UFAW Animal Welfare Conference

York Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, 30th June 2010

Animal welfare is a cross-disciplinary area of science that is attracting increasing interest and funding and is being widely employed to guide and inform legislation and practice relating to the use of animals. Much, however, still remains to be understood. As part of its commitment to improving the way we understand and care for animals, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare is holding the second of a series of one-day conferences on ‘Recent advances in animal welfare science’ on 30th June 2010.

Programme details:
Speakers who will be contributing talks to the conference include the following:

• Burton K, Hall C, Wells C and Billett E (Nottingham Trent University, UK)
The Validation Of Infrared Thermography As A Non-Invasive Tool To Assess Welfare In The Horse (Equus caballus)

• Hänninen L, Hokkanen AH, Pastell M, de Passille AM, Rushen J, Hepola H and Raussi S (University of Helsinki and MTT Agri-Food Finland, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada)
Sleep As A Welfare Measure?

• Hothersall R, Caplen G, Murrell J, Nasr M, Nicol C, Waterman-Pearson A and Weeks C (University of Bristol, UK)
Development Of New Techniques To Assess Pain In Domestic Chickens

• Ribó O, Candiani D and Alpigiani I (European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Italy)
Development Of The EFSA Guidance On Risk Assessment For Animal Welfare

• Sherlock L, Cheng Z, Wathes CM and Wathes DC (Royal Veterinary College, UK)
Using Microarrays To Examine Production-Based Stress And Associated Welfare Problems In The Broiler Chicken

• Silva C, Laing N, Mellor DJ and Ellis K (University of Glasgow and Clyde Veterinary Group, Lanark, UK)
Using Abattoir Surveillance To Quantify Welfare Problems Associated With Tagging Sheep's Ears

• Walsh C, Douglas C, Bédué A, Bateson M and Edwards S (Newcastle University, UK and ENITA de Clermont Ferrand, France)
Tests Of Cognitive Bias Can Inform On Pigs Subjective Affective State

There will be a poster session during the lunch break which will feature over 40 presentations. Further details, including the full programme of speakers and a registration form, can be found on the UFAW website. Registration is from 8.30, with talks starting at 9.30 and ending at 17.50.

Other details:
UFAW intends these conferences on recent advances (the first of which was held in 2008) to become a regular event that provide a forum at which the broad community of scientists, veterinarians and others concerned with animal welfare can come together to share knowledge and practice, discuss advances and exchange ideas and views. As part of this commitment, and to ensure that the meeting is accessible to widest range of those with an interest in animal welfare, UFAW aims to keep the registration fee to attend the conferences low, this year it is just £20. Note: This price includes refreshments but delegates will need to make their own arrangements for lunch.

Venue:
The conference is being held in York, in the medieval Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate YO1 9XD. Located next to the pedestrianised centre of York and built in 1357, the timbered Hall and Undercroft make up one of the best preserved medieval guild halls in the world.

Background to UFAW:
UFAW, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, is an internationally-recognised, independent, scientific and educational animal welfare charity. The organization promotes high standards of welfare for farm, companion, laboratory and captive wild animals and those with which we interact in the wild.

Contact Details:
Stephen Wickens, Development Officer, UFAW, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, AL4 8AN, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1582 831818; Fax: +44 (0) 1582 831414; Website: www.ufaw.org.uk; Email: wickens@ufaw.org.uk

Offre d’emploi d’enquêteur à la Protection mondiale des animaux de ferme

Type de contrat : Contrat de 4 à 6 mois renouvelable. Possibilité de CDI au terme du contrat.
Lieu : Le poste est basé au siège de l’association, à Metz, en Moselle. Mais environ deux semaines pas mois de déplacement sont à prévoir.

La Protection mondiale des animaux de ferme (PMAF) recherche un/une enquêteur(trice).

Vos missions consisteront à :

• Inspecter des élevages et identifier les pratiques bénéfiques ou préjudiciables au bien-être des animaux.
• Visiter les marchés aux bestiaux et les centres de rassemblement d’animaux de ferme. Constater les conditions de détention et de manipulation des animaux.
• Visiter les abattoirs et identifier les pratiques bénéfiques ou préjudiciables au bien-être des animaux.
• Suivre des camions transportant des animaux, depuis leur lieu de départ jusqu’à leur destination finale. Signaler aux forces de l’ordre les infractions constatées.
• Dans le cadre de vos enquêtes, filmer et photographier les pratiques, les modes d’élevage de transport et d’abattage, bénéfiques ou préjudiciables au bien-être des animaux.
• Effectuer une sélection de rushs parmi les images tournées, rédiger le script de vidéos et participer à leur montage.
• Dans le cadre de vos enquêtes, relever les infractions à la réglementation qui protège les animaux d’élevage.
• Organiser ou participer à des enquêtes, en partenariat avec d’autres associations françaises ou internationales.
• Préparer les enquêtes de terrain en effectuant les recherches nécessaires sur les lieux à visiter et les moments les plus opportuns pour s’y rendre, de façon à ce que le temps des enquêteurs soit utilisé de façon optimale.
• Coordonner le travail des enquêteurs free lance auxquels a recours l’association.
• Rédiger des rapports d’enquête et organiser leur distribution auprès des parties concernées : Ministère de l’Agriculture, Direction départementale des services vétérinaires, Commission européenne, préfecture, organisations professionnelles, chefs des établissements visités etc. Assurer un suivi des enquêtes menées par l’association. Au besoins, organiser des réunions avec les professionnels ou les autorités.
• Développer une procédure efficace de classement et d’archivage des rapports d’enquête.
• Effectuer des rappels de la réglementation qui protége les animaux auprès des forces de l’ordre (gendarmes, policiers etc.) notamment concernant la réglementation qui protége les animaux en cours de transport.
• Participer à des contrôles ou à des inspections aux côtés des forces de l’ordre.
• Rédiger ou participer à la rédaction ou à la réalisation de supports pédagogiques destinés à faire connaître la réglementation qui protége les animaux et à favoriser son application
• Rédiger ou participer à la rédaction ou à la réalisation de supports pédagogiques à l’attention des professionnels afin de favoriser de bonnes pratiques d’élevage, de transport et d’abattage.
• Entretenir des relations constructives avec les professionnels qui travaillent avec les animaux d’élevage, afin de faire évoluer leurs pratiques vers une meilleure prise en compte du bien-être animal.
• Répondre aux interviews de journalistes et les accueillir à vos côtés lors du déroulement des enquêtes.
• Apporter soins et réconfort aux animaux malades, blessés ou en état de misère physiologiques que vous rencontrerez dans le cadre de vos enquêtes. Les transporter ou organiser leur transport dans un lieu approprié où ils pourront recevoir les soins appropriés.
• Participer à des réunions avec les professionnels, les autorités, les autres associations, représenter l’association lors de salons, conférences etc.
• Attirer l’attention de l’association sur les lacunes de la réglementation française et européenne qui protége les animaux et proposer des améliorations.
• Gérer le budget annuel alloué aux enquêtes de terrain.

Qualité recherchées :

• Il est impératif de parler anglais, et de préférence une autre langue (allemand, espagnol, italien etc. )
• Etre bien organisé.
• Capacité à travailler seul et en équipe.
• Etre bon rédacteur.
• Etre bon orateur.
• Etre très bon conducteur.
• Etre dynamique, diplomate, déterminé, courageux et témoigner un réel intérêt à la cause des animaux d’élevage.
• Bonne résistance physique et être en mesure de faire face à de longues journées de travail.

Profil recherché :

Niveau d’étude supérieur souhaité. Une formation et/ou une expérience dans le domaine agronomique, vétérinaire, éthologique, la conduite d’élevage etc. serait vivement appréciée.
Une expérience au sein des mouvements de défense des animaux serait un atout. Permis de conduire depuis au moins deux ans.

Salaire

Négociable selon expérience et formation plus tickets restaurants.

Adressez une lettre motivée avec photo et CV, par courrier ou e mail à :

Par mail : Contacter la PMAF

Par courrier : PMAF- BP 80 242 - 8 ter en Chandellerue - 57006 METZ Cedex 1

Demonstrator reliability as an influence on social learning in fowl

Humans and other animals must constantly make decisions about how best to respond in a wide range of situations. To decide effectively, they need information about the various alternatives available. Individuals can gather relevant details themselves (‘private’ information), or they can garner information from the communicatory signals or behavioural cues of others (‘social’ or ‘public’ information). In all cases, individuals would benefit by taking into account the reliability of both the information and the information provider. While some research has examined the importance of reliability when utilising private information, far less is known about how it affects the use of social or public information. A few previous studies have demonstrated that decision-makers adjust their behaviour depending on the category (e.g. sex, dominance status) of the information provider. Domestic fowl, for example, learn more from dominant demonstrators but it is unclear why this is so. Dominant birds may command attention for a variety of reasons. We plan to investigate whether individuals monitor their group-mates over time, and thus assess reliability on an individual level. We will then examine whether prior knowledge about the reliability of particular group-mates affects social learning. Fowl offer an ideal opportunity to examine this issue in detail because they live in small, stable social groups in which individuals interact repeatedly and the monitoring of group-mates is known to occur. Moreover, it is possible to collect not only behavioural indicators of learning and assessment, but also non-invasive measures (such as heart-rate and temperature) of physiological stress. The reliability of different group-mates when foraging and vigilant will be artificially manipulated. We predict that individuals will pay more attention, and thus learn more quickly, from reliable group-mates, and that foraging in their presence will also be less stressful.

Funding Notes
The studentship is one of a number advertised under a competitive BBSRC quota doctoral training grant scheme. All available studentships and further information on the application process and eligibility requirements can be viewed at: http://www.vetschool.bris.ac.uk/research/postgrads/studentship/

The successful studentship/s will run for 4 years and will provide a stipend at standard BBSRC rates plus fees. Veterinary graduates will receive an enhanced stipend.

More information here

PhD bursary (part-time, fees only) – Roehampton University

Educational Organization:
Roehampton University

Date Posted:
2009-12-11

Program Description:
A part time fees-only bursary is available to undertake a PhD in the general area of research of any member of the Centre for Research in Evolutionary Anthropology, Roehampton University (please see individual staff members’ pages: http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/researchcentres/crea/members/index.html for further information on research interests). Applicants should contact potential supervisors to discuss projects prior to application.

General enquiries can be sent to Dr Stuart Semple (s.semple@roehampton.ac.uk).
Instructions on how to apply can be found at: http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/graduateschool/prospectiveresearchstudents/howtoapply/index.html

Entrance Qualifications:
An excellent first degree in a relevant subject.

Tuition / Fees:
Part time tuition fees only are covered

Support (scholarships, travel):
No other support is available

Start + End Dates:
Proposed start date is 1st February 2010

Application Deadline:
1700 GMT on Monday 11th January 2010

Comments:
It is planned that interviews will be held in the week commencing 18th January 2010.

Contact Information:
Dr Stuart Semple
Roehampton University
London SW15 4JD
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+44 208 3923528

Website:
http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/staff/StuartSemple/

E-Mail Address:
s.semple@roehampton.ac.uk

New Doctoral Program in Ecological Anthropology

Educational Organization:
University of Texas at San Antonio

Date Posted:
2009-12-09

Program Description:
NEW DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN ECOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO

We are living in a time of unprecedented environmental change. How people impact environments and how environments impact human and nonhuman primates are increasingly complex and important issues. Ecological anthropology at the University of Texas at San Antonio is a holistic and rigorous doctoral program that focuses on the ways in which human and nonhuman primates are embedded within ecological processes and political-economic realities.

Course offerings view ecological anthropology through multiple lenses, including political, cultural, and evolutionary ecology; the social landscapes and economic transformations of current societies, ancient hunters and gatherers, and past complex societies; the ecology, biology, and conservation of nonhuman primates; the anthropology of medical care and human health; and methods in resource management, biodiversity conservation, and intercultural collaboration. Geographical research areas for archaeology include the American Southwest, Texas, Northwest Mexico, Mesoamerica, and Andean South America. Our biological anthropologists conduct research in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Neotropics. The cultural anthropologists work in the United States, Mexico, US-Mexico borderlands, Lowland South America, Island Pacific, and East and West Africa. With training that is both academic and applied, the graduates of UTSA’s doctoral program in ecological anthropology are uniquely prepared to understand and to engage the environmental challenges of a transforming world.

Graduate Student Support Each year a certain number of competitive fellowships will be awarded to entering doctoral students. Fellowships will be renewed for two successive years pending an annual review process. University and Departmental grants and scholarships are also available. In addition, doctoral students have the opportunity to work as teaching and research assistants. Assistantships will vary, but minimally will entail quarter-time appointments (10 hours per week). Procedures and

Program Contacts To apply for admission to the Ph.D. program in Anthropology, please visit the Graduate School website http://www.utsa.edu/graduate/Admission/index.html or call 210-458-4335. Further information about the program can be found at the department website: http://colfa.utsa.edu/ant/. General questions about the Ph.D. program should be directed to the Department of Anthropology (210-458-4075) or to the Graduate Advisor of Record, Dr. Thad Bartlett, thad.bartlett@utsa.edu, (210-458-5712). Admission Deadline Admission priority will be given to complete applications received by December 31. The final application deadline is February 1.

Entrance Qualifications:
Refer to: http://www.utsa.edu/graduate/Admission/index.html

Tuition / Fees:
Refer to: http://www.utsa.edu/graduate/Admission/index.html

Support (scholarships, travel):
Refer to: http://colfa.utsa.edu/ant

Start + End Dates:
August 2010

Application Deadline:
February 1, 2010

Contact Information:
Graduate Advisor of Record, Dr. Thad Bartlett
Department of Ecological Anthropology, One UTSA Circle
University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249
USA

Website:
http://colfa.utsa.edu/ant

E-Mail Address:
thad.bartlett@utsa.edu

On en parle...

Une petite pub....
http://bioecologie.over-blog.com/article-le-blog-de-marine-grandgeorge--40692474.html

Call for posters- Summer Institute in Cognitive Sciences

Call for poster presentations (FRENCH VERSION BELOW)

Summer Institute in Cognitive Science: The origins of language
21-30 June 2010, Montreal

You are invited to submit an abstract for a poster presentation to be displayed at the Summer Institute on The origins of language. The Institute is organized by the Cognitive Science Institute (UQAM, Montreal), the Université René Descartes (Paris) and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (Leipzig).

When in human evolution did language appear? Did it appear suddenly or gradually? What were the physiological, cognitive, and social prerequisites of language? The Summer Institute will bring together 40 of the world leading specialists of these questions, among which Michael Arbib, Terrence Deacon, Stevan Harnad, Ray Jackendoff, Giacomo Rizzolatti, Duane Rumbaugh, Sue Savage-Rumbaugh, Dan Sperber, Kim Sterelny, Maggie Tallerman, Ian Tattersall, Michael Tomasello, Stephanie White, and David Sloan Wilson.

Presentations from graduate, postgraduate, and faculty members working on The origins of language in any of the following disciplines are welcome: Anthropology, Archaeology, Computer Sciences, Linguistics, Neurosciences, Paleontology, Philosophy, Psychology, or Zoology.

***Registration is mandatory to attend and present a poster at the Summer Institute.

Submissions

Poster abstracts must not exceed 300 words and should be sent attached to an e-mail message containing the following information:

Title of the abstract
Author's name
Affiliation
Discipline (Anthropology, Archaeology, Computer Sciences, Linguistics, Neurosciences, Paleontology, Philosophy, Psychology, or Zoology)
Author's e-mail address and telephone number.

For submission and additional information:
http://www.summer10.isc.uqam.ca

Timetable

Submissions will be accepted from 1 December 2009 to 31 January 2010.
Notifications of acceptance will be sent to authors by 28 February 2010.


Appel à présentation par affiche

Institut d'été en sciences cognitives: L'origine du langage
21 au 30 juin 2010, Montréal

Vous êtes invités à soumettre une proposition d'affiche à présenter dans le cadre de l'Institut d'été sur L'origine du langage, organisé conjointement par l'Institut des sciences cognitives de l'UQAM (Montréal), l'Université René Descartes (Paris) et l'Institut Max Planck en Anthropologie évolutionnaire (Leipzig).

À quel moment dans l'évolution humaine le langage est-il apparu? Est-il apparu soudainement ou graduellement? Quels facteurs physiologiques, cognitifs et sociaux lui ont permis d'évoluer? L'Institut regroupera 40 des meilleurs chercheurs au monde sur ces questions, parmi lesquels Michael Arbib, Terrence Deacon, Stevan Harnad, Ray Jackendoff, Giacomo Rizzolatti, Duane Rumbaugh, Sue Savage-Rumbaugh, Dan Sperber, Kim Sterelny, Maggie Tallerman, Ian Tattersall, Michael Tomasello, Stephanie White, and David Sloan Wilson.

Les propositions provenant des étudiants des cycles supérieurs, des chercheurs postdoctoraux et des professeurs travaillant sur l'origine du langage dans les domaines suivants sont les bienvenues : anthropologie, archéologie, informatique, linguistique, neurosciences, paléontologie, philosophie, psychologie et zoologie.

***L'inscription est obligatoire pour assister à l'Institut d'été et y présenter une affiche.

Soumissions

Le résumé de la proposition d'affiche ne doit pas dépasser 300 mots et doit être joint à un courriel comprenant les informations suivantes :

Le titre du résumé
Le nom de l'auteur
Son affiliation
Sa discipline (anthropologie, archéologie, informatique, linguistique, neuroscience, paléontologie, philosophie, psychologie, ou zoologie)
Son adresse courriel et son numéro de téléphone.

Pour soumettre une proposition ou obtenir davantage d'information:
http://www.summer10.isc.uqam.ca

Calendrier

Les soumissions seront acceptées entre le 1er décembre 2009 et le 31 janvier 2010.
Les réponses seront envoyées aux auteurs avant le 28 février 2010.

Two field assistants for rhesus monkey research on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico.

Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

Date Posted:
2009-12-02

Position Description:
We are looking for two volunteers to assist on a project examining kin recognition on a semi free-ranging rhesus macaque population on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. The project is being undertaken in the Lab of Dr Anja Widdig, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig (Germany) (see http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/index.html). The volunteers will work alongside Dr Dana Pfefferle (http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/files/people.html).

The successful applicants will be expected to work on Cayo Santiago for 5-6 days a week, and are also required to undertake data entry and/or processing in the later afternoon and early evenings. The volunteer assisting in the first project will collect behavioral data using focal observations. For this project it is necessary to learn up to 400 animals, living in different groups. The second volunteer will help carrying out playback experiments as well as record rhesus macaque vocalizations. For this project it is necessary to learn to identify about 150 animals. Appropriate training will be provided, after which a good quantum of independence is expected.
We prefer applicants that stay for the entire period of 6 month. However, in the case of two very good applications for the second projects, a split into two times three months might be possible. Please apply only for one of the two projects (specify in your application!). If you apply for the second one, please mention the period of time you are interested to volunteer.

Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants should have a Bachelor in Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Physical Anthropology, Primatology, or a related field. Previous field experiences (preferably in the tropics) and knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not necessary. In general, applicants must be in good physical and mental condition; feel comfortable being far away from family and friends; be emotionally mature, energetic, and very patient; have an excellent eye for detail; don’t be afraid of approaching monkeys (!); willing to work in a small team setting and follow instructions; be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work.

The language in our team is English. The successful candidate must have medical insurance, a valid IACUC certificate (www.citiprogram.org) and a TB-test.

Salary/funding:
At the moment there is NO financial support available. It is aimed that accommodation costs are shared by the two candidates (450 UD-$/month for two people). However, if for whatever reason, this is not possible, one candidate needs to be able to pay the entire rent. After very good performance and upon approval of pending grant application, we might be able to partially offset some of the living costs.

Term of Appointment:
10th March until 30th August 2010

Application Deadline:
January 10, 2010

Comments:
To apply, candidates should email a brief cover letter outlining their interests, experience, and why they wish to join one of the two projects. They should attach a CV which includes at least contact details of two academic reference. Please only send email applications.

Contact Information:
Dana Pfefferle
Germany

E-mail Address:
danapfefferle@googlemail.com

Stage sur le comportement animal à l’Université d’Aix en Provence (Aix-Marseille III), Rousset

Thème : Les asymétries faciales lors d’expressions émotionnelles et d’interactions sociales chez le babouin olive (Papio anubis)

Encadrement : Jacques Vauclair, professeur à l’Université d’Aix en Provence (Aix-Marseille III) et Catherine Wallez, doctorante.

Durée : Quatre mois : Janvier 2010 à Avril 2010. Durée du stage pouvant être plus courte.

Lieu : Station de Primatologie, CNRS (UPS 846). Rousset- 13790, France.

Description :
Le stage consiste en l’assistanat de travaux de recherche sur les asymétries faciales chez le Babouin olive. Le stagiaire devra effectuer la collecte de données par enregistrement vidéo des interactions sociales en se focalisant sur le visage des individus. Il devra visionner et découper les enregistrements pour obtenir les données. Les images ainsi obtenues, il devra traiter les images grâce à un logiciel spécifique pour les analyser.

Qualités requises :
Etre patient, rigoureux et observateur. Savoir anticiper et être réactif.
Avoir minimum un niveau Bac + 2 en biologie ou psychologie.

Condition de travail :
Temps plein, du lundi au vendredi
Indemnité mensuelle nulle

Contact : Envoyer un CV et une lettre de motivation par courrier électronique : catherine.wallez@gmail.fr

Blog scientifique en écologie, écotoxicologie, science de l'environnement

Cette période de l'année est toujours plus calme. Rien de mieux pour vous faire découvrir d'autres sites, d'autres blogs. Cette semaine, c'est avec plaisir que j'ai découvert un blog scientifique en écologie, écotoxicologie, science de l'environnement (merci au Dr Jean-Marc Bonzom, son créateur). Des infos diverses sont diffusées pour les étudiants.

Bonne lecture

Physiological and behavioural ecology of terrestrial tetrapods

To understand how energy budgets compel species to inhabit certain environments, or behave in specific ways, it is necessary to determine the relationships between activity and energy expenditure. However, contemporary techniques for estimating energy expenditure in free-ranging animals, such as the doubly labelled water (DLW) technique, integrate costs of all behaviours over a period of time and do not allow specific costs to be assigned to specific behaviours. Provisional trials with multi-channel data-loggers have shown great promise in overcoming this challenge by providing estimates of overall dynamic body acceleration, a proxy for energy expenditure. The initial goal of this work will be to validate data-logger output against doubly labelled water estimates of energy expenditure for a range of mammalian species (predators and prey). This will enable the deployment of data-loggers in isolation to derive time and energy budgets. Once validations are complete, data-loggers will be deployed in the field to: (1) estimate the costs of prey acquisition within varying foraging strategies; (2) explore evasive strategies in fast-moving prey species; (3) resolve energetic costs of specific behaviours to specific times and locations thereby providing an integrated picture of behaviour, energy expenditure and habitat/environment.


Funding Notes
DEL funded (Department for Employment and Learning Studentships)

For further information on eligibility for the above funding, please visit the following website:

http://www.delni.gov.uk


For further information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website:

http://www.qub.ac.uk/bb

*Please DO NOT attach a CV if contacting supervisor with enquiry*

Behavioural plasticity and environmental change: species-specific differences and their consequences

Many human activities lead to an increase in noise levels. Animals relying on acoustic communication have to adjust to man-made noise and only species with sufficient behavioural flexibility might be able to do so. Across taxa it has been shown that many species are affected by noise. For example, bird densities decrease with increasing traffic noise. However, the causal mechanism underlying bird population declines in response to noise is poorly understood. Most bird species use acoustic signals to defend a territory and to attract a mate. Species whose song is masked by noise will have difficulty in obtaining vital resources for survival and will have lower reproductive success. This will lead to a population decline. Traffic noise, as well as most other man-made noise, is generally biased towards lower frequencies. Consequently, those bird species relying on low frequencies might suffer from deteriorating signal efficiency through masking noise. In this project, we will investigate bird population development along motorways and ask whether abundances of different species can be explained by song characteristics and the ability to adjust song to noise. The approach includes the collection of observational and experimental data on song characteristics and acoustic plasticity of different bird species.

Funding Notes
DEL funded (Department for Employment and Learning Studentships)

For further information on eligibility for the above funding, please visit the following website:

http://www.delni.gov.uk


For further information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website:

http://www.qub.ac.uk/bb

*Please DO NOT attach a CV if contacting supervisor with enquiry*

Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning relationships: the importance of environmental context

Much research has focused on understanding the effects of loss of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning and stability. Loss of species can affect ecosystem processes but we cannot draw generalities regarding those effects that transcend experimental systems. This is because too few experiments have been conducted under field conditions and many were of short duration. In addition, it is now accepted that we cannot halt the loss of biodiversity without considering the effects of climate change. More empirical research is required to identify the role of individual species under different environmental conditions to improve future models of climate change scenarios. Rocky shores are excellent model systems for understanding the consequences of species loss and climate change for community and ecosystem processes. Using rocky shores as a model system, this project will examine: (a) how relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning vary with environmental context; (b) the effects of loss of consumers across different habitats; and (c) plant-animal interactions at different temperatures. A largely field-based experimental approach will be taken with some lab-based experiments. Candidates should have a strong background in fundamental ecology and experience of identification of intertidal species would be an advantage. A full driver’s license is essential.


Funding Notes
DEL funded (Department for Employment and Learning Studentships)

For further information on eligibility for the above funding, please visit the following website:

http://www.delni.gov.uk


For further information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website:

http://www.qub.ac.uk/bb

*Please DO NOT attach a CV if contacting supervisor with enquiry*

GRADUATE AND POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITIES IN SONGBIRD NEUROETHOLOGY

Laboratory of Jonathan Prather, University of Wyoming

Our laboratory combines electrophysiological recordings in the lab and behavioral observation in the wild to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying performance and perception of the signals that songbirds use to communicate. Excellent opportunities are available for candidates interested in uniting these fields of study.

Postdoctoral Position
This NIH-funded position is available for 1.5 years, with the possibility of an extension. A degree of PhD or equivalent doctoral degree is required, and previous experience with neurophysiological methods and/or behavioral analysis is strongly desired. The postdoctoral researcher will work independently and in collaboration with the PI to determine the precise questions to be investigated.

Graduate Positions
Graduate positions are available beginning Fall 2010. An undergraduate degree in neuroscience, biology, ecology or other relevant programs is required, and previous laboratory research experience in neurobiology or behavioral studies is desirable.

The lab is part of the vibrant Department of Zoology and Physiology and the Program in Neuroscience at the University of Wyoming (http://www.uwyo.edu/zoology/). The campus is located in Laramie, WY, just minutes from the Snowy Mountains Range and the Medicine Bow National Forest. These sites provide wonderfully varied opportunities for field studies of behavior, as well as personal recreation.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter summarizing goals and research interests, a CV, and names and contact information for 3 references to: Jonathan.Prather@uwyo.edu. Feel free to contact me for further information regarding these positions.

----------------------------------------------
Jonathan Prather, Assistant Professor
Department of Zoology and Physiology
Program in Neuroscience
University of Wyoming
1000 East University Avenue - Dept 3166
Laramie, WY 82071 USA

Jonathan.Prather@uwyo.edu
phone: 307-766-5025
fax: 307-766-5625

Student Researcher

Hiring Organization:
Orangutan Health Project

Date Posted:
2009-11-04

Position Description:
The Orangutan Health Project (OHP) is located on Sumatra in Indonesia and investigates the special behaviours and ecological conditions necessary for the maintenance of health in wild orangutans. OHP provide a unique opportunity for students to study orangutans in their natural habitat in Indonesia.The student researcher will be assisting with the research goals of the project. The student researcher will accompany our local Field Assistant. Duties/responsibilities include finding and following orangutans, taking data, and obtaining faecal/plant/soil samples.

Qualifications/Experience:
Interested candidates shoud send following:
1.Letter of introduction describing why you are interested in the position and what you hope to gain from it
2.Resume or CV
3. Letter of recommendation
Materials please send to Ivona Foitova at ivona_foi@hotmail.com.
Priority will be given to Biology or Primatology students.

Salary/funding:
The project will assist with all permits needed to conduct research in Indonesia. Though the project may be able to provide some assistance with funding, it is important that the student candidate have their own funding.

Term of Appointment:
Minimum 6 months, 1 year ideal

Application Deadline:
ASAP

Comments:
The project is searching for a student researcher to begin with the project immediately. Please contact us at the e-mail address below or at: ivona_foi@hotmail.com.

Contact Information:
Jessica Mendoza
c/o YLI, Jl. Bioteknologi, Kampus USU
Medan 20155
Indonesia

Telephone Number:
+6281362146476

Website:
http://www.orangutan-health.org

E-mail Address:

orangutanhealth@nusa.net.id

Field Assistant

Hiring Organization:
State University of New York, Oneonta

Date Posted:
2009-11-06

Position Description:
Position Description:
I am looking for several volunteer field assistants to help with the long-term monitoring of the social behavior, ecology, and genetics of wild titi monkeys (Callicebus donacophilus) in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Field assistants will be required to do all day follows on the various groups 5 days a week. Assistant responsibilities include recording social and foraging behavior, mapping group movements, entering data, aiding in playback experiments, and collecting fecal samples for genetic analyses.

Volunteers should be highly motivated with a strong interest in primate behavior and ecology. Generally, students should:
1. be in good physical and mental condition
2. be able to cope with early morning starts
3. be comfortable being away from family and friends for long periods of time
4. have a positive attitude
5. be patient and committed

Qualifications/Experience:
Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field work experience or graduate of a qualified field course is preferred.

Volunteers should be highly motivated with a strong interest in primate behavior and ecology. Generally, students should:
1. be in good physical and mental condition
2. be able to cope with early morning starts
3. be comfortable being away from family and friends for long periods of time
4. have a positive attitude
5. be patient and committed

Salary/funding:
No funding is available at this time. However, it is possible that part of your accommodation will be covered.Volunteers staying 6 months or longer will receive publication credit.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
None

Term of Appointment:
minimum 4 months - 1 position beginning in Februay, 2010 and 5 positions in September, 2010

Application Deadline:
Ongoing

Contact Information:
Kimberly Dingess
Department of Anthropology, SUNY
Oneonta, NY 13820
USA

Telephone Number:
607-278-9619

E-mail Address:
dingeska@oneonta.edu

Technical Assistant

Hiring Organization:
University of Leipzig, Germany

Date Posted:
2009-11-09

Position Description:
- Administration of the genetic laboratory (to be established)
- Archiving of DNA-samples of free-ranging primates
- DNA-extractions and genotyping of these samples
- Calculating likelihoods of paternity using established software
- Optimizing paternity analysis protocol for other species
- Training of students in genetic methods

Qualifications/Experience:
- Degree as technical assistant or biological laboratory technician, respectively, with at least one year of lab work experience
- Knowledge in PCR Optimization
- Experience with Software (Word, Excel, Online Searching)
- Familiarity with database management
- high motivation and very good organization skills
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Need to speak English fluently
- Furthermore skills needed, but not required: previous experience with microsatellites typing, Training in established methods of paternity analysis, Familiarity with automated DNA fragment analysis system (such as ABI Genetic Analyser)

Salary/funding:
Entgeltgruppe 6 TV-L
full time (part time is possible), permanent, general public service benefits are granted

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
no

Term of Appointment:
Jan 1st 2010 or as soon as possible

Application Deadline:
Nov 21, 2009

Comments:
Our research group is bridging the Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and the University of Leipzig. While, this position is paid via the University, we work in both places.
Please submit your application to the address below (no email applications).

Contact Information:
Universität Leipzig, Dekan der Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Pharmazie und Psychologie, Anja Widdig c/o Prof. Matthias Müller
Brüderstraße 32
Leipzig 04103
Germany

Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/

E-mail Address:
anja.widdig@eva.mpg.de

reconnaissance de visages, Paris, fin d'appel : 20 nov. 2009

Dumas THIBAUD (thibaud.dumas [ à ] gmail.com) propose une expérience
(Fin d'étude : fin décembre 2009)

Bonjour,
Dans le cadre d’une étude sur la reconnaissance de visages organisée sur le site de la Pitié Salpetrière, je recherche actuellement des volontaires sains.
-
L’expérience en elle même dure environ 2 heures.
-
Un dédommagement de 45 € est prévu
-
Votre tache est très simple, il suffit d’appuyer sur un bouton lors de l’apparition d’une forme à l’écran.
-
Durant l’expérience, l’activité de votre cerveau sera enregistrée par un appareil de magnétoencéphalographie, de façon totalement non invasive (ni piqures, ni médicaments, ni rayonnements)

Critères de sélection des participants :
- Être droitier
- Agé de 20 à 35 ans
- Avoir une vision normale ou corrigée par des lentilles
- N’avoir aucuns antécédents psychiatriques ou neurologiques
- Pas de traitements en cours.
- Ne pas être claustrophobe
- Ne présenter aucuns corps étrangers métalliques (stimulateur cardiaque ou neuronal, clips chirurgicaux ferromagnétiques, plombages, couronnes dentaires)

Dans la mesure du possible je suis dans l’immédiat à la recherche de personnes possédant déjà une IRM anatomique. Si vous êtes intéressé ou connaissez des personnes qui le seraient, merci de me contacter à thibaud.dumas [ arobase ] gmail [ point ] com

Quand un rendez-vous est pris, nous vous serons reconnaissant d'avertir rapidement les chercheurs de tout contre-temps, afin qu'ils puissent s'organiser autrement.

De nombreuses annonces en ligne...

Direction le blog écologie : http://ecologie.over-blog.org/

Maize Root Defences in Maize: What are the Effects on other Herbivore Insects?

When attacked by herbivorous insects, plants emit volatile compounds that attract natural enemies of the insects. The western corn rootworm induces the roots of many maize varieties to emit (E)-β-caryophyllene, which attracts entomopathogenic nematodes that infect and kill the voracious root pest.

This project aims to assess the effects of this volatile on other insects and their natural enemies. Since this project is confidential, more information will be given only after a first applicant’s selection.

The internship will combine behavioural ecology, molecular biology and metabolomics. The work involves close collaboration between the University of Neuchâtel and the Agroscope of Changins in SWITZERLAND.

Experiments and techniques:
- Insect behaviour assays and performance measurements
- Extraction of root and herbivore tissue
- Volatile collection and analysis by GC-MS / LC-MS

Candidate profile:
The candidate should have a strong interest in chemical ecology, insect behaviour and tritrophic interactions. Competences in behavioural assays and chromatographical techniques are an advantage. While most of the project is in French, basic oral skills in English are desired.
Furthermore, we expect good team spirit and willingness to travel within Switzerland.

Application:
Resume and cover letter, in English or French, to:
Christelle Robert,
Lab. of Fundamental and Applied Research in Chemical Ecology
University of Neuchâtel, Institute of Biology
CH-2009 Neuchâtel
SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 32 718 31 62
E-Mail: christelle.robert@unine.ch

Primate Carer

Hiring Organization:
International Primate & Exotic Animal Association of South Africa

Date Posted:
2009-11-03

Position Description:
DAILY CARE OF PRIMATES INCLUDING RESCUE AND REHABILITATION. MARMOSETS, COTTON TOP TAMARINS AND INDIGENOUS VERVET MONKEYS AND BABOONS.
DAILY TASKS INCLUDE FEEDING, CARING, CLEANING, ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT, ASSISTING WITH HANDRAISING OF BABY PRIMATES WHICH INCLUDE THE VERVETS AND/OR BABOONS.

Qualifications/Experience:
PRIMATE EXPERIENCE PREFERRED.

Salary/funding:
NO SALARY, VOLUNTEER BASIS.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
WE WILL ONLY PROVIDE FREE BOARDING. ALL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND FOOD MUST BE PROVIDED BY THE VOLUNTEER.

Term of Appointment:
WE CAN START WITH A TRIAL PERIOD OF SAY ONE MOINTH, AND IF HAPPY ON BOTH SIDES, CAN BE EXTENDED TO ANY LENGTH OF PERIOD, PREFERABLY NOT TOO SHORT.

Comments:
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED MUST BE OF CLEAN HABIT, NO SMOKING AND NO HEAVY DRINKING. THIS POSITION REQUIRES DEDICATED PEOPLE WHO WILL BE PREPARED TO PUT EVERY EFFORT INTO THE INTERESTS OF THE PRIMATES.

Contact Information:
KAREN WENTWORTH
PLOT 302 OLD SEAVIEW ROAD, CHELSEA
PORT ELIZABETH 6001
South Africa

Telephone Number:
0825543253

Fax Number:
041-3794861

Website:
http://www.yotattoo.co.za

E-mail Address:

yo@lantic.net

Assistant Professor, Anthropology

Hiring Organization:
The University of Arizona, School of Anthropology

Date Posted:
2009-11-04

Position Description:
Position Summary:
The University of Arizona School of Anthropology invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in biological anthropology, to start August, 2010, pending budgetary approval. We seek an outstanding scholar conducting innovative research in human evolutionary biology. Research interests in the effects of ecological variables and environmental shifts on human and non-human primate biology are highly desirable. It is expected that the candidate will complement and strengthen current departmental interests. Applicants should have Ph.D. in hand, a strong record of research and publications, and a proven commitment to teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Applications should be received before December 15, 2009 to receive full consideration. The University of Arizona requires that all applications be submitted on-line. Upload your vita, a letter of interest, a statement of your research and teaching interests, and the names of three references. You may upload three publications as writing samples to support your application.

The School of Anthropology is seeking an individual who is able to work with diverse students and colleagues, and who has experience with a variety of teaching methods and curricular perspectives. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, the University of Arizona recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.

Requested Documents:
• Letter of Interest
• CV
• Statement of Research and Teaching Interests

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Maintain an active teaching and research career.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Teach four courses per year.

Qualifications/Experience:
Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in Anthropology in hand by July 2010.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior teaching experience.
• Prior publication.
• Evidence of fundable research.

Salary/funding:
DOE

Term of Appointment:
Tenure-track assistant professor position in biological anthropology, to start August, 2010, pending budgetary approval.

Application Deadline:
December 15, 2009

Contact Information:
Ivy L. Pike
1009 E. So. Campus Dr., Haury Bldg. #30A, Room 302
Tucson, Arizona 85721-0030
USA

Telephone Number:
520-626-2099

Fax Number:
520-621-2088

Website:
http://anthropology.arizona.edu/

E-mail Address:
ilpike@email.arizona.edu

Workshop

The Centre for Behaviour and Evolution at Newcastle University invites you to a workshop on:

*The Effects of Temperature on Avian Physiology and Behaviour*

*January 19, 2010, at Newcastle University (United Kingdom)

The workshop inaugurates our newly-installed temperature-controlled chambers, which have been designed for work with birds, as well as other organisms. It will cover different topics in avian biology, from physiology to ecology, with the common theme being the requirement of temperature manipulations to experimentally answer outstanding biological questions.

We will have two keynote speakers:

*Prof. John McNamara* (University of Bristol) will discuss models of animal behaviour in which energetic state is a crucial factor

*Dr. Stephen Willis* (Durham University) will discuss the influence of climate change on bird biogeography


Attendance to the workshop is free, but registration is required by Monday 21 December 2009.

For more information, please see our website:
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/cbe/news/effectsoftemp.htm

Camp Manager

Hiring Organization:
University of Michigan

Position Description:
ONE camp manager needed for The University of Michigan Gelada Research Project, a study of the behavior, communication, endocrinology, and conservation of wild geladas (Theropithecus gelada) – a close relative of baboons. All research is conducted at a field station located in the Simien Mountains National Park of ETHIOPIA. Directors of the project are Drs. Thore Bergman and Jacinta Beehner, faculty at the University of Michigan. The camp manager will be responsible for (a) collecting basic demographic and reproductive data as part of routine monitoring of the well-habituated study population, (b) conducting focal animal samples and collecting fecal samples from individually-recognized geladas (for later laboratory steroid hormone analysis in the USA), (c) recording GPS readings of gelada ranging locations, (d) managing the computer database, and (e) equipment upkeep and personnel management. The gelada population has been studied on a near-daily basis since 2006 and we currently recognize approximately 150 individuals. The camp manager will live in a stone hut located in the national park with 0-3 graduate students (depending on the time of year), and 1-2 Ethiopian staff. Our camp includes one stone house with 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen set-up (including a propane-powered stove and oven), solar panels to power computers and lights, a generator (for electricity during the rainy season), a satellite telephone and modem (for email), a Mitsubishi 4x4 pickup truck, a shower tent (hot showers can be had by heating up water on the stove). There is no running water at the fieldsite, but fresh water can be fetched from a nearby spring. Also, there is no refrigeration at the fieldsite, but we have a project freezer at a nearby eco-lodge (about a 30-minute drive away) where we can store things. For more information on the project directors, the project publications, and some photos of the fieldsite, please see the following websites: http://sitemaker.umich.edu/jacinta.beehner/home, and http://sitemaker.umich.edu/thore.bergman/home.

Qualifications/Experience:
Qualified applicants will have a B.S. or B.A in Biology, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, or a related field. Prior travel and/or field experience in Africa or mountainous regions of Asia or South America preferred. Applicants must be fluent in English and eager to learn Amharic (the national language of Ethiopia). Good physical fitness is essential - the terrain is hilly, the air is thin (due to the high elevation), and the temperatures can get quite cold during the rainy season (nights are sometimes below freezing and days can be cold). Good organizational skills and experience with basic database management a must. Must be able to drive a stick-shift 4x4 truck over rough terrain. Experience with leadership also a plus – as you will be managing several graduate students and field assistants.

Salary/funding:
No salary, but full support (see below)

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Salary/funding: Round-trip airfare and living support provided for the volunteer (travel, meals, lodging). Volunteer will be provided with basic accommodation, food and other basic supplies while at the field site. However, the volunteer is responsible for any additional expenses incurred while traveling in Ethiopia. The project will provide travel health insurance, but the volunteer is required to acquire the necessary vaccinations prior to entry to Ethiopia. The volunteer will need to provide their own winter/alpine condition clothing, footwear and sleeping bag. Advice about what items are necessary for life in the Simien Mountains will be provided to the successful applicant. Applicants committing to a longer period will receive one round-trip flight to their home country halfway through their internship.

Term of Appointment:
Appointment: 1-2 years beginning late January 2010. Because the training process requires 2-4 months, the successful applicant must be willing to work for a minimum of 1 year.

Application Deadline:
Deadline: Position will remain open until filled.

Comments:
Application: Please email the following materials to Dr. Jacinta Beehner at jbeehner@umich.edu: (1) a letter of interest stating how and why this position satisfies your interest and future career goals, explaining your suitability for this project, plus a time frame during which you are available to work, (2) a CV or resume detailing relevant experience, (3) a summary of college courses taken and the grades received, to be followed by an official transcript, and (4) contact information for at least two references, preferably at least one academic reference as well as one person who has worked closely with you or who has closely supervised your work. The subject heading of the email message should read: “Application for field research position”.

Contact Information:
Jacinta Beehner
Dept. of Anthropology, 1085 S. University Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
USA

Telephone Number:
734-764-2415

Website:
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/jacinta.beehner/home

E-mail Address:
jbeehner@umich.edu

VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT, The Netherlands

Hiring organisation: University of Groningen, Netherlands

Date posted: 1/11/2009

Position description:

Volunteers are needed for an ongoing capture-recapture program on the Ruffs, Philomachus pugnax. The project is under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Theunis Piersma, head of the Animal Ecology Group of the University of Groningen. Between mid March and early May, thousands Ruffs are passing throught the Frisian grasslands in Northern Netherlands to refuel and moult before to move on to their breeding ground. We study these

migrating Ruffs during their staging period in Fryslân. The fieldwork will consists mainly in the monitoring colour-banded birds. You will collect data on the timing of migration, habitat use, phenotype characteristics, feeding and reproductive behaviour of the birds; but you will also assist with the banding of the birds, blood sampling, and data entry. Our field station will be based inside the study area in Southwest Fryslân along the shore of Lake Ijsselmeer. Volunteers and students involved will live together.

Qualification/Experience:

- Applicants need to have good social skills, a driver licence, experience with handling birds and colour-ring reading is preferred.

- Good working knowledge of English is required but command of Dutch or Frisian is not necessary ;-)

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):

We provide housing and field equipment (good telescopes and binoculars). Volunteers must pay own airfare and living expenses (3-4 Euro per day). However a refund of travelling costs might be possible (depending on pending grant applications).

Term of appointment:

From the15^th March to 15^th May 2010

Application Deadline:

Applications will be considered until all positions are filled.

Comments

To apply, please send a resume/CV, a cover letter addressing any relevant experience, time available and 2 references with e-mail address. Also don’t hesitate to contact us for any question or more information.

Contacts :

Lucie Schmaltz [l.schmaltzATrug.nl]

Roos Kentie [r.kentieATrug.nl]

Animal Ecology Group, Center for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, PO Box 14, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands.

Website:

http://www.rug.nl/biologie/onderzoek/onderzoekgroepen/dieroecologie/onderzoek/researchstudies/migratimmune

Project Coordinator

Hiring Organization:
Duke University Medical Center

Position Description:
The Center for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCN) at Duke University invites applicants for a Project Coordinator (PC) in the genetics of primate social behavior in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Platt.

Responsibilities: The PC will oversee the goals of the project, organize and manage genetic and behavioral databases, and co-ordinate personnel and research institutes. The PC will also travel to the Cayo Santiago field site in Puerto Rico to confer with local personnel, review ongoing behavioral studies, and collect specimens for genotyping. We are particularly interested in applicants with database management experience, expertise in gene-behavior association studies, and strong personal interaction skills. The PC will meet monthly with all investigators and personnel on Duke’s campus as well as via conference call with personnel at other sites to review progress, identify problems, and correct setbacks. The PC will also coordinate yearly meetings of the entire research team at Duke University in order to review data, revise techniques, and plan future research.

Qualifications/Experience:
Requirements: The PC must hold a PhD in behavior, neurobiology, genetics, or a related field.

Salary/funding:
This position has been created with ARRA Stimulus funding and is a limited term appointment that is contingent upon the availability of additional research funds.

Application Deadline:
Deadline: The PC position is available immediately.

Comments:
Send a statement of research interest, CV, and 3 letters of reference electronically to Dr. Michael Platt via email: platt@neuro.duke.edu.
Duke University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Contact Information:
Michael L. Platt, PhD
Box 90999, LSRC, Research Drive
Durham, NC 27705
USA

Telephone Number:
919-668-0333

Website:
http://www.mind.duke.edu/faculty/platt/

E-mail Address:
platt@neuro.duke.edu

MSc: Nature Conservation – Baboon behavioural ecology

The University of South Africa has the following opportunity available for a student wanting to undertake a MSc.

This is a MSc (Nature Conservation) for a person who would like to undertake the challenge of conducting some intensive fieldwork on baboons. The project aims to understand the impact of resource availability and utilization on the home-range and other ecological factors on baboon behavioural ecology.

Background: This project forms part of a larger research program that is investigating the implications of baboon behavioural ecology on the management of baboons in protected areas that are surrounded by agriculture. This project is going to take up the challenge and quantify the perceived impact that baboons have on their environment and surrounding farms. The first stage of the project will take place on a Nature reserve within Gauteng and possibly be extended to other sites.

Research group: The MSc candidate will be registered as a student with UNISA (University of South Africa) and work within the Department of Environmental Sciences research unit ABEERU (Applied Behaviourial Ecology and Ecosystem Research Unit). The unit is situated on UNISA’s Florida campus in Gauteng, South Africa. The project will be supervised by Dr. Slater and Prof Brown.

Requirements: Candidates must have BTech in Nature Conservation or a BSc degree, with Zoology and Botany or related subjects. Candidates must also provide evidence that he/she has the ability to conduct scientific research. Some background in primatology and vegetation surveys would be advantageous but is not essential. Some research background is essential and candidate may have to complete a module in Research methodology. The applicant must be fluent in English, computer literate, be able to work independently as well as in a team, and demonstrate good writing skills.

Criteria:

Must be willing to work long hours, often in adverse weather conditions

Be prepared to spend long, strenuous hours in the field

Have your own reliable transport

Be able to reside in or close to Johannesburg for the duration of the project.

Be prepared to do quite a lot of travelling between the study site and laboratory.

Supply own accommodation.

The position is for two years, with a possible extension.

To apply, please send

(1) A letter describing your education, qualifications, relevant experiences and your research interests (maximum of two pages),

(2) A CV,

(3) A list of publications (if applicable)

(4) Certified copies of your qualifications. In addition, applicants should arrange to have three letters of reference submitted by the closing date 31 December 2009.

(5) Copy of your ID and academic records.

More information and applications can be sent to Dr Kerry Slater (slatek@unisa.ac.za) before the 31^st December 2009.

Kerry Slater

Lecturer: Nature Conservation

Department of Environmental Sciences.

UNISA

Tel: +27 (0)11 471 2342

Fax: 0866428751

Research Specialist

Hiring Organization:
Emory University, Yerkes Primate Center, Living Links Center

Date Posted:
2009-10-27

Position Description:
JOB DESCRIPTION: Under direct supervision of the principal investigator, Dr. Frans de Waal, performs non-invasive, observation-based behavioral and cognitive research on chimpanzees at the Yerkes Field Station: a variety of defined research protocols and experiments on a pre-assigned schedule. May be required to participate in laboratory maintenance activities such as cleaning of equipment, ordering of supplies, inventory and media preparation. Maintains records, files and logs of work performed in notebooks and computer databases. Compiles data and records results of studies for publications, grants and seminar presentations. Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents. Performs related responsibilities as required by principal investigator.

This position requires working with great apes. Preferred applicants should have previous experience conducting behavioral studies with primates or other mammals in zoo or laboratory settings.

Qualifications/Experience:
At minimum, a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Psychology, Anthropology or related field.

Salary/funding:
Full-time hourly position with benefits, $30,700 yearly.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
n/a

Term of Appointment:
based upon performance

Application Deadline:
December 15, 2009

Comments:
Hiring and training for this position may take place As soon as December 1, 2009. Applications reviewed as they come in.

Contact Information:
Living Links Center, Devyn Carter
2409 Taylor Ln.
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
USA

Telephone Number:
404-727-9071

Fax Number:
404-727-9069

Website:
http://www.emory.edu/LIVING_LINKS/

E-mail Address:
jdcarte@emory.edu

Camp Manager

Hiring Organization:
University of Michigan

Date Posted:
2009-10-27

Position Description:
ONE camp manager needed for The University of Michigan Gelada Research Project, a study of the behavior, communication, endocrinology, and conservation of wild geladas (Theropithecus gelada) – a close relative of baboons. All research is conducted at a field station located in the Simien Mountains National Park of ETHIOPIA. Directors of the project are Drs. Thore Bergman and Jacinta Beehner, faculty at the University of Michigan. The camp manager will be responsible for (a) collecting basic demographic and reproductive data as part of routine monitoring of the well-habituated study population, (b) conducting focal animal samples and collecting fecal samples from individually-recognized geladas (for later laboratory steroid hormone analysis in the USA), (c) recording GPS readings of gelada ranging locations, (d) managing the computer database, and (e) equipment upkeep and personnel management. The gelada population has been studied on a near-daily basis since 2006 and we currently recognize approximately 150 individuals. The camp manager will live in a stone hut located in the national park with 0-3 graduate students (depending on the time of year), and 1-2 Ethiopian staff. Our camp includes one stone house with 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen set-up (including a propane-powered stove and oven), solar panels to power computers and lights, a generator (for electricity during the rainy season), a satellite telephone and modem (for email), a Mitsubishi 4x4 pickup truck, a shower tent (hot showers can be had by heating up water on the stove). There is no running water at the fieldsite, but fresh water can be fetched from a nearby spring. Also, there is no refrigeration at the fieldsite, but we have a project freezer at a nearby eco-lodge (about a 30-minute drive away) where we can store things. For more information on the project directors, the project publications, and some photos of the fieldsite, please see the following websites: http://sitemaker.umich.edu/jacinta.beehner/home, and http://sitemaker.umich.edu/thore.bergman/home.

Qualifications/Experience:
Qualified applicants will have a B.S. or B.A in Biology, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, or a related field. Prior travel and/or field experience in Africa or mountainous regions of Asia or South America preferred. Applicants must be fluent in English and eager to learn Amharic (the national language of Ethiopia). Good physical fitness is essential - the terrain is hilly, the air is thin (due to the high elevation), and the temperatures can get quite cold during the rainy season (nights are sometimes below freezing and days can be cold). Good organizational skills and experience with basic database management a must. Must be able to drive a stick-shift 4x4 truck over rough terrain. Experience with leadership also a plus – as you will be managing several graduate students and field assistants.

Salary/funding:
No salary, but full support (see below)

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Salary/funding: Round-trip airfare and living support provided for the volunteer (travel, meals, lodging). Volunteer will be provided with basic accommodation, food and other basic supplies while at the field site. However, the volunteer is responsible for any additional expenses incurred while traveling in Ethiopia. The project will provide travel health insurance, but the volunteer is required to acquire the necessary vaccinations prior to entry to Ethiopia. The volunteer will need to provide their own winter/alpine condition clothing, footwear and sleeping bag. Advice about what items are necessary for life in the Simien Mountains will be provided to the successful applicant. Applicants committing to a longer period will receive one round-trip flight to their home country halfway through their internship.

Term of Appointment:
Appointment: 1-2 years beginning late January 2010. Because the training process requires 2-4 months, the successful applicant must be willing to work for a minimum of 1 year.

Application Deadline:
Deadline: Position will remain open until filled.

Comments:
Application: Please email the following materials to Dr. Jacinta Beehner at jbeehner@umich.edu: (1) a letter of interest stating how and why this position satisfies your interest and future career goals, explaining your suitability for this project, plus a time frame during which you are available to work, (2) a CV or resume detailing relevant experience, (3) a summary of college courses taken and the grades received, to be followed by an official transcript, and (4) contact information for at least two references, preferably at least one academic reference as well as one person who has worked closely with you or who has closely supervised your work. The subject heading of the email message should read: “Application for field research position”.

Contact Information:
Jacinta Beehner
Dept. of Anthropology, 1085 S. University Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
USA

Telephone Number:
734-764-2415

Website:
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/jacinta.beehner/home

E-mail Address:
jbeehner@umich.edu

Principal Research Coordinator

Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for evolutionary Anthropology / Dept of Primatology

Date Posted:
2009-10-27

Position Description:
Project description:

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig is seeking a principal research coordinator for our Pan-African great ape research and surveillance program. This is a long-term project, which will run over at least the next 5 years. The aim of the project is to systematically survey 14 African ape (chimpanzee, bonobo and gorilla) range countries. The project is two-fold and has a conservation and research aspect to it. For the conservation aspect of the project, we will use a combination of classic remote sensing and line transect survey methods with innovative remote camera trapping and audio monitoring to obtain national and regional abundance and trend estimates and information on human impact and efficiency of different conservation management actions. For the research aspect of the projects, we will apply non-invasive cross-sectional sampling to assess ape demographic, cultural and behavioral population diversity over a very large scale. Here, we will collect information on demographic rates and structure, predation pressure, life history parameters, grouping patterns, food resource availability, intra- and interspecies contact rates, dispersal rates, and population genetic structure.

Essential functions:

The candidate will be overseeing the administrative, logistic and organizational aspects of the monitoring project. The position will involve tasks ranging from, writing and reviewing research and funding proposals, assisting with the processing of data to coordinating logistical and administrative issues encountered by field teams and students involved in different aspects of the projects. The candidate will also oversee and manage the financial aspects of the project.

Qualifications/Experience:
The successful candidate should have a PhD degree in biology or related field with strong academic research and analytic skills and excellent written and oral communications skills. He/she needs to be proficient with computers, graphics and spreadsheets and able to work under pressure, juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Written and oral English and French language proficiency is necessary. Some degree of German language skills are necessary, but may still be acquired once the successful candidate has started the position. Field experience and familiarity with primate ecology are beneficial but not mandatory.

Salary/funding:
The starting salary will be EUR 36.000 per annum, but may be raised in accordance to the candidates performance.

Term of Appointment:
Start of work: 01. January 2010, duration 2-5 years

Comments:
Please send a Curriculum Vita, cover letter and three reference letters to boesch(at)eva.mpg.de and reference "Principal Research Coordinator" in the subject line.

Contact Information:
Boesch Christophe
Deutscher Platz
Leipzig 04103
Germany

Telephone Number:
00 49 341 3550 200

Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat

E-mail Address:
boesch@eva.mpg.de