Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sensory Biology

Type of employment: Limit of tenure, one year

Extent: 100 %

Location: Department of Biology, Lund

First day of employment: as soon as possible

Official Records Number: NPA 2010/491

Job assignments

We are looking for a motivated person to work on the behavioural and physiological mechanisms of magnetic compass orientation and polarized light sensitivity in birds. The experimental part of the research will be carried out at Stensoffa Ecological Field Station outside of Lund, where we have built up state-of-the-art facilities to study magnetic orientation in migratory birds and spatial orientation by magnetic or polarized light cues in a model species (zebra finch). The successful candidate is expected to carry out and further develop behavioural experiments at the front line of the research field, and expand this research towards the integration of physiological and neurobiological approaches.

Office place will be located with the Lund Vision Group at the Department of Biology in Lund, where the successful candidate is expected to actively participate in the seminar activities at the department level, as well as in the Lund Vision Group, the Migration Ecology Group and in activities organized by the Linné Center of Animal Movement Research (CAnMove).

Qualifications

The candidate must have been awarded a PhD degree, providing experience in one of the following research areas: behavioural neuroscience, animal spatial cognition, animal orientation and navigation, sensory biology and/or behavioural ecology. The main criterion for assessment will be well-documented research skills and expertise in one or several of these areas. Experience with handling and house-keeping birds is an advantage, but not necessary. A driver´s license and the willingness to acquire a car is necessary.

The application must include

* a complete and signed CV and a copy of the PhD degree transcript

* a list of publications (with DOI links where possible)

* two letters of reference

Please use the online application system at: http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/o.o.i.s?id=24914&Dnr=372137&Type=EU

Review of applications will start Jan 10 2011, until a suitable candidate is found.

For information on the position, please contact Dr. Rachel Muheim (tel. +46 46 222 31 93 or e-mail Rachel.Muheim@zooekol.lu.se; homepage: http://orn-lab.ekol.lu.se/~rachel)

Lund University is one of Europe´s foremost universities and Sweden´s strongest for research. Here, tradition combines with dynamic development and cutting edge qualifications. Our extensive activities cover education, research and innovation in the areas of technology, science, law, social sciences, economics, medicine, humanities, theology, art, music and theatre. 46 000 students study at the university, which has 6 000 employees, mainly in Lund, Malmö and Helsingborg. The university is an elected member of two prominent international networks, the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and Universitas 21; it is one of nine higher education institutions within the Öresund University. We have agreements with over 600 partner universities in about fifty countries around the world.

At the Faculty of Science, research and education is carried out in the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, earth sciences and environmental sciences. The Faculty is home to 9 Departments, gathered in the north of the University campus. Around 1700 undergraduate students, 440 PhD students and 800 employees are active within the Faculty.

Maitre de Conférence

Ville : Toulouse, France

Validité : 17/12/2010 - 15/04/2011

Proposition :

Un poste d’enseignant-chercheur en Comportement animal, Neurosciences intégrées et Cognition est à pourvoir au Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, UMR5169 CNRS/Université P. Sabatier, à Toulouse.

Descriptif technique :

Profil Enseignement : Le candidat devra enseigner l’étude du comportement animal au travers des approches de neurosciences intégrées, de cognition individuelle ou distribuée. Le candidat interviendra dans les enseignements (cours magistraux, travaux dirigés et travaux pratiques) de Licence et de Master du Département de Biologie Intégrative.

Profil requis :

Profil de Recherche : La personne recrutée pourra intégrer l’équipe "Mémoire, Plasticité, Vieillissement" (http://cognition.ups-tlse.fr/mpv/mpv.html) qui, à travers des approches comportementales, électrophysiologiques, pharmacologiques ou cellulaires, étudie la plasticité cérébrale qui conditionne les processus d’apprentissage et de mémorisation. Le modèle utilisé dans l’équipe est la souris sauvage ou génétiquement modifiée pour mimer certains déficits mnésiques, notamment dans la pathologie d’Alzheimer. Une solide connaissance de l'étude du comportement et de la mémoire chez le rongeur est indispensable.

Conditions offertes :

Poste permanent, à l'Université P. Sabatier de Toulouse. Prise de fonction en septembre 2011.

Contact :

Frances Bernard Ou Rampon Claire

frances@cict.fr ou rampon@cict.fr

Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale

CNRS UMR 5169 Université P Sabatier

UFR SVT 4R3b3

118 route de Narbonne

31062 Toulouse 4

France

Téléphone : 05 61 55 63 36/7575

Site web : cognition.ups-tlse.fr/mpv/mpv.html ET cognition.ups-tlse.fr/_claire/index.html

PhD Studentship in Community Ecology, University of Zurich

PhD Studentship in Community Ecology, University of Zurich  Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zürich Biodiversity faces many threats. Two of particular importance are reductions in the amount of  suitable habitat and changes in environmental conditions. Predicting the consequences of these joint threats to biodiversity requires an understanding of effects across multiple levels of ecological organisation: individual, population, community, and ecosystem. Also required is an understanding  of how effects at one level of organisation create knock-on effects at other levels of organisation.
For example, how changes in individual behaviour translate into a  change in population dynamics. Experiments with small laboratory-based aquatic communities provide an excellent tool with which to study effects of habitat availability and environmental change across levels of ecological  organisation. Such communities allow long-term experiments with carefully constructed  communities, containing few to many species, short to long food chains, and low to high trophic diversity. Long-term experiments (many generations of the dominant  organisms) can be carried out during quite short experiments, and observations can be made across levels of ecological  organisation. Mathematical models can be used to link observations across levels of organisation.
The project will give the successful applicant an opportunity to  perform unique experimental investigations that will advance knowledge about joint effects of habitat size and environmental change.

The PhD will be jointly supervised by Prof. Owen Petchey and Dr.  Dennis Hansen, and will be held in the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Zürich,  Switzerland. Funding is available for at least three years. Applicants  must have a Masters Level  Degree in Ecology or a closely related subject, and are asked to provide a CV, including the names and contact details of three academic referees, and a one page  research proposal based on the general project description and relevant published literature.
Informal enquiries should be made to o.petchey@sheffield.ac.uk or dmhansen@stanford.edu. Applications should be emailed as a single  pdf-file directly to Owen Petchey before January 31st 2011.

For more information
The University of Zürich: www.uzh.ch
Life Sciences Zürich Graduate School: www.lszgs.ch
Faculty of Science: www.mnf.uzh.ch/forschung/institute-der-mnf.html
Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies: www.ieu.uzh.ch
Petchey Group (Sheffield address∑ will change to Zürich soon):
owenpetchey.staff.shef.ac.uk
Dennis Hansen: plant-animal.org

Marine Important Bird Area Assistant, Birdlife International Cambridge, UK

6 months initial appointment; (£17,000-19,000 pro rata, plus 12% pension)

As part of BirdLife’s commitment to identifying priority sites for conservation (Important Bird Areas; IBAs) across the world’s biomes, we are looking for someone to help provide analytical support to the designation of marine IBAs. The successful applicant will join the Science Team at the Birdlife Secretariat based in Cambridge and work in conjunction with the Global Seabird Programme.

The post is for an initial 6 month period, with the likelihood to extend until the end of 2012 based on performance and funding availability.

The role will focus on assisting with the acquisition and analysing of satellite tracking data, using a methodology which has already been defined, to identify potential marine IBAs. The position will also be responsible for reporting on the analytical process and for writing up justification for and mapping the resulting sites. This work will feed into the first global inventory of marine IBAs to be completed in 2012 and be closely aligned with the Convention on Biological Diversity process for identifying Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas.

The ideal candidate must have experience using GIS to analyse spatial data and would preferably have experience with using satellite tracking or telemetry data also. They should be able to work to deadlines, work independently to a high standard and learn new skills rapidly.

In addition, good communication skills (particularly in writing reports relating to analytical methods and outputs), an ability to solve problems and use maps to convey results in a clear and concise manner will be important attributes.

To apply please send CV, covering letter and 2 references to: recruitment@birdlife.org or to : Science Vacancy, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Rd, Cambridge CB3 0NA For further details about BirdLife International and job description, visit www.birdlife.org/jobs Closing date for applications: Monday 17th January 2011; Interview dates: Friday 21st January 2011; Possible start date: early February 2011

PhD in the field of ecology and/or evolutionary biology

The Laboratory of Aquatic Biology at K.U.Leuven Campus Kortrijk offers a position for a

BIOLOGIST, BIOCHEMIST or BIO-ENGINEER

Task – We seek a scientist that is motivated to prepare a PhD in the field of ecology and/or evolutionary biology. We focus on the evolutionary model system, the water flea Daphnia and her parasites. The research question deals with the impact of changing environmental conditions (eutrophication, climate change and effects thereof on internal stoichiometry, food quality) on host-parasite co-evolution. The research will be carried out at the Interdisciplinary Research Facility Life Sciences at K.U.Leuven-Campus Kortrijk, a satellite campus of K.U.Leuven.
Profile – The candidate has obtained an MSc diploma, is a motivated scientist and has distinguished him/herself during the studies or in scientific research. The candidate is interested in evolutionary biology, aquatic ecology or microbiology. Experience in working with microorganisms or with molecular methods is appreciated.
Contract – We offer a one-year full-time contract with a possibility of prolongation to 4 years upon positive evaluation.

Candidates should send a cv and a motivation to ellen.decaestecker@kuleuven-kortrijk.be or koenraad.muylaert@kuleuven-kortrijk.be before Febrary 1st, 2010. Both people can provide more information about the position.

Teaching assistant/PhD position in Marine Biology at the Free University of Brussels (VUB)

Teaching assistant/PhD position in Marine Biology at the Free University of Brussels (VUB)

The Faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering sciences, and in particular  the Department of Biology of the « Vrije Universiteit Brussel », Brussels, Belgium, has a vacancy for a full-time TEACHING ASSISTANT (MARINE BIOLOGY)  (Bijzonder Assisterend Academisch Personeel, BAAP)

Starting date: 01/02/2011

Duration: The initial appointment is for two years, but can be renewed twice for a
total of 6 years.

Position description:
We are inviting applications of outstanding young scientists in the  field of marine biology. Applicants are expected to teach courses in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd bachelor and to conduct PhD research on molecular genetics and/or ecology of marine fauna. The first four years are a scholarship of 1860 Euro/month (net), the last two years are a position as Academic Assistant.

Requirements:
A completed MSc in Marine Biology or a relevant field is required. The  candidate has experience in teaching, is able to motivate students, and has excellent knowledge of Dutch and English. Ability of teaching in Dutch is a prerequisite.

Information in Dutch can be found at http://aivpc34.vub.ac.be/Vacatures_AP/FMPro?-db=Vac_AP.FP3&-format=record_detail.html&RECID=1978&-find

For further information please contact:
Prof. Dr. Marc KOCHZIUS
Marine Biology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2
B-1050 Brussel
Tel: +32 (0)2 629 34 06
marc.kochzius@vub.ac.be

Please submit your application together with a curriculum vitae not  later than 07.01.2011 to:
Prof. Dr. Ludwig TRIEST
Algemene Plantkunde en Natuurbeheer (APNA)
(Plant Science and Nature Management)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2
B-1050 Brussel
Tel: +32 (0)2 629 34 21
Fax: +32 (0)2 629 34 13
ltriest@vub.ac.be

Post-doctoral position in songbird neurophysiology , Paris, fin : 15 janv. 2011

Postdoctoral Fellowship in System Neuroscience
Position: Post-doctoral researcher
Duration : 2 years contract (renewable)

Place : Cerebral dynamics group, Laboratory of Neurophysics and  Physiology Paris Descartes University, Paris, FRANCE

Salary : 2000 - 2500€ per month (depending on experience), funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche

Human speech is a complex motor skill and vocal learning is one of the most striking cognitive abilities of the brain. Cortical and basal ganglia (BG) networks and their dynamic interactions are known to be centrally involved in sensorimotor learning in general, and vocal learning in particular (Graybiel, 2005). We aim at deciphering neural mechanisms of vocal learning, and in particular the role of the BG, using the songbird model. Our project relies on an interdisciplinary approach combining experimental (including electrophysiology and optogenetics) and theoretical (computational modeling) approaches.

The postdoctoral fellow will investigate changes in activity in the song-related BG nuclei and the premotor cortical areas during on-going song perturbation. To this end, he will carry out electrophysiological investigations (chronic electrophysiological recordings in various BG nuclei in singing birds) and behavioral monitoring (song recording and analysis), before and after specific manipulation perturbing song. The postdoc will develop protocols and adapt the experimental conditions under the supervision of the project leader. He will share and exploit the data in close collaboration with the other team members. In particular, strong interactions with team members working on the computational model of song learning is expected in order to constantly confront theory and experiments. The candidate will be encouraged to actively contribute with their own ideas and proposals.

The project will be carried out at the Laboratory of Neurophysics and Physiology, a join CNRS / Paris Descartes University research unit. This unit is part of the institute of neuroscience and cognition (Institut des Neurosciences et de la Cognition, INC), which brings together a community of about a 300 researchers at Paris Descartes University working on sensory, motor and cognitive functions and their interactions in the central nervous system. The research unit itself is highly interdisciplinary and brings together electrophysiologists, histologists, physicists and behavioralists working on the themes of sensory and motor physiology, motor control, learning, and memory. 

Research topîcs span different levels of the central nervous system, from the spinal cord to the cortex via the cerebellum and basal ganglia and from cellular physiology to behavior. We seek a highly motivated candidate with a PhD degree in Neuroscience or related disciplines.

The ideal candidate has expertise in movement physiology, Basal Ganglia physiology, and/or songbird physiology, and has previous experience with electrophysiology. The project will include in-depth quantitative data analysis, and previous experience with Matlab and/or other data analysis software is a strong advantage. Starting date for the position is flexible, and reviewing of the applications will start immediately.

Contact :
To apply, send an e-mail to Arthur Leblois (arthur.leblois [ à ] parisdescartes.fr , +33 142863364) with a cover letter, a CV, the list of publications and the summary of the PhD dissertation.

David Hansel
Directeur de Recherche au CNRS
Laboratory of Neurophysics and Physiology - UMR 8119 CNRS
45 rue des Saints Peres 75270 Paris Cedex 06
Tel (33).1.42.86.22.71 - Fax (33).1.49.27.90.62 

Proposition de stage master 1

Sujet : Influence de l’expérience émotionnelle sur les performances d’apprentissage chez le cheval

Description :

L’influence des expériences émotionnelles sur la cognition a été très souvent étudiée, en particulier dans le domaine des émotions négatives. Il est par exemple connu que le stress peut influencer les performances cognitives chez diverses espèces animales (e.g. rongeurs : Hardling et al. 2004, Fitchett et al. 2005; animaux d’élevage : Siegford et al. 2008 ; synthèse : Mendl et al. 1999). Cependant, cette influence s’avère être décrite de manière contrastée voire contradictoire selon les auteurs (synthèse : Sandi & Pinelo-Nava 2007). L’influence des émotions positives sur les performances cognitives est quant à elle largement inexplorée et même totalement inconnue chez les équidés. Pourtant, dans la pratique un cheval est régulièrement confronté à des expériences émotionnelles positives (contacts avec des partenaires sociaux, distribution de la ration alimentaire…) ou négatives (e.g. soins vétérinaires, transport…). Il est de plus soumis tout au long de sa vie à diverses procédures d’apprentissage (allant d’habituations à des apprentissages associatifs plus complexes). L’objectif de ce stage sera de déterminer quelle peut être l’influence d’une expérience émotionnelle positive ou négative sur les performances du cheval lors de l’acquisition d’une tâche instrumentale. Cette expérience émotionnelle concernera l’environnement dans lequel la procédure d’apprentissage aura lieu. Nous comparerons ainsi directement l’impact qu’aura un environnement ayant une valeur émotionnelle positive ou négative, en fonction de l’expérience antérieure de l’animal. Cette étude sera réalisée sur le troupeau expérimental de poneys Welsh de l’INRA de Nouzilly. Le stage se déroulera au printemps 2011.

Dates : avril – mai 2011

Encadrement : Léa Lansade, équipe « Comportement, Neurobiologie, Adaptation »

Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements

UMR 6175 INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours/Haras Nationaux

INRA –Centre de Tours

37380 Nouzilly

Contacts : lea.lansade@tours.inra.fr

Bibliographie :

Fitchett, A. E., S. A. Collins, C.J. Barnard et H.J. Cassaday (2005). Subordinate male mice show long-lasting differences in spatial learning that persist when housed alone. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. 84: 247-251.

Harding, E. J., E. S. Paul, et M. Mendl (2004). Animal behavior - Cognitive bias and affective state. Nature: 427: 312-312.

Mendl, M., O. H. P. Burman, R. M. A. Parker, E. S. Paul (2009). Cognitive bias as an indicator of animal emotion and welfare: Emerging evidence and underlying mechanisms. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 118:161-181.

Sandi, C., et M. T. Pinelo-Nava (2007). Stress and memory: behavioral effects and neurobiological mechanisms. Neural. Plast. PMID: 18060012.

Siegford, JM., G Rucker, AJ. Zanella (2008). Effects of pre-weaning exposure to a maze on stress responses in pigs at weaning and on subsequent performance in spatial and fear-related tests Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 110: 189-202.

Volunteer field assistant, 3-month project on wild white-faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica

Hiring Organization:
UCLA

Date Posted:
2010-12-14

Position Description:
I am a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles conducting dissertation fieldwork in conjunction with the Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Project. I am monitoring one habituated group of wild white-faced capuchin monkeys for a period of 3 months. I am taking behavioral, genetic, and hormonal data on this group as part of a project on female mate choice. In addition, I will be spending 2 weeks following an unhabituated group to non-invasively collect fecal samples for genetic analyses.

I am looking for a field assistant to help me keep my group and help with data collection. My field assistant will mostly be responsible for taking GPS data, collecting fecal samples opportunistically, filling out monkey census sheets, and helping with fecal sample processing.

I recommend taking a look at the field guide for the Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Project to get a sense of the terrain and work schedule of typical field assistants: website:
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/sperry/jobs.html

My assistant and I will be staying at the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve field station instead of at the Capuchin Project field assistant house, which is located in Bagaces. As a result, we will have less contact with Capuchin Project members and more contact with local Costa Ricans, tourists, and park officials. The cost of living at the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve field station will be approximately $10 per day.

Field days are long (typically 12-hours plus commute time) and most of our time will be spent off-trail. Please contact me via email for any additional information and to express interest.

Qualifications/Experience:
Can carry a heavy backpack (will need to carry lots of water), positive attitude, not afraid to crash off of trails, Spanish language skills preferred but not required.

Salary/funding:
None.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Upon completion of the 2-month or 3-month contract, I will be able to refund up to $800 in plane fare. Assistants must provide their own medical insurance and pay their own cost of living.

Term of Appointment:
Preferably a 3-month commitment (January-March 2011).

Application Deadline:
Will begin reviewing applications Dec 14, 2010 and will continue on a rolling basis until January 14, 2011.

Comments:
This is a great opportunity to get primatology field experience. It is a short-term commitment during the dry season (no pouring rain), when visibility is high.

Contact Information:
Irene Godoy
Deptartment of Anthropology, Box 951553
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1553

USA

Telephone Number:
+506-2671-2250

Website:
http://www.anthro.ucla.edu/people/grad-pages?lid=5509

E-mail Address:
godoy@ucla.edu

Volunteer Co-ordinator / Manager

Hiring Organization:
Vervet Monkey Foundation

Date Posted:
2010-12-11

Position Description:
Responsibilities:
• Welcoming of all new volunteers
• Volunteer village orientations on arrival
• Main orientation the following morning – includes going over the rota, days off, volunteer guide, ensuring the volunteers sign an indemnity form & read the volunteer guide, touring and all other aspects of the centre. You will also show them around the centre and show them each area where the duties take place, introducing them to other volunteers along the way.
• Introduce volunteers to village duties, other duties & update protocols as necessary.
• Responsible for ensuring the village is kept tidy and clean and to report any problems. Maintain map and stock.
• Keeping a shopping list up to date with items required for the foundation.
• Supervising the kitchen staff to ensure enough food for the volunteers at lunch and dinner. Preparing the shopping list for food every morning & preparing menus weekly in advance.
• Daily rota – assigning volunteers to duties for the following day using an excel spreadsheet.
• Liaising with volunteers – first point of contact if any problems / questions, days off etc.
• Ensuring volunteers know where they need to meet the following day.
• Liaising with long term volunteers
• Responsible for all health & safety aspects regarding volunteers such a first aid kits, fire extinguishers etc.
• Collecting volunteers from the bus stop (if driving license)
• Taking volunteers out on half days at the weekend in the local area (if driving license)
• Being involved with all areas where needed such as monitoring of monkeys, helping in babyseason, sickbay, construction and general monkey handling, maintenance of centre or fruit collecting.
• Attending volunteer meetings on Wednesday evenings
• Attend committee meetings and participate where necessary.
• There will be the opportunity to become involved with fundraising projects and possible monkey patrol / census.
• Oversee all tasks that relate to the smooth running of the centre in relation to volunteers.
• Working on adhoc projects / PA to Manager

Qualifications/Experience:
Min 4 GCSE’s with further education or equivalent
Experience in supervising / managing people (preferred but not essential)
Previous volunteer experience / experience with animals
Min of 4 years in the working environment

Attributes required for the position:
• Excellent organization skills
• Reliable, flexible, patient and responsible
• Co-ordinating skills
• Basic computer skills – word and excel
• Manual driving license (preferred)
• Able to speak to volunteers in groups between 1-40
• Work on own intiative
• Perform all tasks in the best interest of the foundation, monkeys and the volunteers.
• Certificate in First Aid (not essential)
• Strong interest in wildlife conservation
• Able to work in a hot climate at times
• Able to work as a team leader with people of different personalities and backgrounds
• Able to live and volunteer in the same community of people with changeable dynamics

Salary/funding:
N/A

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
We can provide basic cabin acommodation & vegetarian meals.

Term of Appointment:
Min 1 yr plus

Contact Information:
Josie Du Toit
Plot 35, California
Tzaneen 0850 0850
South Africa

Telephone Number:
+27 83 45 45 381

Website:
http://www.vervet.za.org

E-mail Address:
info@vervet.za.org

Postdoc Position in Monkey Neurophysiology

A Postdoc position is available in the research team of Dr. Antonino Casile, team leader in the Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems (CNCS, Rovereto, Italy). The group is a newly established and very enthusiastic research team of CNCS. Part of it, is presently hosted in the Department of Neurobiology of the Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA, and focuses on investigating perception-action couplings in both humans and monkeys by means of different experimental tools.

The Postdoc position is immediately available and is meant to investigate the interplay between perception and action in the monkey at the level of single unit, by performing neurophysiological recordings in the mirror neuron system.

We seek highly motivated Italian or international candidates with an educational background in neuroscience, engineering, physics, computational neuroscience, biology or related fields. Experience in neurophysiology as well as programming (Matlab or C/C++) and data analysis skills are highly desirable. Applications should include a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, and names of 2 referees. Please send your application by E-mail both to Dr. Antonino Casile (antonino_casile [ à ] hms.harvard.edu) and Ms. Sara Maistrelli (Cncs_selezioni [ à ] iit.it).

The Italian Institute of Technology (http://www.iit.it) is a private law Foundation, created with special Government Law no. 269 of September 30th 2003, with the objective of promoting Italy's technological development and higher education in science and technology. Research at IIT is carried out in highly innovative scientific fields with state-of-the-art technology. In order to comply with the Italian law (art. 23 of Privacy Law of the Italian Legislative Decree n. 196/03), we have to kindly ask the candidates to give their consent to allow IIT to process their personal data. The Italian Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks diversity in the workforce. 

PhD Position in Human Psychophysics and Monkey Neurophysiology

A PhD position is available in the research team of Dr. Antonino Casile, team leader in the Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems (CNCS, Rovereto, Italy). The group is a newly established and very enthusiastic research team of CNCS. Part of it, is presently hosted in the Department of Neurobiology of the Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA, and focuses on investigating perception-action couplings in both humans and monkeys by means of different experimental tools.

The PhD position will be available in 2011 and it will be assigned based on an international competition. The call will be posted in March 2011 and the winner of the competition will be announced before summer. The PhD program will follow the organization of the School of Doctoral Programs of the University of Trento. Students interested in taking part to the competition can immediately start sending their CVs. In the meantime we have also open positions as paid internship (equivalent to research assistant). The position is meant for investigating the interplay between perception and action either at the neurophysiological level by performing single-unit recordings in the monkey or at the behavioral level by performing psychophysical and possibly brain imaging experiments in humans. The final decision will depend on the specific interests of the student.

We seek highly motivated Italian or international candidates with an educational background in neuroscience, engineering, physics, computational neuroscience, biology or related fields. Experience in neurophysiology as well as programming (Matlab or C/C++) and data analysis skills are highly desirable. Applications should include a CV, a statement of research experience and interests, and names of 2 referees. 

Please send your application by E-mail both to Dr. Antonino Casile (antonino_casile [ à ] hms.harvard.edu) and Ms. Sara Maistrelli (Cncs_selezioni [ à ] iit.it).

The Italian Institute of Technology (http://www.iit.it) is a private law Foundation, created with special Government Law no. 269 of September 30th 2003, with the objective of promoting Italy's technological development and higher education in science and technology. Research at IIT is carried out in highly innovative scientific fields with state-of-the-art technology. In order to comply with the Italian law (art. 23 of Privacy Law of the Italian Legislative Decree n. 196/03), we have to kindly ask the candidates to give their consent to allow IIT to process their personal data. The Italian Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks diversity in the workforce. 

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cognitive Neuroscience, St Lucia, Australia, fin : 4 fev. 2011

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cognitive Neuroscience School of Psychology University of Queensland

The School of Psychology, University of Queensland, is seeking applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cognitive Neuroscience. The School is internationally recognised for research strengths across the breadth of psychology, and has thriving and dynamic research profiles in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience.

The role: The appointee will join a team of researchers working on an Australian Research Council funded program which broadly examines the cognitive and neural underpinnings of human information processing capacity limitations and employs behavioural, neuroimaging, neurostimulation and neuropsychological approaches.

The person: This position would suit someone with a background in psychology, cognitive neuroscience or a related field. Applicants must have completed or be nearing completion of a PhD in one of these areas.

Remuneration: The remuneration package will be in the range $53,780 -$ 72,949, plus employer superannuation contributions of 17% (total package will be in the range $62,923 to $85,351 p.a.). This is a full-time, fixed term appointment for one year at academic research level A, with the possibility of renewal.

Contact: Obtain the position description and selection criteria online. To discuss the role contact Dr. Paul E. Dux, telephone 07 3365 6885 or email paul.e.dux [ à ] gmail.com or Professor Jason B. Mattingley, telephone 07 3346 6331 or email j.mattingley [ à ] uq.edu.au.

Send applications to:

Mr James Hodgson

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The University of Queensland

St Lucia Qld 4072

Or email applications [ à ] sbs.uq.edu.au

Applications close: 4 February 2011

Dr. Paul E. Dux, PhD

Lecturer (Assistant Professor) & ARC APD Fellow

School of Psychology

463 McElwain Building

University of Queensland

St Lucia, QLD 4072

Australia

email: paul.e.dux [ à ] gmail.com

phone: +617 33656885

web: www.paulduxlab.org

PhD position - An interdisciplinary anthropological study of primate tourism

Hiring Organization:
Roehampton University

Date Posted:
2010-12-10

Position Description:
Primate tourism, where people travel to see wild primate populations in their natural environment, is a burgeoning industry and one that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the conservation of endangered primate species. Recently, however, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impacts of such tourism on the animals involved. While a small number of studies have explored tourist impacts on primate behaviour, none have quantified impacts on stress levels and this represents a fundamental gap in our current knowledge. Moreover, the human aspect of primate tourism remains largely unexplored. Consequently, we have very little understanding of the attitudes and expectations of tourists with regard to primates, or how these shape tourists’ behaviour towards - and hence impacts upon - the animals they visit.

Understanding primate tourism from both the human and the primate perspective requires an integrated inter-disciplinary methodology: approaches from biological anthropology are needed to investigate the process from the primates’ point of view, while social anthropological approaches are needed to explore human perspectives. The aim of this PhD project is to develop this inter-disciplinary approach, in order to explore both social and biological aspects of primate tourism. Tourism related to wild Barbary macaques in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, will be used as a model system for this study.


Reading materials
Applicants are expected to read the following articles, and if shortlisted for interviews, will be asked questions about these articles.
Fuentes (2010) Naturalcultural encounters in Bali: monkeys, temples, tourists, and ethnoprimatology. Cultural Anthropology 25, 600-624
McCarthy et al. (2009) Sequences of Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana) and tourist behaviors at Mt Huangshan, China. Primate Conservation 24, 145-151

To apply please complete the form ‘Initial application form for MPhil/PhD’ which can be downloaded from http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/graduateschool/prospectiveresearchstudents/howtoapply/index.html. You are also required to submit a full CV, a written statement of why you would like to undertake this PhD study at Roehampton and the skills that you can bring to the project.

For further information/informal enquiries, contact Dr Stuart Semple (s.semple@roehampton.ac.uk)

Qualifications/Experience:
In addition to the general admission criteria of Roehampton University, the successful applicant is expected to have:

1. A masters degree in zoology or primatology
2. Experience of fieldwork with wild vertebrate populations, preferably primates
3. Experience of, or willingness to learn, laboratory techniques for stress hormone analyses
4. Experience of, or willingness to learn, social anthropological fieldwork techniques
5. An openness to, and interest in adopting, an interdisciplinary approach to research

Salary/funding:
The studentship consists of tuition fees (for home/EU students) as well as a stipend (currently £15,200 p.a.). Overseas students are welcome to apply, but if they are successful, they will have to pay the difference between home and overseas tuition fees.

Term of Appointment:
Anticipated start date: Feb 2011

Application Deadline:
5th January 2011; interviews 18th or 19th January 2011

Comments:
Please note: this is one of five projects to be advertised, with two studentships available. The shortlisted student for this project will compete with students from other projects for one of the two places available.

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

PhD position - Reproductive success, social attractiveness and symmetry in baboons

Hiring Organization:
Roehampton University

Date Posted:
2010-12-10

Position Description:
Males and females of many species are attracted by the symmetry of potential mates. In humans, symmetrical faces are found more attractive - in experiments that use natural faces and computer manipulated images. Symmetrical faces are also preferred in the rhesus monkey, but very little work has been done in non-human primates, although this could substantially illuminate the evolutionary history of attraction to symmetry in humans. This PhD will investigate the following questions in a wild population of olive baboons in Gashaka Gumti National Park Nigeria:
1. Do baboons find more symmetrical individuals more attractive as sexual partners (adult males and females) and social partners (all individuals)?
2. What features (e.g. rank, social attractiveness) of wild primates predict reproductive success (in males and females)?
3. Is ‘quality’ (measured by reproductive success, size, weight, parasite load) correlated with symmetry?

Reading materials
Applicants are expected to read the following articles, and if shortlisted for interviews, will be asked questions about these articles.
Higham et al (2009) Female reproductive signaling, and male mating behavior, in the olive baboon. Hormones & Behavior 55: 60-67
Little et al (2008) Symmetry Is Related to Sexual Dimorphism in Faces: Data Across Culture and Species. PLoS ONE 3: e2106.

To apply please complete the form ‘Initial application form for MPhil/PhD’ which can be downloaded from http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/graduateschool/prospectiveresearchstudents/howtoapply/index.html. You are also required to submit a full CV, a written statement of why you would like to undertake this PhD study at Roehampton and the skills that you can bring to the project.

For further information/informal enquiries, contact Dr Caroline Ross (c.ross@roehampton.ac.uk)

Qualifications/Experience:
In addition to the general admission criteria of Roehampton University, the successful applicant is expected to have:

Essential
1. a BSc 2.1 or above in a relevant subject e.g. biological sciences, biological anthropology, evolutionary psychology. Students with a 2.2 may be considered if they have gained a Distinction at masters level.
2. ability to work under difficult field conditions
3. ability to work with a range of people from different cultural backgrounds
4. good statistical ability

Desirable
1. previous fieldwork / tropical work experience
2. MSc/MRes in a relevant subject

Salary/funding:
The studentship consists of tuition fees (for home/EU students) as well as a stipend (currently £15,200 p.a.). Overseas students are welcome to apply, but if they are successful, they will have to pay the difference between home and overseas tuition fees.

Term of Appointment:
Anticipated start date: Feb 2011

Application Deadline:
5th January 2011; interviews 18th or 19th January 2011

Comments:
Please note: this is one of five projects to be advertised, with two studentships available. The shortlisted student for this project will compete with students from other projects for one of the two places available.

Contact Information:
Dr Caroline Ross
Roehampton University
London SW15 4JD
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+44 208 3923529

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

E-mail Address:
c.ross@roehampton.ac.uk

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROIMAGING

A postdoctoral position is available at the Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory at the Monell Chemical Senses Center to study neuronal and behavioral processing of multisensory integration in humans. Our lab is concerned with basic research to achieve a better understanding of the cerebral basis for chemosensory and  multisensory processing. This work covers a wide range of methods, including psychophysical and cognitive tests in healthy individuals, functional brain imaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging and EEG/ERP), structural brain imaging, intracranial recording, and brain morphometry.

The Monell Chemical Senses Center provides state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment and a highly collegial environment for cutting-edge science in sensory research. Our imaging projects are performed at the University of Pennsylvania where we have direct access to three MRI scanners (3T and 7T). The

center also offers competitive compensation packages.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD (and possibly postdoctoral experience) in psychology, neuroscience, biology, or a related field with a background in neuroimaging methods, and should have a demonstrated record of productivity. Programming skills in Matlab for acquisition and data processing are advantageous.

The successful candidate will become an integral member of the center and have the opportunity to develop independent projects or collaborative projects with  some of the top behavioral and neuroscience researchers examining chemosensory and multisensory processing.

Position is open for start ASAP or according to agreement. Salary is in accordance with NIH standards and based on qualifications. For more information, please see: http://flavor.monell.org/~jlundstrom

Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information of two references to:

Dr. Johan Lundstrom

Monell Chemical Senses Center

3500 Market St.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Or e-mail jlundstrom@monell.org

Postdoc: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Toronto

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto invites applications for Departmental Postdoctoral Fellowships in the areas of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, broadly defined. One position is available this year, and we expect that another will become available next year through an ongoing EEB Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Positions may continue for two years, subject to review after one year, and can begin as early as July 1, 2011. The salary starts at $40,000 per year, with research expenses covered by the Postdoctoral Advisor.

The Fellow will be a fully participating member in the Department. Candidates must identify and communicate with a potential advisor (or advisors) in advance of the application process. All full-time faculty members at the St. George (downtown) campus of the University of Toronto are eligible to serve as advisors (see www.eeb.utoronto.ca/postdoc/ for a list of potential supervisors). Opportunities for teaching in an upper level course may be available, if the candidate wishes to teach. 

To apply, applicants should first contact and obtain the agreement of a faculty advisor (or co-advisors). Afterwards, applicants should submit a cover letter clearly indicating the proposed faculty advisor(s), a curriculum vitae, copies of 2 publications, and a short (1-3 pages) description of past research accomplishments and future research plans. Applicants should include names and e-mail addresses of two potential referees. Applicants should also indicate the date they will be available to begin the position. All application materials must be submitted as PDF’s in a single email to: Elizabeth Rentzelos. Review of applications will begin on Feb. 1, 2011.

The University of Toronto is a leading academic institution in Canada with over 60 faculty members specializing in ecology and evolution. Strong links exist between the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Royal Ontario Museum, the Centre for Global Change, the Centre for Environment, and the Faculty of Forestry. The University owns a nearby field station dedicated to ecological research (the Koffler Scientific Reserve, ksr.utoronto.ca). The department also has a partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources that helps provide access to infrastructure, including lab facilities in Algonquin Provincial Park (www.harkness.ca), funding, and long-term data sets. Genomic analyses are supported by the Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (www.cagef.utoronto.ca).

–
Megan Frederickson
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Toronto
25 Harbord Street
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada
Email: m.frederickson@utoronto.ca
Web: labs.eeb.utoronto.ca/frederickson

MS. Position: Establishing Bedding and Boarding Requirements for Finisher Pigs through Scientific Validation

Animal Science Department

Iowa State University

Ames IA, USA

A full time research based MS position (with stipend) is available for May 2011 to May 2012 at Iowa State University. Transportation of swine is an essential element to the multi-site pork production model that is currently used in the USA and the conditions under which pigs are handled and transported can have a direct impact on their well-being. For market pigs, the transportation process is a combination of novel experiences that can be perceived as stressful. If the pig in not able to cope with these stressors, producers will see increased losses through elevated mortality, morbidity and decreased product quality and increased waste and a reduction in production efficiency. The objective of this project will be to provide science based recommendations for bedding practices during market pig transport that help manage the internal environment of the transport trailer to prevent thermal stress. This study will provide the macro-details of the internal trailer environment and its impact on the pig by:

- Determine the proper use of bedding and weather boards/plugs in controlling the internal environment of the trailer so as to provide for the thermal comfort of the pig during cold temperatures.

- Determine if the use of bedding in moderate and warm temperatures is needed in handling areas and on trailers to prevent slips and falls.

The ultimate research goal is to develop industry recommendations for internal trailer environment management protocols that will optimize internal trailer temperature, maintain pig comfort and core body temperature and minimize transport losses.

The ideal candidate must have a strong academic performance (3.0 or above) in a biological discipline, such as animal behavior, animal science or veterinary science. Practical experience with pigs, willingness to travel and an interest in working in a multi-disciplinary research group is required. For further details about the project, contact Dr. Anna Johnson. For information about the graduate studies program in the Department of Animal Science and for application procedures (open until filled) please go to the web page at http://www.ans.iastate.edu/stud/prosp.grad/ and contact Donna Nelson at dlnelson@iastate.edu or by phone at (515) 294-2160 together with the title of the research project.

Anna Johnson

2356-F Kildee Hall

Ames

IA

50011-3150

USA

Phone: (515) 294-2098

E-mail: johnsona@iastate.edu

PhD position: Evolution of paternal care and infanticide by males in mammals

PhD Project Details 

Dept/School School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast PhD Supervisor(s) Dr I Capellini  Prof R W Elwood

Funding Availability  Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

Application Deadline 10 January 2011

Evolution of paternal care and infanticide by males in mammals

Paternal care and infanticide by males lie at opposite ends of a continuum of male behaviour towards infants. Hypotheses to explain the evolution of paternal care include enhanced offspring survival, male reproductive strategy to guarantee future mating opportunities or to reduce sperm competition. These hypotheses make different predictions in relation to the conditions that favoured the evolution of paternal care, such as certainty of paternity, mating system, ability of males to monopolize receptive females, presence of alternative strategies to secure paternity or simply the lack of alternative mating opportunities. Likewise, infanticide by males is supposed to enhance the likelihood of paternity of infanticidal males and its occurrence is predicted when females have relatively long lactation, are polyestrous, reproduce aseasonally, and can be monopolized.

Studies on individual species found support for each of these hypotheses but the generality of patterns and the ultimate causes of paternal care and infanticide by males remain elusive. How these behaviours associate with and affect maternal reproductive traits, such as interbirth intervals, oestrous type, polyandry, have been little investigated, and little is known about if and how paternal care and infanticide by males are evolutionary associated.

By using phylogenetic comparative methods and explicitly accounting for the species' evolutionary history, this project is the first to comprehensively investigate the evolution of paternal care and infanticide by males and its implication for female reproduction in mammals.

Funding Notes

DEL funded (Department for Employment and Learning Studentships)

For further information on this project, please contact Dr Isabella Capellini (Isabella.Capellini@dur.ac.uk) or Prof. Robert Elwood (R.Elwood@qub.ac.uk)

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

http://www.delni.gov.uk

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

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

PhD position on cooperation in wild Assamese macaques

Hiring Organization:

Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University Göttingen

Position Description:

We are seeking to fill a PhD position working on the cognitive and emotional bases of cooperative behavior in wild Assamese macaques at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. The Assamese macaque project is run by Julia Ostner and Oliver Schülke (www.uni-goettingen.de/en/field-site/153680.html), Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University Göttingen. Candidates will enroll in the graduate program of Göttingen University. The research project will focus on triadic awareness, emotional book-keeping, and contingent reciprocity.

Field work at Phu Khieo will include detailed behavioral observations combined with playback experiments.

Qualifications/Experience:

Applicants should have a Masters degree in Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Physical Anthropology, Primatology, or a related field. Prior experience with playback studies is a plus.

Fieldwork (approx. 1.5 years)is physically very demanding (long rainy season, difficult terrain, isolated and basic field conditions, long days in the forest) and potentially dangerous (encounters with king cobras, leopards, bears, elephants are possible),hence, interested individuals should be physically fit, have previous experience with field work in the tropics and be comfortable being away from family and friends for extended periods of time. Successful candidates should be able to work and decide independently, be comfortable alone in the forest, while still being a good team player.

Candidates should hold a valid driver's license. The language in our team is English, but candidates should be willing to learn basic Thai.

Salary/funding:

A stipend (approx. 800-1000€/month) is available for the first year. Funding for a PhD position is available for year 2-3.

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

Travel costs and accommodation will be covered.

Term of Appointment:

minimum 3 years, starting as soon as possible

Comments:

Applications should include a letter describing research experiences and motivation, a CV and contact information of two referees. Applications should be  send to Julia Ostner (jostner@gwdg.de). Review of applications will start January 3rd 2011 and will continue until position is filled.

Contact Information:

Julia Ostner

Kellnerweg 6

Göttingen 37077

Germany

Telephone Number:

+49-551-393925

Website:

http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/153624.html

E-mail Address:

jostner@gwdg.de