Behavioral ecology of lance-tailed manakins in Panama. Three positions are available 15 Feb to 25 Jun 2009 for an ongoing behavioral study of female mate choice in lance-tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) in Panama. Females of this small, lekking bird "shop" among males that display in cooperative pairs on dispersed display territories. Assistants will be involved in work investigating questions such as how indirect genetic benefits affect female mate choice, why dominant males tolerate subordinate cooperators, and how male experience affects display performance. Assistants' responsibilities include daily maintenance of an automated telemetry system tracking, conducting many hour-long behavioral observations at display sites, nest-searching through dense secondary-growth forest, and mistnetting birds for banding and blood sampling, as well as data entry and organizational tasks. Experience in one or more of these areas is strongly preferred. Applicants should have a very strong interest in birds, animal behavior, and field biology. This position is particularly suitable for people interested in graduate studies in behavioral ecology. The field crew will live and work on a remote island off of Panama's Pacific coast and share one-room housing, and can expect to have no internet or phone access for up to two weeks at a time: experience working in isolated field settings and/or living in close quarters is highly desirable. Applicants should be enthusiastic and physically fit: the terrain is steep, the weather is very hot and humid, and there's an abundance of biting insects and a healthy population of snakes. Expect to work long days (7am-6pm six days a week), be woken at 4 am by howler monkeys on a regular basis, and see some amazing bird behavior. Round-trip airfare to Panama (max of $1000), food, housing, and required transportation within Panama will be provided, as well as a one-time $500 bonus to help defray any additional personal expenses (e.g. health insurance coverage or independent travel costs). For more information on the research, see http://www.bio.fsu.edu/faculty-duval.php To apply, send: 1) coverletter explaining your motivation to work on this project, 2) resume, 3) email and phone numbers of three references to: DR. EMILY DUVAL, Florida State University Department of Biological Science, (EM: ehduval AT bio.fsu.edu), Review of applications will continue until positions are filled. Please note that because assistants receive extensive on-site training, only applications for the entire field season can be considered.