Hiring Organization:
University of St Andrews
Position Description:
We are looking for someone to carry out playback experiments with free-ranging gibbons at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. This is a follow up study from results published by Clarke et al. (2006) who showed that gibbons produce structurally distinct songs to predators and during morning duets.
The first task will be to record predator and duet songs from identified individuals in order to edit them for subsequent playback trials. The second task will be to play back exemplars of predator or duet songs to neighbouring groups and record their vocal and locomotor responses. If time permits, we will playback songs with artificially altered sequence structure. Results will be written up and published in an appropriate journal.
Estimated preparation time: 1 month (St Andrews), estimated time in the field: 6 months (Khao Yai); estimated time for analysis, write up and publication: 5 months (St Andrews).
Funding is initially available for one year, with the possibility of a second year, depending on funding and research progress.
Start date: 1 September 2011
Scientific background:
http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0000073
Qualifications/Experience:
- Previous field experience ideally with non-human primates: essential
- Experience with sound analysis and playback experiments: desirable
- Doctoral or Masters degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline: required
- Previous publications: desired
Salary/funding:
Postdoctoral salary level, depending on experience
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Return flight UK - Thailand
Term of Appointment:
1-2 years
Application Deadline:
15 August 2011
Comments:
Required documents: cover letter, CV, 2 letters of reference, publication list
Contact Information:
Klaus Zuberbuhler
St Mary's Quad
St Andrews, Fife KY16 9JP
United Kingdom
Telephone Number:
+44 1334 462080
Fax Number:
+44 1334 463042
Website:
http://psy.st-andrews.ac.uk/research/origins/index.shtml
E-mail Address:
kz3@st-and.ac.uk