates advantageous, but not required
-Candidate must be physically fit

The idea candidate will:

·Be extremely responsible, organized, and motivated

·Be able to work independently but also as part of a team with local staff

·Have a keen interest in all aspects of tropical biology and be willing to learn and exchange knowledge with local staff

·Be able to live in basic conditions

·Be considerate to local culture

·Be committed to conservation

This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience for graduate school and/or make a contribution towards conserving Sierra Leone’s wildlife, which has received little attention until now due to the previous civil war. Opportunities to conduct small, independent thesis projects are possible, but the habituation and data collection for the GFP monkey ecology project takes priority. A potential thesis project must have an ecological or conservation emphasis, the candidate must be able to demonstrate it will not interfere with job duties, and it must be approved by the GFP.

Salary/funding:
-Modest monthly stipend

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
-One roundtrip airticket, to be reimbursed after completion of the contract
-Transportation to and from Freetown for airflight
-Housing while in the field and simple accomodation in Kenema, our office headquarters


The successful candidate will be responsible for:

-Health insurance with emergency evacuation (REQUIRED)
-Necessary vaccinations
-Sierra Leonean visa

Term of Appointment:
one year

Application Deadline:
15 September 2008

Comments:
If you are interested in this position please email a curriculum vitae with the names and contact details of 3 references and a covering letter to Dr. Jessica Ganas, Superintendent of Research and Monitoring, Gola Forest Programme (jessica.ganas@rspb.org.uk) before 15 September 2008.

Contact Information:
Jessica Ganas
133 Dama Road
Kenema
Sierra Leone

Telephone Number:
232 (0)76 271 091

E-mail Address:
jessica.ganas@rspb.org.uk