mercredi 27 mars 2013

University Assistant : Vienna, Austria

Preparation, organisation and giving courses of the Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare, especially for the master study „Human-animal interactions“ •Assistance for diploma and master students or students, especially in the fields of human-animal relationship, behaviour and husbandry of companion animals •Involvement in intern and extern continuing education •Involvement in student administration Additional Job Details Required: Doctoral thesis or PhD in applied ethology or animal welfare •very good knowledge in Englisch and Germann

"The Evolution of Proximate Mechanisms for Behavioural and Life History Decisions"


Workshop, 11-14 August 2013, Arolla, Switzerland

 

Organizers: Barbara Taborsky and Sander van Doorn

A workshop of the CUSO 'Doctoral Program in Ecology and Evolution' (DPEE)

The distinction between proximate and ultimate research approaches in biology seems to be carved in stone. However, today molecular techniques open up the black box of information processing and decision making. Molecular life scientists increasingly apply evolutionary principles to explain patterns in their data. Recent integrative approaches seem highly fruitful and gave rise to novel disciplines such as evo-devo and eco-devo. 

This workshop will be headed by leading researchers transcending the boundary between mechanistic and functional approaches. The program focus is the evolution of proximate mechanisms underlying behaviour and life-history decisions. In particular we will ask
(i) why proximate mechanisms have evolved the way they are built, and
(ii) how mechanisms shape adaptive evolution beyond their role as developmental or evolutionary constraints.

The workshop will include lectures by invited speakers and, as a top priority, intensive discussions in small groups consisting of invited speakers, researchers and advanced students.

Invited speakers
- Thomas Flatt, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
- James Goodson, Indiana University, USA
- Ton Groothuis, University of Groningen, Netherlands
- Alex Kacelnik, University of Oxford, UK
- Kevin Laland, University of St.-Andrews, UK
- John McNamara, University of Bristol, UK
- Rui Oliveira, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, Portugal
- G. Sander van Doorn, University of Groningen, Netherlands

The workshop takes place at the Grand-Hôtel 'Kurhaus' in a breathtaking scenery amidst some of the finest mountain peaks of Switzerland. The venue is situated above the picturesque mountain village of Arolla, at 2100 m sea level in the very heart of the Swiss high alps.

for further information please contact barbara.taborsky@iee.unibe.ch or g.s.van.doorn@rug.nl

Cultural Evolution - multiple phD, postdocs and lectureships


University of St Andrews

Major Research Project on Cultural and Cognitive Evolution

Applications are invited to join an interdisciplinary research programme directed by Professors Kevin Laland (School of Biology) and Andrew Whiten (School of Psychology and Neuroscience) at the University of St Andrews’ Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution. “Exploring the Evolutionary Origins of Cultural Complexity, Creativity and Trust” is funded through a major grant from the John Templeton Foundation. Successful candidates will join a team of over 20 researchers working on the project, studying aspects of social learning, innovation and cultural evolution in monkeys, apes and human participants, employing a diversity of techniques including systematic observation, experiments and statistical modelling.

Two Lectureships: Lecturer in Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology (School of Biology); Lecturer in Comparative, Evolutionary or Developmental Psychology (School of Psychology). Salary £37,382 - £45,941 per annum. Ref No:  ML1133. Closing Date 7 April 2013.

Eight Postdoctoral Research Assistantships: £30,424 - £36,298 per annum. Ref No: SB1299. Closing Date 5 April 2013.

Up to ten PhD Scholarships - see http://lalandlab.st-andrews.ac.uk/opportunities.html.

Positions are for 33 months (salaried posts) or three years (PhD), commencing 1st September 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter. For the Lectureships & Postdoctoral Research Assistants only, we encourage applicants to apply online at www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/welcome.aspx, where further particulars of all posts can be viewed. However if you are unable to do this, please call +44 (0)1334 462571 for an application pack. 

Please quote the appropriate reference number on all correspondence.

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (No SC013532).

Stage libre été 2013 lézard vivipare

Nous sommes à la recherche d’un stagiaire pour un travail de terrain durant la période de fin-juin à début-août.
Terrain et objet d’étude :
Le terrain se fait sur le Mont Lozère (Parc National des Cévennes) où se trouvent les populations de lézard vivipare étudiées. Il s’agit de participer à la maintenance d’un élevage de femelles en fin de gestation, aux mesures morphologiques des nouveau-nés et à leur sexage via le comptage d’écaille (les femelles ont plus d’écailles ventrales que les mâles), ainsi qu’aux sorties de terrain pour relâcher les femelles et les jeunes.
Compétences demandées :
De la méthode et de la rigueur sont demandées. Etre capable de regarder assez longtemps à la loupe binoculaire (comptage d’écailles), être apte à la vie en groupe (une dizaine de personnes seront présentes), ne pas être trop sensible aux petites routes de montagne (pour se rendre sur les terrains d’étude)
Prise en charge financière :
Financièrement, nous prenons en charge le voyage (train) et le logement, mais pas la nourriture.
Si vous êtes intéressé, envoyer votre cv et précisez le cadre de votre stage (volontariat/stage libre ou stage lié à votre formation avec mémoire ?). Vous pouvez aussi nous joindre pour toute demande d’informations supplémentaires.
Contact : thomas.brom@snv.jussieu.fr
Laboratoire de tutelle : UMR 7625 Ecologie & Evolution
Lieu du stage : Villefort (48)

GUADELOUPE / FWI – Eco-Volontaires pour Suivi des pontes de Tortues Marines

Dans le cadre du PLAN DE RESTAURATION DES TORTUES MARINES DES ANTILLES FRANÇAISES, un suivi de la dynamique de population de tortues marines nidifiant en Guadeloupe est mis en place. Les suivis de population de tortues imbriquées, de tortues vertes et de tortues luth se font sur différents sites de pontes de l’archipel guadeloupéen.
L’Association Kap Natirel poursuit ses efforts et réalise, comme chaque année depuis 2005, des suivis de terrain pour étudier les populations de tortues marines en nidification autour de l’archipel guadeloupéen. L’équipe d’écovolontaires intervient sur différents secteurs pour appuyer les équipes de bénévoles du Réseau Tortues Marines Guadeloupe pendant le pic de ponte.
Les suivis commenceront cette année le lundi 3 juin et la formation au suivi scientifique des tortues marines sera effectuée à l’arrivée des écovolontaires.
L’ensemble de la saison sera placé sous la direction du coordinateur du Réseau Tortues Marines Guadeloupe, et sera encadré par l’équipe de l’association.
Disponibilité
Dans un souci d’optimisation des efforts et de la formation, il est demandé de s’engager pour au moins 4 à 8 semaines au cours de la période (3 juin – 13 septembre).
Missions
Les missions d’un écovolontaire sont notamment :
- réalisation en binôme des patrouilles de nuit (20h à 01h généralement),
- comptage des traces le matin,
- saisie des données et entretien du matériel de suivi,
- permanences ponctuelles au nouveau local de l’association,
- participation possible aux animations et aux interventions diverses
Les tâches quotidiennes liées à la vie en communauté (ménage, rangement, vaisselle, cuisine…) sont partagées entre tous les membres de l’équipe.
Capacités requises
- Esprit naturaliste (essentiel), notions en biologie souhaitées.
- Bonne forme physique (nombreux kilomètres parcourus à pied au cours de la saison)
- Connaissances et aptitudes pour le travail de terrain. Les conditions de terrain sont précaires (Suivi de nuit, bivouac sur la plage, moustiques, chaleur pour les comptages traces…).
- Aptitude au travail en équipe (dont bonne humeur) et autonomie indispensables
- Grande rigueur scientifique
- Permis B souhaité.
Conditions
Les déplacements (routiers et maritimes) dans le cadre des suivis et l’hébergement seront pris en charge par l’association. Note : Il peut arriver d’être amenés ponctuellement à faire du stop, et le confort entre les gîtes est inégal.
Les frais de transport jusqu’en Guadeloupe et la nourriture (frais partagés) sont à la charge de l’écovolontaire.
Pour des questions d’assurance, l’adhésion à l’association (15/25 euros selon le statut) et la signature d’une convention d’écovolontariat sont obligatoires.
Contact
Pour tout renseignement complémentaire et l’envoi de candidature (CV + lettre de motivation comprenant le nombre de semaines et la période de disponibilité) s’adresser à :
Sophie BEDEL
kapnatirel@tortuesmarinesguadeloupe.org
0690 84 64 51
Adressez votre candidature dès que possible et au plus tard le 15 mai 2013.
Un entretien téléphonique ou un entretien via Skype est prévu pour le choix définitif des candidats.
L’analyse des candidatures commencera fin mars.

Conservation of montane frogs from the Andes to the Amazon

Join a group of scientists and students to find ways to make frogs stronger
in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth!
What do we do?
The project investigates the impact of the pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytritium dendrobatidis (Bd) on montane frogs near Manu National Park, southern Peru, in the eastern slopes of the Andes. The eastern Andes and adjacent foothills in the western Amazon support the largest species richness of amphibians; furthermore mid- and high elevations are rich in endemic species. Bd arrived to southern Peru in the early 2000s and has caused a collapse of species richness and abundance, especially among stream-breeding species such as treefrogs, glass frogs and harlequin toads. We are monitoring population trends and disease dynamics to understand how Bd is able to persist in these amphibian communities following the initial outbreak. Specifically, we are interested in identifying habitats or organisms that function as reservoirs for Bd. Understanding the nature of such reservoirs will direct future conservation efforts aimed at preventing future outbreaks. Moreover, we are isolating symbiotic skin bacteria from individuals that are resistant to chytridiomycosis and testing their anti-fungal properties. We will be testing the effectiveness of inoculating wild frogs with such bacteria as a way to increase their defense against Bd.
How do field assistants participate?
Field assistants and interns contribute in many ways to this project, and at levels that are appropriate to their motivation, interest and level of formal education. Past teams have included a wide diversity of participants from members of native communities to graduate students. These are some common activities: field surveys (nocturnal surveys and leaf litter plots), animal husbandry, field and laboratory experiments (ie, infection susceptibility trials, thermal physiology experiments, field enclosures, etc.), recording of environmental data (data loggers, vegetation structure, etc), disease detection (swabbing, DNA extraction, PCR), educational activities (school presentations and field trips). Social/fun activities include enjoying the canopy walkway, birdwatching, orchid-watching, high-altitude soccer, hanging out with the bird people (students and volunteers of the bird project), sauna (Wayqecha only), river bathing (San Pedro and Villa Carmen), going to town, mountain biking down the road (*requires a mountain bike).
The project generally relies on volunteers who can secure funding through their own institutions to join the field team. We can assist students in applying for funds and in serving as advisors/mentors in the field. This year we might be able to cover lodging and meals for some or most participants. Please contact us for details. We can’t provide salaries or stipends.
If you are interested in joining the 2013 field team, please send an email to acatenazzi@gmail.com
Who are we?
We are a group of researchers investigating dramatic declines in amphibian diversity that occurred in one of the largest and best-protected national parks in South America. You can contact us by writing to Alessandro Catenazzi, acatenazzi@gmail.com.
Alessandro Catenazzi, Assistant Professor, Southern Illinois University, https://sites.google.com/site/acatenazzi Alessandro has been monitoring frog populations, describing new species, and conducting ecological research along the eastern slopes of the Andes since 1996.
Vance Vredenburg, Associate Professor, San Francisco State University, http://online.sfsu.edu/vancev/Vredenburg_Lab/Home.html Vance is an expert in disease dynamics and he has conducted cutting-edge field research on chytridiomycosis in the Sierras of California. He started collaborating on this project in 2008.
Rudolf von May, Postdoctoral Researcher, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, UC Berkeley, https://sites.google.com/site/rvonmay/ Rudolf is currently investigating the physiological ecology and evolution of terrestrial-breeding frogs, the most diverse group of amphibians on the eastern slopes of the Andes.
Past field assistants & interns
Past assistants included undergraduate students from Princeton, UC Berkeley, Gonzaga, Universidad del Cusco, Universidad La Molina, as well as members of the native community of Qeros in the Amazon lowlands. Ask them what they think about their experience!
Lauren Wyman (Princeton): lauren.r.wyman@gmail.com
Emily Foreyt (Gonzaga): eforeyt@zagmail.gonzaga.edu
Jacob Finkle (UC Berkeley): jfinkle90@gmail.com
Already signed up for 2013
Four students have already signed up for the 2013 field season: a master student from Southern Illinois University and undergraduate students from Duke and Princeton. Join them!
Please contact Alessandro Catenazzi (acatenazzi@gmail.com) for more information.

Two PhD-student positions in Ethology


Two PhD-student positions in Ethology at the Department of Zoology. Reference number SU FV-0987-13. Deadline for applications: May 2, 2013.

Two PhD-student positions in Ethology at the Department of Zoology.

Project: Multilevel analysis of the costs and benefits of evolving an advanced brain
We are seeking to recruit two PhD-students who will work within a multidisciplinary project on brain evolution. The project uses mainly the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and the house mouse (Mus musculus) as models to experimentally test the possibilities and consequences of evolving a more advanced brain. More specifically, the project addresses the costs and benefits of evolving a more advanced brain in terms of brain morphology and also if strong selection on cognitive ability affects brain morphology. As such, the project spans over multiple disciplines including assays of behaviour, physiology, life histories, primary and secondary sexual traits and state of the art analyses of the genetic architecture that orchestrates brain morphology and cognitive ability. The existing selection lines of large- and small-brained guppies will form the basis of the project but additional selection experiments on various aspects of brain morphology and cognitive ability will also be undertaken. The overall aim of the project is thus to increase our understanding of the factors that have generated the enormous variation in brain morphology that exists at all taxonomic levels among the animals.


The work will mostly be lab-oriented but includes also the possibility of field work on Trinidad. The project will require hard work but at the same time provide excellent opportunities for personal initiatives and development towards a successful academic career. An important task will be to collect and analyse complex data in a way that controls for the setups of replicated artificial selection designs.

Qualification and competence
To be qualified for research studies in the program, the applicant must have completed a Master degree (or equivalent) or have passed at least 120 hp (2 years) of biological studies, including an approved independent project of at least 30 hp at advanced level within Ethology, Zoology, Behavioural Ecology, Evolutionary Biology or a related subject. Applicants who have in principle acquired the corresponding competence in Sweden or in another country are also qualified.


We are looking in particular for candidates with a strong interest in brain evolution, with excellent analytical ability and experience from quantitative analyses of behaviour and other traits of interest. Experience in working with aquatic and/or terrestrial animals in the lab is especially meriting.

Criteria for selection
Among qualified applicants, selection is made according to the ability to profit from the studies. The criteria to be used are properly documented competence within the described research area, capabilities with regards to speaking and writing in English, analytical thinking, creativity, initiative, independence, and team work performance. The applicant’s earlier experience within the field of research can be of relevance especially when further documented by university courses, independent research work, personal references, interview and an application indicating the applicant’s motivation in written form. The decision cannot be appealed.

Job details
The PhD-studies, which are aimed to start in autumn 2013, include 48 months of full-time studies. During the first year an appropriate study support will be supplied (15 500 SEK/month) which will later be changed into full employment as a PhD-student (23 200–26 800 SEK/month) with full social benefits.


Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Information
Contact for further details Associated Professor Niclas Kolm, telephone 

Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), telephone +46-(0)8-16 2000 (switch board), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41.

Application
The application should contain: 1) maximum one A4-page letter including personal presentation and motivation for the project, 2) complete CV (including list of methodological skills), 3) copy of independent project thesis, 4) copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records (attested), and 5) reference letters and contact details from two academic referees. A research plan is not needed at this stage.


In order to apply for these positions, please use the Stockholm University web-based application form.

Welcome with your application no later than May 2, 2013.

Post-doctoral position in dairy cattle behaviour and welfare.


A post-doctoral fellowship in dairy cattle behaviour and welfare will soon become available at the Pacific Agri-food Research Centre at Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada under the supervision of Dr. A. M. de Passillé and Dr. J. Rushen.

The fellowship will entail conducting experimental studies into the behaviour and welfare of group-housed dairy calves and participation in a national research project examining the welfare of dairy cows on commercial farms, done in collaboration with a number of Canadian universities.

A Ph D in a relevant subject and some prior research experience in animal behaviour and welfare are required. Knowledge of French and of multivariate statistics used in epidemiological research and programs for analysing databases (e.g. Access) would be assets but are not essential.

The salary is around CAN$47,000. The likely starting date is in the fall of 2013. The initial appointment would be for 1 year with a possible extension up to 3 years.

For further information please contact either Anne Marie de Passillé (Annemarie.depassille@agr.gc.ca) or Jeff Rushen (jeff.rushen@agr.gc.ca) 

PhD & Postdocs announcement in Butterfly Ecological Genomics - Stockholm University

Butterfly ecological and evolutionary functional genomics We are looking to hire: 1 to 2 PhD students 2 to 3 postdocs at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Sweden, to work in the large-scale project "Insect life cycle genomics and adaptation in the wild", primarily on the butterfly Pieris napi. Applications review will begin on April 2 (for the PhD) and April 8 (for the post docs). Rapid advances in genomic sequencing and bioinformatics now provide the opportunity to find the variation affecting traits that have fitness consequences in the wild. Importantly, these advances allow for species with well-studied ecologies to now be the focus of functional genomic study. We have just received extensive financial support from the Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the Swedish Research Council, for our project ”Insect life cycle genomics and adaptation in the wild”. The project is an Ecological and Evolutionary Functional Genomics (EEFG) collaboration, bringing together researchers with expertise in population genetics, ecology, ethology, morphology, immunology and molecular genetics with the aim to uncover how organisms manifest a life cycle that is adapted to local environmental conditions. The central idea of the project is to address this difficult questions using an integrative approach, leveraging insights gained from two insect systems: the green-veined white butterfly Pieris napi and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Our goal is to use genomic tools to study P. napi populations adapted to different ecological situations, and when we find genes that are candidates for being involved in such adaptation we will study their effects in the Drosophila system. We will initially target three phenotypes: diapause variation, wing patterning and immune system function. The research will take place within the population genetics and ecology groups, which are composed of internationally recognized leaders in butterfly ecological research with a long history of study on Pieris butterflies. We will make use of existing genomics and bioinformatics platforms at e.g. SciLifeLab (www.scilifelab.se) for next generation sequencing, RNA-Seq and other high-throughput services, including high-performance computational analyses (http://www.uppmax.uu.se). Currently we are in the process of generating a high quality genome for Pieris napi, as we will be using this extensively for our genomic analyses. Formal announcements can be found here: http://www.zoologi.su.se/en/about/lediga/ These hires will work in the group of the scientific coordinator of the project, Christopher Wheat. Please contact him for additional details. http://www.christopherwheat.net http://www.zoologi.su.se/en/about/staff/person.php?suuid=cwhea

mardi 19 mars 2013

Post-doc orientation day: different career paths for PhD students in life sciences, Paris, 27 mars 2013


Post-doc orientation day: different career paths for PhD students in life sciences, Paris, 27 mars 2013 

A career workshop organizied by students from Ecole des Neurosciences de Paris (ENP) 

This is a half day event that includes discussion panel and practical session on different career paths after the PhD, followed by keynote talks by specialist in academia, scientific journalism and industry. 

27th of March at Institut du Fer à Moulin from 2 - 6 PM 


Wine and cheese buffet will be offered at the end of the event. 


Preliminary program: 

1.30 - 2.00 PM
Registration


2.00 - 2.05 PM
Welcome words from ENP Director Patricia Gaspar 

2.05 - 2.20 PM
PhD students today: who are they and where are they going? 

Introductory presentation from ENP students 

2.20 - 3.20 PM
From PhD to Career: options and opportunities for PhD students in neuroscience 

Round table on the possible job options and application strategies for PhD students with the participation of invitees who chose different career paths (research, industry, education) after completing their PhD in neuroscience. 

3.20 - 3.35 PM
Coffee break 

3.35 - 4.35 PM
Workshop: application wiki 

Students will be divided into groups based on their interest in industry or academia job market. Within a group the students may present examples of their own applications and receive the feedback from the invitees. There will also be example CVs, interview questions and cover letters provided which can be critically discussed. 

4.35 - 4.45 PM
Coffee break 

4.45 - 6.00 PM
Bridging the gap between different career paths 

Short keynote talks (20 min) by invited speakers based on their work experience in academia, business school, industry and journalism. 

6.00 - 8.00 PM
Wine and cheese reception 


For more information and registration please visit: 
www.paris-neuroscience.fr/en/enp-grad-club 

Research assistant


Hiring Organization:
Max-Planck-Institute for Evol. Anthropology

Date Posted:
2013-03-18

Position Description:
The LuiKotale Bonobo Project is offering a position of field assistant for a duration of 10 months to help with data collection for an ongoing PhD project focusing on feeding competition among bonobo (Pan paniscus). The field assistant would work together with the PI and participate in collecting behavioral and hormonal data on habituated bonobo along with gathering information on food patch characteristics.

Qualifications/Experience:
Excellent physical condition, high stress resistance, and experience of working and living in isolated locations are essential conditions. Field work involves an early morning start on some of the working days, including occasional full day follows (12 working hours). Long working hours and a difficult terrain pose considerable challenges and high motivation is required for achieving the tasks. The site hosts an international team consisting of western researchers and local field assistants and team member have to be open to a multi-cultural environment. This position would be especially suited for a person with previous experience in behavioural data collection and a general interest in animal behaviour and/or feeding ecology.

Salary/funding:
200 Euro per month

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
- food (mix of mainly local food and some western food items
- lodging (in tents) 
- one domestic 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 MONTS TERM OF APPOINTMENT)
- expenses for visa (reimbursement ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETITION OF A 9 MONTS 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:
September 2013 for 9 months

Application Deadline:
1st of August 2013

Comments:
Applicants should send a CV, a letter of interest that shows how they meet the qualifications for the position as outlined above, and the names of at least two people that can serve as a source of reference.

Contact Information:
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04103
Germany

Telephone Number:
++49 341 3550 208

Website:

E-mail Address:

Research Assistant/Lab manager at UC Davis Infant Cognition Laboratory (Dr. Lisa Oakes)

Research Assistant, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California-Davis 

We are seeking a recent college graduate for a full time research assistant / lab manager position with a duration of 1-2 years in the Infant Cognition Laboratory of Lisa Oakes at the UC-Davis Center for Mind Brain. Our research focuses on visual cognition in typically developing infants, and we study visual short-term memory, perceptual categorization, object representation, and so on. We use traditional looking time measures and eye-tracking (see http://mindbrain.ucdavis.edu/people/lmoakes [1]). 

We work with dozens of families each week, testing many different studies simultaneously. This position involves a mix of research and lab management. The lab manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the lab, supervising multiple undergraduate research assistants, maintaining paperwork, etc. 
In addition, this position will involve testing infants, creating stimuli, and other aspects of designing experiments. The ideal candidate would have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, substantial research experience with infants, and experience using software such as Excel and SPSS. The person hired will be required to program data analysis and stimulus presentation in Matlab, E-Prime, or Presentation; previous programming experience is especially desirable, but not required. This is an excellent position for someone who would like to obtain additional research experience before going to graduate school. Davis is a very nice college town located 15 minutes from Sacramento, 90 minutes from the San Francisco Bay Area, 45 minutes from Napa Valley, and 2 hours from Lake Tahoe. 

To apply, send a cover letter, a resume, and a letter of recommendation to Lisa Oakes (lmoakes [ chez ] ucdavis.edu). The position will remain open until filled, and the likely start date will be in June, 2012. Starting salary is $34,680/year. The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. 

Multiple positions, Speech Data Evaluator, Google Speech Research, Dublin


Job title: 

Speech Data Evaluator for French (multiple positions) 

In Dublin. 

Job description: 

As a Speech Data Evaluator and a native speaker of French, you will be part of a team based in Dublin, processing large amounts of linguistic data and carrying out a number of tasks to improve the quality of Google’s speech synthesis and speech recognition in your own language. 

This includes: 

- annotating and classifying linguistic data 
- labeling text for disambiguation, expansion, and text normalization 
- providing phonetic transcription of lexicon entries according to given standards and using in-house tools 

Job requirements: 

- native speaker of French (with good command of the standard dialect) and fluent in English 
- computer-literate (should feel comfortable using in-house tools) 
- attention to detail 
- good knowledge of orthography and grammar in French 
- passion for language and a keen interest in technology 
- good organizational skills 
- a degree in a language-related field such as linguistics, language teaching, translation, editing, writing, proofreading, or similar 

Project duration: 6-9 months (with potential for extension) 

For immediate consideration, please email your CV and cover letter in English (PDF format preferred) with "Speech Data Evaluator French" in the subject line. 

Email Address for applications: DataOpsMan [ chez ] gmail.com 

Contact information: Linne Ha 
Closing date: open until filled 

New Bristol MSc in Animal Behaviour


Please could you pass this on to interested undergraduates -- a flyer for posting on student notice-boards is here: http://tinyurl.com/MScAnimBehav

NEW TAUGHT MSc PROGRAMME IN ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL, UK

This one-year, full-time Masters offers a unique opportunity for students to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in the study of how animals interact with both the physical and the social worlds they inhabit. This programme provides rigorous scientific training in animal behaviour for students aspiring to careers in animal biology, ecological and behavioural research, science communication, and wildlife management and conservation. 

You will be taught by world-leading researchers, giving you the opportunity to learn about the latest, cutting-edge developments in animal behaviour, including behavioural ecology and evolution, optimisation and life history theory, sensory biology, decision-making, neural/physiological mechanisms of behaviour, social biology, and sexual selection.  You will develop key transferable skills in statistics, data handling and presentation, scientific writing and communication, and research methods, and complete a substantial independent research project.

We welcome applications from talented UK and overseas graduates in Biological Sciences (or related disciplines) who are motivated to contribute to the next major breakthroughs in science.

Details of our postgraduate school, including information about our other new taught MSc in Agricultural Ecology, and the £50m facilities we will shortly be moving into are here: http://www.bris.ac.uk/biology/courses/postgraduate// -- this page also has information about research degree opportunities (at MRes and PhD levels) within the School.

Please direct general queries to biol-postgrad@bristol.ac.uk, and specific queries about the course to sean.rands@bristol.ac.uk

jeudi 14 mars 2013

Stage de Terrain : Capture-Marquage-Recapture et translocation. Les libellules comme indicateur de la Trame Bleue.


Contexte :
La préservation et la restauration des continuités prévues par la politique dite de « trame verte et bleue » (TVB) est l’un des engagements fort pris par la France dans la Loi du Grenelle en 2009. Cette politique à pour objet principal de réconcilier l’aménagement du territoire et la protection de la nature, notamment autour du phénomène de fragmentation des habitats.
Au niveau national et international, Paris est une mégalopole de première importance et l’un des plus denses d’Europe. Il s’agit donc d’un modèle d’étude intéressant pour l’écologie urbaine, discipline relativement récente qui s’est rapidement développée [1, 2]. Cependant, les études s’intéressant au fonctionnement des milieux humides et au rôle de la trame bleue sur la dynamique de la biodiversité en contexte urbain sont rares.
Ce stage s’inscrit dans le cadre d’une thèse qui a pour but d’étudier les mécanismes de dispersion d’espèces associées au milieu aquatique dans le contexte de très forte urbanisation de la région parisienne en se basant sur des études expérimentales. Ceci permettra de mieux appréhender le rôle de la connectivité dans la dynamique de ces espèces. Nous nous baserons pour cela sur les libellules (Odonata, Zygoptera) qui constituent un indicateur fiable de l’état de conservation de la qualité des écosystèmes [3, 4] et sont sensibles à la fragmentation des habitats [5].
Objectif et Méthodologie :
Le stagiaire accompagnera le doctorant sur le terrain dans tous ses déplacements. Il participera aux expérimentations de Capture-Marquage-Recapture et de translocation. Il devra appliquer dans son ensemble le protocole d’étude et également inventorier et caractériser les sites d’études (ex : récupération de variables environnementales) sous la supervision du doctorant. Au laboratoire, le stagiaire sera formé à l’identification des exuvies et devra analyser ainsi les échantillons récoltés.
Profil, Compétences recherchées :
Connaissances naturalistes souhaitables, en particulier en entomologie.
Goût pour le travail de terrain.
Rigueur autonomie et capacité d’organisation.
Permis B indispensable (véhiculé si possible).
Conditions :
Durée du stage : Flexible (idéalement 4 mois, à compter du 1er mai 2013).
Indemnité de stage : 436,05€ par mois + remboursement de frais.
Responsable du stage et contact :
Martin Jeanmougin, doctorant au CERSP : jeanmougin@mnhn.fr
Bibliographie :
1. Gaston, K.J., Urban ecology. 2010, Cambridge, New York: Cambridge University Press.
2. McKinney, M.L., Urbanization, Biodiversity, and Conservation. BioScience, 2002. 52(10).
3. Corbet, P.S., Are Odonata useful as bioindicators? Libellula, 1993. 12: p. 91-102.
4. Sahlén, G. and K. Ekestubbe, Identification of dragonflies (Odonata) as indicators of general species richness in boreal forest lakes. Biodiversity and Conservation, 2001. 10(5): p. 673-690.
5. Korkeamaki, E. and J. Suhonen, Distribution and habitat specialization of species affect local extinction in dragonfly Odonata populations. Ecography, 2002. 25(4): p. 459-465.

stagiaire « Evaluation des risques d’extinction ‐ Vertébrés des TAAF ‐ Liste rouge nationale »


Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle
Service du Patrimoine Naturel
36 rue Geoffroy Saint‐Hilaire
Maison Buffon ‐ CP 41
75231 PARIS Cedex 05
http://www.mnhn.fr/spn/
http://inpn.mnhn.fr
Le Service du Patrimoine Naturel recrute :
Un stagiaire
« Evaluation des risques d’extinction ‐ Vertébrés des TAAF ‐ Liste rouge nationale »
PRÉAMBULE
Le Service du Patrimoine Naturel (SPN) contribue à la mission d’expertise confiée au Muséum National
d’Histoire Naturelle pour la connaissance et la conservation de la nature. Dans ce cadre il développe et
diffuse des outils (référentiels, protocoles, standards de données…) pour collecter et diffuser les
informations concernant le patrimoine naturel, son état et son évolution. Ce travail est mené en lien avec les
partenaires concernés : organismes institutionnels, associations…
CONTEXTE
La Liste rouge de l’UICN des espèces menacées™ constitue l’inventaire mondial le plus complet de l’état de
conservation global des espèces végétales et animales. Elle s’appuie sur une série de critères précis pour
évaluer le risque d’extinction de milliers d’espèces et de sous‐espèces. Reposant sur une solide base
scientifique, la Liste rouge de l’UICN est reconnue comme l’outil de référence le plus fiable sur le niveau des
menaces pesant sur la diversité biologique spécifique.
Depuis 2007, le Comité français de l’UICN et le MNHN se sont s’associés pour réaliser la Liste rouge des
espèces menacées en France, en collaboration avec les organismes de référence sur les espèces en
métropole et en outre‐mer. L’objectif de cette démarche est de dresser un bilan objectif du degré de
menace pesant sur les espèces du territoire national. Il s’agit de réunir les meilleures informations
disponibles et les données les plus récentes sur le risque de disparition de notre territoire des espèces
végétales et animales qui s’y reproduisent en milieu naturel ou qui y sont régulièrement présentes.
La Liste rouge des espèces menacées en France se compose de différents chapitres taxonomiques
(mammifères, plantes vasculaires, crustacés, libellules…) et géographiques (métropole, La Réunion,
Guadeloupe, Nouvelle‐Calédonie…).
En collaboration avec la Direction de la conservation du patrimoine naturel des TAAF et en cohérence avec
les besoin du Plan de gestion de la réserve des îles australes, le projet d’un premier chapitre consacré aux «
Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises » (TAAF) a été lancé. Ce chapitre sera consacré aux vertébrés
(hors poissons marins du fait d’un manque de données), c’est‐à‐dire les oiseaux, les mammifères marins, les
lézards et les tortues marines, sur les trois zones géographiques de l’Antarctique, des îles Australes et des
îles Eparses.
DESCRIPTION DES MISSIONS
Au sein du pôle « Espèces » le stagiaire aura pour mission :
‐ établir la liste des taxons à évaluer en cohérence avec le référentiel taxonomique national ;
‐ prendre en charge la compilation et la structuration des données pour l’évaluation ;
‐ coordonner les contributions d’experts et les données sur les groupes étudiés ;
‐ préparer les pré‐évaluations des espèces selon la méthodologie Liste rouge de l’UICN en vue de
la validation finale des résultats ;
Partenaires internes : Pôle Système d’Information et Pôle référentiels du SPN ;
Partenaires externes : Comité Français de l’UICN, Administration des TAAF, autres experts sur les groupes
étudiés ;
CONDITIONS ADMINISTRATIVES REQUISES
Être titulaire au minimum d’un diplôme de niveau bac+3 ou bac+4 dans le domaine de l’écologie (Licence ou
Master 1).
QUALIFICATIONS REQUISES
‐ Bonnes connaissances naturalistes (particulièrement sur les espèces marines) ;
‐ Maitrise des outils informatiques : Office, connaissances opérationnelles en gestion de base de
données (Access) et en SIG (Arcgis) souhaitées ;
‐ Rigueur scientifique pour la structuration de données naturalistes ;
‐ Esprit de synthèse pour la restitution des résultats ;
‐ Capacité à organiser son travail et à s’inscrire dans une logique d’équipe ;
‐ La connaissance des démarches Listes rouges et des évaluations de l’état de conservation des
espèces est un plus ;
MODALITÉS DE RECRUTEMENT
Type de contrat : Stage
Durée : 3 mois (prolongation envisageable)
Gratifications : 436,05 euros par mois
Date de prise de fonction : à partir du mois de mai 2013
Lieu : Site du MNHN, Paris (75)
PROCÉDURE DE RECRUTEMENT
Le dossier de candidature est à envoyer avant le 9 avril 2013 à Guillaume GIGOT (ggigot@mnhn.fr) avec
comme titre « Candidature Stage 2013 Liste rouge nationale TAAF ».
Ce dossier comprendra : un curriculum vitae détaillé et une lettre de motivation.
Pour toute précision, les candidats sont invités à prendre contact au préalable avec :
‐ Guillaume GIGOT, Chef de projet « Listes rouges » (ggigot@mnhn.fr)
‐ Patrick HAFFNER, responsable du Pôle Espèces (haffner@mnhn.fr)

Stage


Caractérisation de l’empreinte alimentaire chez la seiche, Sepia officinalis : effet du mouvement de la proie sur les préférences alimentaires des juvéniles

Niveau souhaité : L3 ou M1, voire M2 de biologie/éthologie

Durée : 2 à 3 mois (juin-juillet-août) selon la disponibilité du(des) candidat(s)

Encadrants : Anne-Sophie Darmaillacq & Ludovic Dickel

Laboratoire d’accueil : Groupe Mémoire et Plasticité comportementale, Caen

Profil souhaité : Connaissances en éthologie, cognition animale.

Contacts : A-Sophie Darmaillacq, tél 02 31 56 68 79 mail : anne-sophie.darmaillacq@unicaen.fr
Ludovic Dickel, tél 02 31 56 68 91 mail : ludovic.dickel@unicaen.fr

Contexte. La seiche est un mollusque céphalopode décapode exclusivement marin. Elle possède des organes sensoriels et des effecteurs très élaborés (Hanlon & Messenger 1996). Contrairement aux autres mollusques, la seiche possède un système nerveux centralisé formant un véritable cerveau (plusieurs centaines de millions de neurones) protégé par une capsule cartilagineuse. Proche parente des huîtres et des escargots, elle montre paradoxalement des comportements extrêmement sophistiqués et fascinants, ainsi que des capacités cognitives étonnantes (Darmaillacq et al. sous presse ; Dickel et al. sous presse). C’est notamment un prédateur redoutable qui ajuste ses stratégies de capture en fonction du type de proie visé, détecté essentiellement par la vue (Messenger 1968). Ces caractéristiques en font un modèle de choix pour les études de neurobiologie de l’apprentissage et de la mémoire. La seiche est une espèce sémelpare c'est-à-dire qu’elle ne se reproduit qu’une seule fois, au printemps après un cycle de vie de deux années. Après avoir pondu plusieurs centaines d’oeufs, les femelles meurent, laissant les oeufs et les jeunes seiches livrés à leur sort dans le milieu naturel. L’absence de soin maternel permet un contrôle rigoureux de l’expérience sensorielle des embryons et des nouveau-nés en laboratoire, sans interférer avec le développement normal des individus.
Les seiches provenant de pontes incubées en laboratoire possèdent à la naissance une préférence innée pour les proies de type « crevettes » (Wells 1962 ; Darmaillacq et al. 2004). Nous avons montré qu’il était possible d’induire une préférence durable pour le crabe, proie habituellement non préférée par les jeunes seiches (Darmaillacq et al. 2004 ; Darmaillacq et al. 2006a,b). Pour cela, une simple familiarisation visuelle à des crabes le matin suivant l’éclosion (sans consommation de la proie donc sans renforcement positif) suffisait à induire une préférence pour les crabes sept jours plus tard au cours d’un test de choix entre crabes et crevettes ; cette préférence est maintenue même après la consommation d’une crevette (Darmaillacq et al. 2006b). Pour cela, il faut que l’exposition aux crabes se fasse exclusivement dans les 2h suivant le lever du soleil le jour suivant l’éclosion (période sensible) et que le flux d’informations soit
suffisant (la quantité d’informations perçues dépend de la durée d’exposition aux crabes et/ou de la quantité de crabes présents dans l’environnement de la seiche nouveau-née). Une exposition de crabes aux embryons induit la même préférence pour le crabe, suggérant une ouverture précoce de la fenêtre sensible (Darmaillacq et al. 2008).
Dans ce projet, nous chercherons à caractériser le phénomène d’empreinte alimentaire du point de vue du contenu de l’apprentissage (qu’est ce qui est appris : forme de la proie, mouvement, autres caractéristiques physiques).

Travail attendu. Le(s) stagiaire(s) participeront à la mise en place du protocole expérimental, à la réalisation des expériences et à l’analyse des données. La seiche est un prédateur qui se nourrit de proies vivantes, une forte contribution à la collecte de proies sera donc demandée. Un investissement total est demandé pendant toute la durée su stage.

Le stage sera rémunéré sur la base de la gratification de stage en entreprise (436,05€ par mois).
Il se déroulera à la station marine de Luc sur Mer, qui offre des hébergements de type cité universitaire à des tarifs intéressants (97€ par mois ; http://www.unicaen.fr/crec/). Commerce à proximité.

Merci d’envoyer CV, relevés de notes et lettre de motivation avant le 1er mai 2013 aux contacts mentionnés plus haut.

mercredi 13 mars 2013

I am offering the opportunity of a PhD position through the following grant application: 
http://www.fondation-nanosciences.fr/templates/1/documents/appel_a_projets/AAP2013/2013_PhD-program_Call.pdf 

An application based on a bio-inspired nanotechnology or nano-device will be well appreciated (approach life science). Here is an introduction of Minatec Campus in Grenoble where is located my Lab: 
http://www.minatec.org/en 
Our cleanroom equipment are nice: http://www.pta-grenoble.com/presentation-PTA-en.php 

I am interested in the technological development of bio-inspired robust Micro/Nano membranes for acoustic novel interfaces. The future PhD student must have some background in "bio". He must be interested either in acousto-mechanical and multiphysics simulations or in micro/nanotechnologies or signal processing. PhD applicants should send me (urgently) their CV, motivation and Academic records. Recommendation letters are appreciated. A detailed research program shall be discussed together with the best candidates. We shall take the chance to initiate some research collaboration between CEA-Leti (Minatec Campus) and the University of origin. 
The application (a PhD research proposal linked to an adequate Student Profile) must be proposed before April 2nd. 

Dr. Elisabeth Delevoye . Laboratoire Capteurs Innovants - Projets transverses . CEA-Leti MINATEC-Campus DRT/DSIS/SCSE/LCI . Bât.51C C243 - 17 rue des Martyrs - F38054 GRENOBLE Cedex 9 . tel+33 438.789.173 fax+33 438.786.547 www.leti.fr www.minatec.org

Search Nestlé Purina Jobs


Scientist - Behavior 

Research & Development  
Department: Research & Development 
Location: St. Louis MO 
Job Number: nest-00030626 


Relocation: If necessary, relocation assistance will be provided in accordance with Nestlé's relocation policy.
Join the Nestlé Purina PetCare Product Technology Center (PTC) as a Scientist. This successful individual will be responsible for planning, organizing, and performing the necessary work related to the canine and feline Feeding behavior programs at the PTC St. Joseph, Missouri (USA) facility under minimal supervision. The individual is expected to actively collaborate and communicate with the global Feeding Behavior and Petcare teams to ensure adherence to developed protocols and optimal program efficiency. This position is based in St. Joseph, Missouri (USA).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Develop appropriate techniques to measure pet sensory and feeding behavior as it relates to pet food acceptance, enjoyment and preference. 
2. Analyze the impact of genetics, age physiological state and other non-hedonic factors on pet sensory and/or feeding behavior. 
3. Utilize in-vitro and/or in vivo techniques to predict and explain a pet's response to product characteristics. 
4. Design and execute the necessary experiments, up to and including pilot plant trials, to further company understanding of pet ingestive behavior as it relates to palatability and nutrition to assist in product development. 
5. Collaborate with the pet food flavor development and product development teams to monitor the impact of product changes on palatability performance. 
6. Design and execute control programs to assess response (acceptance and preference) of palatability panels, including corrective action plans. 7. Collaborate with the PetCare Palatability Coordination Team for proper transfer and implementation of best practices relative to new methodologies and panel management. 
8. Provide business partners with necessary technical support relative to the discipline of pet feeding behavior. 
9. Train local scientists and technicians on Nestlé Purina palatability testing methodologies as appropriate. 
10. Effectively document and communicate research results and program updates to internal and external audiences through oral presentations and timely, written technical documentation. 
11. Knowledge of and compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and all procedures and protocols in the Nestlé Purina PTC Petcare Manual. 
12. Conduct all activity in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and all required Company policies and procedures. 
13. Maintain a safe, clean and sanitary work environment. 
14. Travel as necessary, domestic and international. 
15. Practice safety in the work area. 


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

JOB QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience, and Knowledge): 
' PhD degree in an animal behavior discipline preferably in the area of ingestive behavior (e.g. appetite, food preferences, sensory control of food intake). 
' A minimum of three years experience. 
' Strong background in the use of research techniques, statistics and experimental design. 
' Experience capturing and measuring animal behavior from observational methods. 
' Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. 
' Good organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple projects/priorities. 
' Computer literacy 
' Pro-active/Self-Starter 
' Good sense of business/technical interrelationships 
' Strong interpersonal and team work skills. Ability to work closely and collaborate with PetCare and Product Development teams. 
' Fluent in English 

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS PREFERED BUT NOT REQUIRED: 
' Animal sensory (especially the chemical senses) 
' Advanced knowledge of non-invasive behavioral techniques including neurophysiological techniques; example: FMRI 
' Project management skills 
' Impact of experience on food preferences 
' Teaching experience

To apply, click here

mardi 12 mars 2013

Funded PhD student position studying burying beetle ecology and behavior


PhD student opportunity in burying beetle ecology Dr. Barney Luttbeg (Oklahoma State, http://zoology.okstate.edu/luttbegslab/home.html) is seeking a Ph.D. student to study the ecology and behavior of the endangered American burying beetle (*Nicrophorus americanus*). The project is part of a 3-year funded project being done in collaboration with Dr. Carmen Greenwood and Dr. Kris Giles in Entomology and Dr. Scott McMurry in Zoology. The project is primarily investigating the abiotic and biotic factors that affect the distributions of the American burying beetle. In addition, the student will have the opportunity with faculty assistance to formulate related questions about burying beetle life history strategies, reproductive behavior, or competition with other invertebrates. The Luttbeg lab focuses on questions of how individuals gather and use information in predator-prey and mate choice situations and how those informational constraints affect ecological and reproductive dynamics.
The project will require extended periods in the field in southeastern Oklahoma and working in a team of scientists. The position has three years of 1 semester and summer financial support with teaching assistantships to cover other semesters and research money. Ideally the student will already have a Master’s degree or extensive research and field experience. This position needs to be filled quickly. If interested, please send an email with a CV to Dr. Barney Luttbeg (luttbeg@okstate.edu).