OFFRE DE STAGE / INTERNSHIP

HOST-SHIFT & RANGE EXPANSION IN NATIVE PHYTOPHAGOUS INSECTS.
The past decade has seen an explosion of interest in biological invasions and their consequences. It is now clear that the magnitude and frequency of early introductions are minor compared to those associated with today’s extensive global trade and passenger movements. Such factors have resulted in most areas around the world experiencing increasing species invasions. The focus of this internship will be on native invasive phytophagous insects, in particular the native grassgrub, Costelytra zelandica, that has become a serious pest (invasive) of pasture and sometimes in horticulture in New Zealand. You will use this species to investigate host and environmental range expansion to increase the understanding of species invasions in general.

Ultimately, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
- do a field trip sessions in the New Zealand Alps
- run an ecological experiment and improve his/her laboratory skills
- do statistical analyses (Chi square test, ANOVA and/or ANCOVA)
- learn about molecular techniques (DNA extraction and multiplex PCR)
This internship will be based at the BioProtection Research Centre (Lincoln University, New Zealand).
The candidate should start between the 1st of January and the 15th of February 2011 due to the time frame required for the fieldwork. The internship is for a period of 4 to 6 months (negotiable).
The successful candidate will have a strong background in ecology and some notion of statistics and molecular analyses.
Application must contains:
- a cover letter
- a personal resume (CV)
- 2 academic referees
Applications have to be sent before the 25th of October 2010. The successful applicant will be informed the following week.
To submit you application and for more information, please contact the following persons:
Marie-Caroline Lefort
Marie-Caroline.Lefort@lincoln.ac.nz
Ass. Pr. Susan Worner
Susan.Worner@lincoln.ac.nz

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE

Population ecology of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis jamaicensis) and Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus vennator) in the El Yunque National Forest and Maricao Forest, Puerto Rico. I am seeking a postdoctoral research associate for a research project on the Red-tailed Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk in forest reserves and adjacent private lands of Puerto Rico. The objectives of the project are to develop new information on population dynamics and habitat relationships of both raptor species. Results of this research are linked to restoration strategies for the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata). This project will require knowledge of raptor survey techniques, distance sampling, occupancy modeling, and landscape habitat modeling. The successful candidate should be able to lead a field crew in difficult conditions, insure integrity and quality of data, analyze and interpret results, and write final reports and publish the research in a reputable journal. Working knowledge of Spanish desirable but not required. During the field portions of this project the research associate will be housed in El Yunque National Forest, located in the Luquillo Mountains, and in the Maricao Forest, located in the Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico. During analysis, final report and manuscript preparation, the research associate will be housed in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi.

I will begin reviewing applications upon receipt; the desired start date is Jan 2011. Salary is $35,000 per year plus benefits. The position is for 2 years with the possible extension of an additional year conditional on funding and performance. Interested candidates should direct their inquiries to: FRANCISCO J. VILELLA, USGS Cooperative Research Unit, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University (EM: fvilella@cfr.msstate.edu). Applications should include a cover letter, updated curriculum vitae, and a list of references.

WILDLIFE ECOLOGIST

Tenure-Track Faculty Position, University of Connecticut – Department of Natural Resources & the Environment We seek applicants with experience in wildlife ecology and conservation, with interest and ability to collaborate with state and federal wildlife management agencies and relevant NGOs. Duties include: excellence in scholarly publication; effective extramural grant solicitation; effective undergraduate and graduate teaching; and service to the Department, University, and society. We seek a candidate whose research and teaching focus on one or more of the following areas: - Field assessment of habitat relationships and population characterization of species of conservation concern. - Population management techniques for abundant and expanding wildlife in exurban and suburbanizing landscapes. - Application of statistical models of habitat use, population demographics, and geographic information systems (GIS) to understand and predict effects of climate and landscape changes on wildlife populations. - Urban wildlife ecology, human-wildlife conflicts and associated conservation strategies Minimum Qualifications: A doctoral degree at the time of appointment in wildlife science, natural resources, ecology/zoology, or related discipline; experience with wildlife field techniques; ability to perform quantitative data analyses; and excellent oral and written communication skills. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable. Preferred Qualifications: Post-doctoral experience; success at obtaining competitive extramural grants; college teaching experience; a record of scholarly publication in wildlife science; collaborative research experience with wildlife management agencies; and the ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience. This is a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin 23 Aug 2011. Salary is competitive and commensurate with the qualifications of the applicant and experience of the candidate. Screening of applications will begin 8 Oct 2010 and continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate will work at the University of Connecticut's main campus located in Storrs, and/or the campuses located at Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury and/or any other University location. For further information about the Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, please visit our website at http://www.nre.uconn.edu/. Applicants should apply online through Husky Hire at (URL: http://www.jobs.uconn.edu); upload an application letter, curriculum vitae, statements describing teaching philosophy and research interests, and names with contact information of three individuals who have been asked to submit letters of reference. Letters of recommendation should be sent via e-mail to the Co-Chairs of the Wildlife Ecologist Search Committee (DRS. JASON VOKOUN & MORTY ORTEGA) via (EM: nre@uconn.edu) - please reference search #2011107 in the subject line. The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, including minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

Research Assistant

Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

Position Description:
We are looking for a research assistant to collect data for a study on the patterns of hunting and faunivory by bonobos at a long-term field project in LuiKotale, Salonga NP, Democratic Republic of Congo. This project is ongoing and candidates will contribute to the existing data bank. Therefore, this position is not suitable for candidates looking to pursue individual projects. Candidates will be trained by the senior researcher responsible for the project and will hand over the data to him at the end of the appointment. The assistant will work alongside an existing team of personnel, recording behavioral observations and collecting fecal and urine samples. Field work includes long-distance walking through very difficult terrain in all weather conditions.
Information about the field site and research activities at LuiKotale is available at www.eva.mpg.de/primat

Qualifications/Experience:
Essential requirements are (1) field experience, (2) above average physical fitness, (3) above average resistance to social/psychological stress, (4)the ability to live and work with an international team of students, volunteers and local staff. Practical and technical skills required for orientation and communication in the forest, such as GPS and compass reading, and a basic knowledge of French would be helpful. Candidates should have: strong social skills, a high degree of self-motivation and responsibility, and show respect to local customs. Candidates with experience in (a) field research in francophone Africa and (b) behavioral research on wild animals will be preferred.

Salary/funding:
Salary/funding: 300 Euro/month

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
- food (mix of mainly local food and some western food items)
- lodging (in tents) at the field site
- airfare and airport tax for one domestic return flight from Kinshasa to the field site and back
- contribution of up to 800 Euro to an international return flight (reimbursement ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETITION OF A 9 MONTHS TERM OF APPOINTMENT)
- expenses for visa (reimbursement ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETITION OF A 9 MONTHS TERM OF APPOINTMENT)
- please note that expenses during the stay in Kinshasa on the way in/out of Congo can not be covered by the project

Term of Appointment:
9 months starting Mar 2011

Application Deadline:
December 2010

Contact Information:
Andrew Fowler
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig, none 04103
Germany

Telephone Number:
++49 (0) 341 3550 263

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

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

Master-Project: Mate choice in the Great Partridge

Do genetic, maternal and environmental effects affect sexually selected plumage traits and mate selection in the Great partridge?

Sexually selected traits signal many aspects of phenotypic quality such as competitive abilities, resistance to parasite attacks and the ability to cope with stressful environmental factors. Stressful environmental conditions and genetic predispositions have, especially during development, a strong impact on adult phenotypes. Hormones are a crucial link between genome, environment and phenotype and the endocrine system adjusts the physiology, behaviour and development to the prevailing environmental conditions.
Environmental and social stressful factors including for instance food shortage, immune challenge and the presence of predators induce an activation of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis (HPA) including the release of glucocorticoids (corticosterone in birds). The HPA itself is also influenced by environmental conditions and conditions during development
can have long lasting effects on the ability to react to a novel stress situation. In this study we investigate the effects of stressful conditions during development and the interaction of these conditions with two different genotypes on mate choice in the great partridge.
This study is part of the reintroduction project of great partridge of the Swiss Ornithological Institute. Young partridge from 2010 will be kept in outside aviaries for release in summer 2011. These partridges will be our experimental group for the mate choice experiments. The partridges are from two different genetic origins (domesticated birds and the F1-generation of wild-captured birds) and from 4 different treatment groups (eggs produced from parents held under mildly stressful conditions (unpredictable food schedule) and from parents held under relaxed conditions (ad libitum food) and from two different rearing conditions (mildly stressful or relaxed rearing conditions). Thus in total we have 8 treatment groups and several individuals per treatment group.
We will experimentally test mate selection with a discrimination experiment, giving each female the opportunity to select males from different treatment groups. After this experimental period we will let the partridge pair for real, and we will record whether birds mate randomly or with respect to genetic and rearing conditions and whether pair formation depends on plumage coloration or on vigilance behaviour or calling frequency and structure.
The master-project starts in January 2011, experiments will be carried out during February-April in Sempach. For more information please contact Susi Jenni-Eiermann or Bettina Almasi.

Contact
Dr. Susi Jenni-Eiermann, 041 462 97 61, susi.jenni@vogelwarte.ch
Dr. Bettina Almasi, 041 462 97 68, bettina.almasi@vogelwarte.ch
Schweizerische Vogelwarte, 6204 Sempach

Animateur scientifique vacataire

Pour son exposition « Laboratoire de Merlin », l'Espace des sciences recrute une personne, placée sous la responsabilité des médiateurs de l'Espace des sciences, qui aura pour missions de :

> Présenter l'exposition et des ateliers scientifiques devant des publics variés : groupes scolaires (primaires, collèges et lycées), centres de loisirs, visiteurs individuels, familles...

> Participer à la maintenance et à l'entretien de l'exposition

Profil requis
- Formation scientifique (bac +2 minimum) : physique, biologie, géologie...
- Bon niveau de culture générale et intérêt pour les sciences.
- Aisance dans les activités d'animation : élocution, gestion des groupes...
- Autonomie, dynamisme et réactivité.

Caractéristiques du poste
- CDD du 1er septembre 2010 au 2 janvier 2011.
- 19 heures hebdomadaires sur 3 jours par semaine dont un week-end sur 2.
- Salaire : environ 9 euros brut de l'heure soit 768 euros brut mensuel.

Candidature
Envoyer CV et lettre de motivation avant le 28 août 2010
Pour tous renseignements, contacter un médiateur de l'Espace des sciences, tél : 02 23 40 66 40.

Courrier
Service des expositions et des animations
Recrutement animateur scientifique vacataire
Espace des sciences
Les Champs Libres
10 cours des Alliés
35 000 Rennes

Courriel
expositions@espace-sciences.org

L'Espace des sciences est une association dont la vocation est de rendre accessible à tous les publics les connaissances scientifiques, techniques et industrielles, en suscitant curiosité, intérêt et questionnements. Depuis 20 ans elle propose des expositions et animations scientifiques au public rennais.
Découvrez l'Espace des sciences : www.espace-sciences.org

Stage

Titre:
Relations tritrophiques : Impact de la présence de nématodes entomopathogéniques sur la sélection d’une plante hôte par la chrysomèle du maïs

Résumé du stage:
En réponse à des attaques d’insectes phytophages, les plantes produisent des composés organiques volatiles attractifs pour les ennemis naturels de l’insecte herbivore. Ces interactions tritrophiques entre les plantes, les insectes herbivores, et leurs ennemis sont bien connues au niveau aérien des plantes. Cependant, de tels systèmes existent également dans le sol. Ainsi, lorsque des racines de plantes de maïs sont attaquées par la larve de chrysomèle, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, la plante émet un sesquiterpène, le E-β-caryophyllene. Ce composé peut alors servir de signal pour des nématodes, Heterorhabditis megidis, parasites létaux de la larve de chrysomèle.
Cependant, l’impact de la présence des ennemis naturels sur les insectes herbivores et les plantes ont longtemps été négligés. L’objectif de ce stage sera de caractériser l’influence de la présence des nématodes sur la sélection d’une plante hôte par la chrysomèle du maïs, mais aussi sur les défenses directes et indirectes des plantes de maïs.

Techniques mises en œuvre:
- Technique comportementale : olfactomètre souterrain à 6 bras
- Analyse des composés volatiles des plantes : Chromatographie gazeuse & liquide, spectrométrie de masse (GC-MS)
- Analyse de l’expression des gènes : Real Time Quantitative PCR

Compétences particulières exigées:
Grande motivation et intérêt pour les relations plantes insectes et les études pluridisciplinaires.
Neuchâtel se trouve en Suisse francophone. Cependant, le laboratoire réunit des chercheurs d’origines très variées. Les langues les plus couramment parlées au sein du laboratoire sont anglais/français/allemand. De bonnes connaissances en anglais sont attendues.

Rémunération:
Les stages au sein du laboratoire ne sont pas rémunérés. Cependant, il est possible pour des étudiants francais d'obtenir une bourse de mobilité ou une bourse Erasmus (entre 400 et 600euros) pour effectuer le stage. Par ailleurs, le laboratoire emploie régulièrement des étudiants du laboratoire pour 'soccuper de l'elevage des insectes (25CHF/h = ~18euros/h).

Perspectives:
Ce sujet se poursuivra par une études de terrain (USA) en juillet et aout 2011. Il est envisageable que l'étudiant se joigne à l'équipe de terrain pour prolonger l'étude.
Il n'y a actuellement pas d'offre de thèse à pourvoir au sein de l'équipe, mais le laboratoire d'Ecologie Chimique de Neuchâtel possède un large réseau de contacts et de colaborations avec d'autres laboratoires.

Encadrement :
Nom Prenom : ROBERT Christelle
Laboratoire /Entreprise : Laboratoire d’Ecologie Chimique Adresse : Rue Emile Argand, 11, CH-2000 NEUCHATEL, SUISSE Courriel : christelle.robert@unine.ch

Research assistant, Mbeli Bai Gorilla Study

Hiring Organization:
Wildlife Conservation Society - Congo Program

Date Posted:
2010-08-17

Position Description:
We are searching a field assistant for an ongoing study on the demography and visiting patterns of western lowland gorillas at Mbeli Bai, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville).

Responsibilities include the daily monitoring (around 10hours) of gorillas and other large mammals (forest elephants, sitatungas, forest buffaloes,…) visiting the Mbeli Bai forest clearing. Further responsibilities include camp logistics, food orders, helping in training of Congolese research assistants.

There is also the possibility to participate in our conservation education program Club Ebobo in the primary schools around the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park.

Qualifications/Experience:
Essential requirements are high resistance to working for a long period in a remote rain forest, experiences in collecting behavioral data, and the ability to work in a small team (2-3 Congolese research assistants and 2-4 local assistants). This also means living on basic food and having limited email access (no internet and no telephone calls). Field-work requires a lot of patience because in contrary to following a habituated group we wait for the animals to come to visit the clearing which means that there can be hours and sometimes days without gorillas in the bai (but there will always be many flies!!!). Therefore the work demands high motivation and patience. Previous experience in individual identification of primates is of high advantage and applicants have to be prepared of a 3-month learning period of the large visiting population of more than 130 gorillas. This also means that applicants are expected to spend at least 1 year at the site.
Practical and technical skills required to maintain the camps technical infrastructure (eg. solar electricity, satphone, sw-radio) are of advantage. For communication with local assistants (Bangombe pygmies), basic skills in French or African languages such as Lingala are required and candidates with such skills will be preferred.

Salary/funding:
no salary provided but ALL costs associated with the successful completion of the position will be covered

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The project will cover costs for visa and the expenses for domestic and international flights. This money will be reimbursed only AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION of a 12-month term of appointment.
The project provides food and offers lodging (in wooden houses) at the field site. Also expenses for food and lodging during the stay in Brazzaville will be covered by the project. Expenses for private field equipment, vaccinations, medical supplies and can NOT be covered by the project.

Term of Appointment:
12 months (starting between September and November 2010)

Application Deadline:
End of September, 2010

Comments:
For additional information on the study site, please have a look at:
http://wcs-congo.org/04science/03mbeli/index.html

Contact Information:
WCS-Congo
Avenue Charles de Gaule 151
Brazzaville, none BP 14537
Congo

Website:
http://www.wcs-congo.org

E-mail Address:
tbreuer@wcs.org

Community-based conservation volunteer, Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey Project

Hiring Organization:
Neotropical Primate Conservation

Date Posted:
2010-08-17

Position Description:
We are seeking volunteers to help us collect data on the critically endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey, to participate in habitat restoration and reforestation, and to assist in improving local awareness of environmental issues through education activities in schools.

Two 6-week-long expeditions in December 2010 and jauary 2011 are available.

Qualifications/Experience:
No qualifications or skills are necessary apart from a basic level of spoken Spanish, good fitness level and ability to cope with harsh working conditions and basic accommodation.

Salary/funding:
A contribution of £900 is requested from the volunteer. It excludes travel to the field site but includes accommodation, food, wages for local guides, two excursions to Kuelap and the Gocta waterfall, training and a small contribution to the running of the project.

Contact Information:
Nina Poletti
Netherlands

Telephone Number:
+31 0655724491

Website:
http://www.neoprimate.org

E-mail Address:
nina.poletti@gmail.com

Post-Doctoral Researcher

Hiring Organization:
The University of the Witwatersrand Medical School

Date Posted:
2010-08-15

Position Description:
The Brain Function Research Group at University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and the Barrett-Henzi lab at the University of Lethbridge, Canada are conducting a long-term study on the behavioural ecology of vervet monkey thermoregulation. This project, under the directorship of Prof. Andrea Fuller, has an opening for a post-doctoral researcher to participate in fieldwork and coordinate data collection. The position will be for a year in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal, and the successful applicant will be based at one of two field stations in South Africa. It is essential that applicants have fieldwork experience, while a working knowledge of ecological physiology is highly recommended.

Initial enquiries should be directed either to Prof. Andrea Fuller (andrea.fuller@wits.ac.za) or to Prof. Peter Henzi (peter.henzi@uleth.ca).


Web pages:

http://web.wits.ac.za/Academic/Health/Physiology/ResearchUnits/BFRG/

http://people.uleth.ca/~peter.henzi/index.html

Qualifications/Experience:
Ph.D

Application Deadline:
30th September 2010

Contact Information:
Peter Henzi
University Drive
Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4
Canada

Website:
http://directory.uleth.ca/users/peter.henzi?no_headers=1

E-mail Address:
peter.henzi@uleth.ca

Volunteer researchers: Biodiversity assessment in Littoral forest, Southeastern Madagascar

Hiring Organization:
Sainte Luce Private Reserve

Date Posted:
2010-08-14

Position Description:
The project involves lemur and reptile surveys, bird watching and vegetation study. Volunteers will be trained by the principal investigator and experienced local team for all activities.
For detailed information about the projects and the programs, please visit www.sainte-luce-reserve.org

Qualifications/Experience:
No qualification required

Contact Information:
Brett Massoud or Josia Razafindramanana
42 Lodge Close
Marston - Oxford OX3 0QP
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+61 (0)458 910 900 or +44 (0)7969 402571

Website:
http://www.sainte-luce-reserve.org

E-mail Address:
dadamanga@live.com

Field assistant – radio-telemetry of the Philippine tarsier

Hiring Organization:
Tarsius Project

Date Posted:
2010-08-13

Position Description:
We are looking for volunteers to assist on a project studying behaviour, home-range use and acoustic communication of the Philippine tarsier. Volunteers will work independently in the field under supervision of the project leader. We have several animals radio-collared and monitor their nightly movements in the forest and record their vocalization.

Specific tasks you will participate in:
Radio-tracking of the tarsiers during night time (usually for 6 hours)
Radio-tracking of animals on their sleeping sites during day
Recording of vocalization
Analyzing the data from radio-tracking

Other tasks that you may participate in:
Mapping of the area using GPS and maintaining the marked points in the field
Conservation education of local people

Resting periods:
Resting days will be scheduled regularly as part of the field work program.

Qualifications/Experience:
The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
1) Be physically fit and capable of undertaking fieldwork in hot/humid conditions
2) Be capable of team work and not have issues with authority figures
3) Be hardworking, disciplined in following field procedures and reliable
4) Be interested in primate behavior, conservation
5) Be able to work individually in tropical forest during night time!
6) Enjoy being outdoors and experiencing the tropical forest
7) Some knowledge of zoology, animal behavior and data collection preferred but not required

Salary/funding:
No salary is provided. Volunteers must pay their own transportation and expenses.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
No support is provided. Accommodation will be provided in the Bohol Island State University Hostel (simple house with electricity and cold water) for 1000PhP/month. Local food available for cca 20PhP/meal.

Term of Appointment:
August – December 2010 (at least one month, longer perior preffered)

Application Deadline:
None

Comments:
To apply, please email a recent copy of your CV and describe your research interests and experience, and your availability for this position.

Contact e-mail address:
tarsiusproject@gmail.com, tarsiusproject.jana@gmail.com

Contact Information:
RNDr. Milada Petru, Ph.D.
Na Pesine 267
Decin, none 40505
Czech Republic

Telephone Number:
+420776179210

Website:
http://www.tarsiusproject.org

E-mail Address:
tarsiusproject@gmail.com

8 PhD positions

International Leibniz Graduate School on Functional Biodiversity in Farm Animals
ILGS DivA

The interdisciplinary 3-year PhD program invites applicants to conduct research at the forefront of basic research on the functional biodiversity of farm animals. As part of the Leibniz Association, the FBN together with the partners at the universities of Kiel and Rostock has an international and dynamic work environment, providing students with access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources. A multidisciplinary team of scientific experts guarantees a comprehensive and steady mentoring of young scientists.

8 PhD positions are available in the following areas of research from January 1, 2011:
Inheritance Patterns of Complex Traits,
Macronutrient Dynamics and Growth,
Correlates of Behavior, Welfare and Health, and
Genetics, Nutrition and Stress Response.

Applications are invited from students holding a University Diploma/Masters degree in the field of life science, animal and nutrition science, veterinary science or biomathematics/bioinformatics. A good knowledge of the English language is required. The successful applicants will be appointed for three years. Salary will be according to the German government salary scale (0.5 TV-L E13).

Further information: http:\\ilgs.fbn-dummerstorf.de
Deadline for applications: September 30, 2010
Expenses related to the application cannot be reimbursed.

Applications should be sent to:
Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology
ILGS DivA (Project number)
W.-Stahl-Allee 2
D-18196 Dummerstorf
Germany

All positions will be filled in a competitive selection process starting in October, 2010.

Two volunteer research assistants: feeding ecology and ranging in black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) in Kianjavato, Madagascar

Hiring Organization:
Henry Doorly Zoo, Queen's University Belfast, University of Calgary

Date Posted:
2010-08-04

Position Description:
A collaborative project between researchers at the Henry Doorly Zoo Center for Conservation and Research, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Calgary seeks two qualified and highly motivated research assistants. The project involves following social groups of critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) in the Kianjavato-Vatovavy landscape in southeastern Madagascar.

The primary responsibilities of the volunteers include: 1) collect behavioural, feeding, and ranging data on two social groups 5-6 days/week, up to 9 hours/day; 2) collect phenological data in established vegetation plots one day every two weeks; 3) coordinate collection and storage of fecal samples for DNA analyses from non-study individuals in several forest fragments every two weeks (samples will be collected by assistants); 4) download data by VHF radio transfer from GPS tracking data loggers once day every two weeks; and 5) enter and transmit data to the principal investigators via internet every two weeks.

Volunteers will be trained by a principal investigator and current field team leader. Volunteers also will work with an experienced and very helpful local team of assistants for all activities. Some English is spoken by the team, but French language skills will be useful; it should also be possible for volunteers to learn to communicate in Malagasy during their stay. The terrain is quite steep and the weather is typically very warm and humid, particularly December-April. Adequate physical fitness for these conditions is required. There are no dangerous fauna, except some rare spiders and scorpions. However, precautions should be made to avoid tropical diseases (e.g., malaria). Volunteers are required to obtain their own medications (anti-malarial prophylaxis, etc.), vaccinations, and insurance. There are nine lemur species present, and a rich variety of other endemics (birds, chameleons, tenrecs, etc.).

Research is based at the newly-established Kianjavato Ahmanson Field Station (KAFS). Infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, however conditions are currently relatively rustic. Volunteers will sleep in their own tents under a fixed shelter, and meals are basic camp fare (be prepared to eat rice at each meal). There is generally good cellular phone reception at the station and in some parts of the forest. Volunteers will need to obtain their own phones and will have to pay for their own calls (even international rates are reasonable). A generator is present to power laptops, recharge batteries, etc. Internet will only be available at internet cafés during twice monthly trips to larger towns.

Qualifications/Experience:
As indicated, adequate physical fitness is required. We prefer volunteers with at least a BA or BSc in the biological or environmental sciences (including biological anthropology). Some independent research experience will be an advantage, as will work or travel experience in tropical countries. A willingness to work in isolated conditions, the ability to solve problems independently, and dedication to positive and respectful working relationships are required.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
No salary is offered, but in-country permits, food, and transportation will be provided. In addition, we will reimburse the volunteers for their air travel (up to $3000 USD) and offer a $1500 stipend upon successful completion of the nine-month contract.

Term of Appointment:
: A nine-month commitment is required (September 2010-May 2011). A break during the December holidays is a possibility.

Application Deadline:
August 15, 2010 (as soon as possible)

Comments:
Applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for two references to Ed Louis (edlo@omahazoo.com), Steig Johnson (steig.johnson@ucalgary.ca), and Alison Cameron (noremacnosila@gmail.com)

Contact Information:
Ed Louis
Center for Conservation and Research, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 South 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68107
USA

Telephone Number:
+1 (402) 738-2095

Fax Number:
+1 (402) 733-0490

E-mail Address:

edlo@omahazoo.com

DVM Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Primate Behavioral Neurobiology & Comparative Medicine

Hiring Organization:
Wake Forest University School of Medicine Department of Pathology Section on Comparative Medicine

Date Posted:
2010-07-23

Position Description:
The Department of Pathology Section on Comparative Medicine of Wake Forest University School of Medicine offers a Post-Doctoral Fellowship for DVMs interested in research training. The fellowship may lead to an MS or PhD degree. Research opportunities are available in the areas of nonhuman primate aging and physical function, depression, neurobehavioral influences on cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Unique institutional resources include the Wake Forest University Primate Center, the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, the Center for Biomolecular Imaging, and the Sticht Center for Aging Research. Research funding for the 18 faculty in the Section on Comparative Medicine is over $9M/year. The WFUSM community includes over 800 faculty and approximately $200M/year in research funding, spanning 67 academic departments, Centers or Institutes.

The Medical Center is the major employer in Winston-Salem, an affordable community of 200,000 in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Salary is NIH scale, commensurate with experience. WFUSM provides health insurance and travel support. Applicants must be graduates of accredited schools of veterinary medicine. Interested applicants should send a statement of career goals and interests, a curriculum vitae, college transcripts, and 3 letters of reference to:

Carol A. Shively, Ph.D.
Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1040
Telephone: 336-716-1500, or email cshively@wfubmc.edu

Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants must be graduates of accredited schools of veterinary medicine.

Salary/funding:
Salary is NIH scale, commensurate with experience. WFUSM provides health insurance and travel support.

Term of Appointment:
TBD

Contact Information:
Carol A. Shively, Ph.D.
Medical Center Blvd
Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1040
USA

Website:
http://www.wfubmc.edu/Research/Comparative-Medicine/Carol-A--Shively,-PhD.htm

E-mail Address:
cshively@wfubmc.edu

Research assistant: red langurs and Mueller's gibbons in East Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia

Hiring Organization:
University of Southern California and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Date Posted:
2010-07-24

Position Description:
The University of Southern California and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh seek research assistant(s) for work on the behavioral ecology of non-human primates in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Our current research focuses on Mueller’s gibbons (Hylobates muelleri) and red langurs (Presbytis rubicunda). The assistant’s primary responsibilities will be 1) continuing the habituation of primate study groups, 2) regular primate surveys (including line transects and orangutan nest plots), 3) monthly vegetative sampling, and 4) site maintenance (e.g., trail clearing, etc). Candidates should be independent, self-motivated and capable of completing project goals with minimal direct supervision, devoting 8-12 hours/day in the field.

The site is remote and the work is very physically demanding; the terrain comprises steep and VERY steep Dipterocarp forest. Accommodations include a basic research camp (although volunteer will likely have their own room) staffed by young, all-male local Dayak community members and run by a local management body. Candidates should be prepared to spend extended periods in the field without communication (no phone reception, no internet, no radio), limited electricity, monotonous food (rice, rice, more rice, and ramen noodles), and in the company of staff with limited English-speaking skills (although the camp manager and a few others have conversational English skills, and the rest of the staff are very friendly, helpful, and eager to learn).

Qualifications/Experience:
Candidates should be in good health and of above-average physical fitness, as their primary responsibility will be following study animals through very difficult terrain, off-trail, for multiple hours at a time. Candidates should be prepared to cope with common (and potentially annoying or dangerous) tropical forest fauna, including ants, mosquitoes, large stinging insects, leeches, venomous snakes, wild forest pigs, and the like. Candidates should also be willing to obtain all necessary immunizations and anti-malarial medications. Preferred academic (at least B.A. or B.S. degree) and research background and/or career objectives should be in animal behavior, biological anthropology, conservation biology, evolutionary ecology, or related field. Previous field experience is a plus; however, the most important considerations for your success in this position will be your interest and enthusiasm, your willingness to work hard, and a positive attitude in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
NO salary or airfare, but all research and living expenses covered (permits, site fees, field assistant salaries, supplies, etc.).

Term of Appointment:
Minimum commitment is 6 months, but 1 year is preferred.

Application Deadline:
August 20, 2010

Comments:
Candidates should send letter of interest, CV, and contact information for two professional references to Roberto Delgado (radelgad@usc.edu) and Stephanie Spehar (spehars@uwosh.edu)

Contact Information:
Stephanie Spehar
Anthropology Dept., University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 53925
USA

Telephone Number:
920-424-7073

E-mail Address:
spehars@uwosh.edu