PhD Research Project

Project : Data-driven housing design to improve bone health and welfare in laying hens

To have details about this PhD projetc, click here

Animateur scientifique pour l’ONG « Objectif Sciences International »

L’ONG Objectif Sciences International, qui organise des séjours de Vacances Scientifiques dans le cadre de sa mission d’éducation aux Sciences, et qui a le Statut Consultatif Spécial auprès du Conseil Économique et Social de l’ONU, recrute 30 nouveaux collaborateurs et collaboratrices, sans limite d’âge et dans plus de 15 spécialités différentes (voir lien) et sur plusieurs pays, et dans plusieurs langues.

http://www.educateur-scientifique.com/Offres-d-Emploi.html

SFECA - 1er appel à cummunications

L'édition 2014 de la SFECA sera organisée conjointement par le Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée (Université Paris 13) et le Laboratoire Ethologie Cognition Développement (Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense), les deux laboratoires fondateurs de l'Institut Francilien d'Ethologie (http://ife.univ-paris13.fr/).

Nous vous invitons à visiter le site web de la conférence et soumettre des propositions d'interventions (symposia thématiques & non-thématiques ou posters). Les inscriptions seront possibles prochainement et le règlement se fera à l'aide du système PayBox (http://www1.paybox.com/).

Au plaisir de vous voir nombreux au prochain congrès de la SFECA, du 8 au 10 juillet, sur le campus de l'Université de Nanterre.

Adresse du site web : http://sfeca2014.u-paris10.fr

Le comité d'organisation.

Postdoc in Avian Ecology and Acoustics, College of William & Mary

Postdoctoral Scholar, Avian Ecology and Acoustics, College of William and Mary

The Environmental Science and Policy program at the College of William and Mary seeks applications for a two-year postdoctoral scholar position in Avian Ecology and Acoustics. The postdoctoral scholar will engage in projects related to using nonlinear acoustics to keep birds away from environmentally sensitive and economically important areas, and be mentored by John Swaddle (Department of Biology) and Mark Hinders (Department of Applied Science). The postdoctoral scholar will also teach one upper-level seminar course per academic year, arrange an environmental speaker series, and mentor undergraduate researchers (as appropriate for the projects). We are particularly interested in candidates who have a background in bird ecology and either have experience or are eager to learn signal processing and simulation approaches in acoustics. Matlab experience is also desired. A PhD in a relevant field is required by the time of appointment.

A competitive salary will be offered. Research and travel funds are available. William and Mary’s extensive network of aviaries and the university’s heterogenous cluster computing system, SciClone, are available for use in this project. For more information about the PIs’ recent research projects please visit their respective websites.

John Swaddle: http://jpswad.people.wm.edu/research_new.htm

Mark Hinders: http://as.wm.edu/Faculty/Hinders.html

Review begins March 17, 2014 and will continue until an appointment is made.

This is a 9-month academic year appointment. Start date is August 10, 2014.

To apply, please submit online a letter of application (which must include brief statements of research and teaching interests), a curriculum vitae, and a list of courses taken relevant to the position as a single PDF document at https://jobs.wm.edu. Also submit separately online the names and email addresses of three references who may be contacted by us with instructions for how to submit a letter of reference.

For full consideration, application materials must be submitted by the review date, March 17, 2014. Applications received after the review date will be considered if needed.

The College is an EEO/AA employer and actively encourages applications from

minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.

If you have questions about this position please contact John Swaddle at

jpswad@wm.edu

Field assistant position - Pied Flycatcher - The Netherlands

We are looking for a motivated field volunteer for monitoring our pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) population in The Netherlands (15th of April - 30th of June). This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience with working on a long distance migrant that is affected by climate change. Field duties include checking nest boxes, monitoring pied flycatcher nests, installing camera boxes, handling the birds (ringing and measuring), identifying colour banded birds in the field, data entry, and some database management. The candidate should have at least a BSc in Biology, be independent, motivated, willing to work flexibly with long hours, work during the weekend when needed, have some experience with identifying birds in the field, and be a proficient English speaker. Since our field sites are more easily accessed by bicycle, a skilled cyclist will be preferred. We offer the candidate free housing at the field station. Applications will be accepted until the 15th of March and should include 1) a reference letter, 2) a short motivation letter, 3) a short cv or resume. Send applications to Jelmer Samplonius (j.m.samplonius AT rug.nl); University of Groningen, Animal Ecology Group.

Professorship in Bern

The Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the University of Bern announces a vacancy for a professorship (open rank) in Evolutionary Biology. The Institute has six full professors (chairs), several associated professors and junior group leaders, and it hosts a large international community of graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. The institute has an excellent reputation for research and teaching (www.excellenceranking.org) in all aspects of ecology and evolution.

Applications are sought from individuals with an outstanding research record in theoretical and/or experimental evolution. Candidates with a strong background in evolutionary genomics are also encouraged to apply. The candidate should have a doctorate in a relevant field, several years of postdoctoral and teaching experience, an interest in developing, testing and teaching evolutionary theory and in collaborating with other researchers of our institute. Senior researchers are also encouraged to apply. Hiring level, from tenure-track Assistant Professor to Full Professor, will be commensurate with experience.

The new faculty member will have responsibility for part of the teaching of evolutionary biology at undergraduate and graduate levels. All graduate teaching and advanced undergraduate teaching are in English.

Applications must be submitted by April 10th 2014 as one PDF file to info@natdek.unibe.ch, and should be addressed to the Faculty of Science, University of Bern, Prof. Silvio Decurtins, Dean, Sidlerstrasse 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland. The application should include a letter of motivation, a CV with a short research plan for the next 5 years, funding history, list of previous teaching and supervised MSc and PhD students, a list of publications, and the names and contact information for three references. Applications from women are strongly encouraged. Appointment will be either to tenure track or tenured, commensurate with experience. The earliest starting date for the position is August 1st 2015. For further information, please contact the institute director at director@iee.unibe.ch. More information about the institute can be found on www.iee.unibe.ch

L’INRA recrute un(e) Technicien Biologiste dans l’UMR1392 sur le Centre de Versailles

Environnement et contexte de travail

Le Département d’Ecologie Sensorielle de l’Institut d’Ecologie et des Sciences de l’Environnement de Paris (iESS Paris) regroupe le personnel INRA et UPMC de l’ancienne UMR Physiologie de l’Insecte : Signalisation et Communication. Nos recherches visent à comprendre les mécanismes de la communication chimique chez les insectes dans une perspective d’écologie fonctionnelle. Nos niveaux d’approches vont des gènes aux comportement.

Notre département est constitué de 7 Chercheurs, 8 enseignants chercheurs , et 19 Techniciens ou Administratifs. Affecté à l’équipe « neuroéthologie de l'olfaction (NéO)», sur le site INRA de Versailles, le technicien recruté participera à des recherches en laboratoire sur la communication olfactive chez l'insecte. 

Les objectifs sont de comprendre comment l'insecte traduit la perception de son environnement odorant en comportements de reconnaissance et de localisation d'un partenaire ou d'une source alimentaire, et module ses comportements en fonction de son expérience.

La personne recrutée devra utiliser des techniques d'électrophysiologie pour mesurer les réponses sensorielles et de mesure automatique de la locomotion (olfactométrie, trajectométrie, enregistrements vidéo) pour mesurer les réponses comportementales aux odeurs. Ses fonctions impliqueront la manipulation d’insectes vivants. Elle devra vérifier le bon fonctionnement des matériels et des appareils délivrant les odeurs. Elle contribuera à la formation technique des stagiaires et collègues de l'UMR qui, dans le cadre de leurs projets, seront susceptibles d'utiliser ces dispositifs. Outre ses interactions naturelles avec son responsable et les membres de l’équipe NéO, le ou la technicien(ne) interagira dans son domaine de compétence avec les membres de l'autre équipe du Département d'Ecologie Sensorielle de l'Unité iEES, ainsi qu'avec les collègues affectés aux travaux d'élevages, de serre et d'atelier.

Formation recommandée et capacités personnelles

Le(a) candidat(e) devra avoir une bonne formation en biologie animale. Une expérience de l'étude du comportement animal et de la physiologie des insectes sera appréciée et utile. L'analyse du comportement nécessite un bon sens de l'observation ainsi que l'aptitude à la manipulation d'insectes vivants dont la bonne condition physique conditionne la réussite des essais. La manipulation de substances odorantes demande beaucoup de vigilance car ces odeurs sont actives à très faibles doses et toute contamination peut être source d'artefacts.

Contacts :

Michel Renou - 01.30.83.32.32 - michel.renou@versailles.inra.fr

Didier Rochat - 01.30.83.31.64 - didier.rochat@versailles.inra.fr

Bourse de thèse : accélération pubertaire par exposition au mâle et à son odeur

L’équipe Neuroendocrinologie des Interactions et Comportements Sexuels du laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, UMR 7247 INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours, dispose d’une bourse de thèse pour la rentrée 2014 (3 ans, Octobre 2014- Septembre 2017). Le sujet porte sur l’accélération pubertaire observée chez la femelle exposée au mâle ou à son odeur. Nous chercherons notamment à appliquer les connaissances obtenues chez le rongeur de laboratoire à un modèle de rente (chèvre). Dans ce cadre, l’étudiant sera exposé à une thématique multidisciplinaire associant comportement animal, physiologie de la reproduction et neuroendocrinologie.

Ainsi, nous recherchons un(e) candidat(e) motivé(e) avec des connaissances en comportement, neuroanatomie et immunohistochimie, dosages hormonaux et physiologie. Des connaissances en physiologie de l’olfaction seront un plus.

La sélection finale du candidat sera réalisée par l’école doctorale en Santé, Sciences Biologiques et Chimie du Vivant de l’Université de Tours mi-Mai 2014.

Références bibliographiques récentes :

JOUHANNEAU M., CORNILLEAU F. & KELLER M. (2014). Peripubertal exposure to male odors stimulate female puberty onset and sexual preference in adult mice. Hormones & Behavior, 65, 2, 128-133.

JOUHANNEAU M., SZYMANSKI L., MARTINI M., ELLA A. & KELLER M. (2013). Kisspeptin : a new neuronal target of primer pheromones in the control of reproductive function in mammals. General & Comparative Endocrinology, 188, 1, 3-8.

JOUHANNEAU M. & KELLER M. (2013). Acceleration of puberty onset in female mice by male chemosignals: chemosensory, physiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms. In “Chemical Signals in Vertebrates XII”, p.17-36, Denhard M. & East M. (Eds), Springer-Verlag, New York; ISBN 978-1-4614-5936-2.

Le travail sera réalisé à l’UMR PRC de Nouzilly: http://www6.val-de-loire.inra.fr/physiologie_reproduction_comportements

Les candidats intéressés devront contacter Matthieu Keller : mkeller@tours.inra.fr avant le 15 avril 2014.

MSc Research Studentship in Ireland – Developing a tool to predict seabird vulnerability to oil pollution

MSc Research Studentship – Developing a tool to predict seabird vulnerability to oil pollution

The project is funded by the Petroleum Infrastructure Programme, and is a joint initiative between the School of BEES and CMRC (both within University College Cork), and BirdWatch Ireland (Steve Newton). The studentship will offer the opportunity to learn bird tracking techniques, the management of large datasets, and scientific writing with a view to producing high quality research publications.

Candidates should possess at minimum a 2.1 BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants must be self‐motivated with good communication, organisational and writing skills, and must have a full, clean driving licence. Experience of working in a team environment, report writing and meeting key targets and goals is important. Experience working with birds would be desirable.

Informal Enquiries: Please contact Dr. John Quinn (Email: j.quinn@ucc.ie) or Dr. Mark Jessopp (m.jessopp@ucc.ie).

Remuneration: This position covers fees plus a tax-free stipend of €16,000p.a.

To Apply:

To apply please send by email a CV, details of 2 referees, and accompanying letter of application outlining your relevant experience and why you want to do this studentship to Dr J. Quinn, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Enterprise Centre, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland. E‐mail j.quinn@ucc.ie.

Application deadline is 31 March 2014 (contact j.quinn@ucc.ie before applying; studentship dependent on finalisation of ongoing contract negotiations). Interviews will be held on 14/15 April. Start date 5 May or as soon thereafter as possible.

for more information please download the complete description of studentship at http://cmrc.ie/news/2014/02/18/msc-research-studentship—developing-a-tool-to-predict-seabird-vulnerability-to-oil-pollution-.html

Offre de mission Service Civique

La LPO PACA accueille un volontaire en Service Civique dans le cadre du programme Berre Nature de connaissance et de protection de la biodiversité sur les rives de l’Etang de Berre.

Le volontaire viendra en appui à la mise en oeuvre de méthodologies d’inventaire, de démarches de protection des sites et de valorisation sur le secteur de l’Etang de Berre.

Missions :

. Participer aux études naturalistes ornithologiques mais aussi herpétologiques et entomologiques ;

. Contribuer à la réalisation d’ateliers pratiques : aide logistique à la préparation d’enquêtes naturalistes participatives, de camps de prospection, des 24h de la biodiversité ;

. Mobiliser le public pour qu’il contribue à des enquêtes de sciences participatives pour une meilleure connaissance de la biodiversité locale notamment à travers les Atlas de Biodiversité Communale ;

. Accompagner à la création d’aménagements nature (lavognes, gîtes pour reptiles, nichoirs…) ;

. Soutenir le développement des actions de la vie associative notamment en collaborant pour l’organisation des évènements (Fête de la Nature, Eurobirdwatch, Fête de la Science…) ;

. Communiquer sur le programme Berre Nature en développant des outils de communication (actualités Internet, agenda des sorties nature, lettres d’info…).

Des connaissances naturalistes notamment en ornithologie, un bon sens du contact avec une motivation à s’engager en faveur de la biodiversité seront des éléments clefs de réussite des projets menés par le volontaire. Ce poste constitue une bonne opportunité pour s’initier à la médiation scientifique en lien avec les prospections naturalistes de terrain.

Offre de stage en Ethologie / Bien être animal en Primatologie

Thème : Validation d'une technique non-invasive de mesure de l'activité de l'axe hypophyso-surrénallien chez le macaque rhésus (Macaca mulatta).

Encadrement : Pau Molina Vila et Romain Lacoste

Durée : 8 semaines consécutives entre avril et août 2014.

Lieu : Station de Primatologie - UPS 846 – CNRS - 13790 Rousset-sur-arc

Description : Depuis 20 ans, la mesure des métabolites des hormones stéroïdiennes dans les selles de différents mammifères s'avère être une des techniques non-invasives répandues dans la communauté scientifique. Ces techniques offrent un grand nombre d'avantages à la fois techniques mais aussi scientifiques et éthiques.

Du fait de la grande variabilité de la composition des métabolites stéroïdiens excrétés dans les fèces, une validation minutieuse des différentes techniques (échantillonnage du matériel biologique, stockage, extraction des métabolites et dosage) utilisées s'avère nécessaire.

Durant ce stage, l'étudiant travaillera en collaboration avec l'équipe technique de la Station de Primatologie dans l'échantillonnage et le traitement du matériel biologique (prélèvement des selles, traitement des échantillons au laboratoire).

Qualifications / Profil :

Niveau équivalent à bac + 2 minimum en biologie / sciences du comportement.

Le(a) candidat(e) devra être observatrice, motivée, rigoureuse et patiente.

Une convention de stage est obligatoire.

Indemnité mensuelle :

Ce stage est bénévole.

Un logement sur site est possible (chambres individuelles).

Contact :

Envoyer CV et lettre de motivation par mail à Pau Molina Vila (pablo.molinavila@primato.cnrs.fr) et à Romain Lacoste (romain.lacoste@primato.cnrs.fr)

poste technicien animalier à l'inra de Nouzilly

Un poste d’adjoint-technique animalier INRA est attribué à l'équipe comportement de Nouzilly et est ouvert à concours cette année.

L'annonce du calendrier de campagne des concours est sur le site suivant:

http://jobs.inra.fr/offers/emploi_perm/concours/ce-it/?concours=105069&campagne=23129&domaine=&region=&corps=&entite_rattachement=&discipline=&offset=0#postes

ATTENTION: clôture des inscriptions le 20 mars 2014. 

Le descriptif du profil est sur le lien suivant:

http://jobs.inra.fr/offers/emploi_perm/concours/ce-it/?concours=105069&campagne=23129&domaine=&region=&corps=&entite_rattachement=&discipline=&annonce=14699&annonce_id=127#annonce

PhD on dolphin communication

L’UMR d’Ethologie animale et humaine (Université de Rennes 1 – C.N.R.S.) et le département scientifique du delphinarium du parc Planète Sauvage ont signé un contrat de collaboration pour la recherche scientifique. Dans le cadre de cette collaboration, nous projetons de déposer une demande de bourse de thèse CIFRE et sommes donc à la recherche d’un candidat.

Intitulé de la thèse : Production et perception des signaux acoustiques chez le grand dauphin captif.

Objectifs :

-          Analyser les répertoires vocaux (structures acoustiques et contextes associés) spontanés individuels d’au moins 6 dauphins captifs

-          Tester les capacités de discrimination uni- et multi-modales de l’information sociale portée par les signaux de communication

-          Analyser l’ « umwelt » auditif du dauphin au regard de l’environnement sonore hétérospéciphique

Directeur de thèse : Alban Lemasson, Co-directrice : Martine Hausberger

Début de la thèse : Septembre 2014 (sous réserve de l’obtention de financement)

Durée : 3 ans

Lieu de travail : Le temps de travail sera partagé entre le parc Planète Sauvage, près de Nantes, et le laboratoire d’éthologie, près de Rennes.

Compétences du candidat : Titulaire d’un Master au plus tard en juin 2014. Formation en éthologie indispensable. Expérience en enregistrement et analyse acoustique souhaitée. Compétences en informatique / électronique bienvenues.

Site web de l’unité de recherche : http://www.ethos.univ-rennes1.fr/

Site web du parc animalier : http://www.planetesauvage.com/

Détails sur le financement : http://www.anrt.asso.fr/fr/espace_cifre/accueil.jsp

Documents demandés : CV, lettre de motivation, classement au Master, lettre de recommandation

Date limite de candidature : 16 mars 2014

Contact: alban.lemasson@univ-rennes1.fr

CDD technicien en comportement animal

LIEU ET PERIODE

INRA UMR PEGASE, 35590 Saint-Gilles http://www6.rennes.inra.fr/pegase/Page-d-accueil/UMR-PEGASE

Equipe « Le porc dans les systèmes d’élevage »

Période : du 1^er avril au 30 mai

PRÉSENTATION DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT PROFESSIONNEL

L’activité s'exercera principalement à Saint-Gilles près de Rennes. L’agent participera à toutes les activités liées à l’observation comportementale : expérimentation en station expérimentale, manipulation d’animaux, installation de matériel d’enregistrement, analyse de vidéos, mise en forme de données.

L'agent devra montrer un intérêt pour le domaine du comportement animal, avoir le souci de la rigueur et de la minutie dans la démarche expérimentale et faire preuve de concentration et de patience pour la mise en œuvre des procédures d'enregistrement et d'analyse des données comportementales.

DESCRIPTION DES MISSIONS A EXERCER OU DES TACHES A EXECUTER
CHAMP RELATIONNEL DU POSTE

- se former à la mise en œuvre de nouvelles techniques

- participer aux expérimentations sur le comportement des porcs

- observer l’animal dans des conditions expérimentales pour le recueil de données

- analyser des données comportementales par observation directe et à l’aide d’enregistrements vidéo, ou d’autres formes de support

- gérer le matériel nécessaire aux enregistrements et aux analyses des données

- gérer le planning d’utilisation de ce matériel

- tenir un cahier d’expérience, rassembler les résultats, les mettre en forme et en rendre compte

COMPÉTENCES LIÉES AU POSTE

SAVOIR-FAIRE

- savoir manipuler un animal (préhension, contention…)

-avoir un sens pratique pour mettre en place des paradigmes expérimentaux liés à l’observation des animaux

- savoir appliquer les règles d’hygiène et de sécurité et les bonnes pratiques de laboratoire relatives à l’expérimentation animale

SAVOIRS
- connaître les bases de la biologie

- connaître l’élevage d’animaux de rente

NIVEAU DE FORMATION : bac + 2 maximum.

PERSONNES A CONTACTER

Céline TALLET : celine.tallet@rennes.inra.fr ou 02 23 48 50 53

Ludovic BROSSARD : ludovic.brossard@rennes.inra.fr ou 02 23 48 70 57 

Research Fellow for community ecology research in Madagascar

Position description:

We are recruiting 1 or 2 people as research fellows to lead fieldwork for a National Science Foundation-funded project on the community ecology of the tropical forests of Madagascar. The successful candidate(s) will work under the direction of Dr. Brent Sewall and Dr. Amy Freestone of Temple University to study mutualistic interactions (frugivory and seed dispersal) between fruit-eating animals (fruit bats, birds, and lemurs) and fruit-bearing fig (Ficus) trees in a seasonally-dry tropical forest. This research is designed to improve understanding of how ecological communities are maintained and change over time. The research will take place in a remote location in rural northern Madagascar near Ankarana National Park, a site with a stunning diversity of endemic flora and fauna.

This will be a full-time temporary position. Field work will begin on approximately June 1, 2014 and will continue for four to eight months.

Start date of employment may be flexible, and exact timing of employment will depend on the availability and qualifications of the candidate. Compensation will include salary (commensurate with qualifications and experience), lodging (in rustic cabins), meals, and travel expenses.

Opportunities to participate in writing scientific papers may also be available.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate(s) will:

- Lead and work cooperatively with field crews of approximately 5-10 people, including primarily Malagasy personnel

- Lead the team in conducting a diverse set of research tasks, including but not limited to intensive direct diurnal and nocturnal observations of the foraging ecology of frugivorous animals, measurements of plant characteristics and demographics, experiments on seed viability and germination, and collection of plant samples.

- Train field personnel and ensure quality of field observations, data collection, data entry, and sample collection.

- Create and maintain a work environment that is both positive and productive

- Advise student participants in separate independent thesis projects

- Schedule, coordinate, and conduct field data collection

- Engage in activities to increase public awareness of ecological concepts, improve ecological training, and promote effective conservation planning within Madagascar

- Handle all project logistics necessary to enable the smooth conduct of field research

Qualifications required

- Bachelor’s or Masters degree in ecology or related field

- Commitment to careful data collection and high quality scientific research

- Experience in data collection in field research projects

- Fluency in written and spoken English

- Fluency in written and spoken French and/or Malagasy

- Cultural sensitivity

- Ability to work independently and in teams

- Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback

- Experienced in foreign travel

Physical requirements

- Ability to work long hours in difficult conditions

- Ability to work variable schedules that include daytime and nighttime field work

- Ability to walk long distances carrying heavy field gear in hot conditions

- Ability to spend long periods away from city conveniences

- Ability to live and work closely with field team in a small isolated town and remote field site

Qualifications preferred

- PhD in ecology or related field

- Experience living for extended periods in a rural area in Madagascar or other low-income countries

- Experience working closely with both American and Malagasy people

- Experience in field identification of mammal, bird, and plant species

- Experience leading field teams or working in other supervisory capacities

- Experience in data analysis and publishing research in peer-reviewed journals

Application

To apply, please send:

- a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position along with dates of availability,

- a current curriculum vitae (cv), and

- contact information for 3 references familiar with your qualifications

Application materials should be sent to Dr. Brent Sewall by email at

bjsewall@temple.edu. Please write « Madagascar Research Fellow » in the

subject line. Evaluation of applications will begin on March 7th and continue until the position is filled.

Senior Scientist

AgResearch supports the New Zealand economy by delivering innovative research solutions to the pastoral sector. We are seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist to provide scientific leadership in Animal Welfare research and to identify and deliver strategic R&D opportunities.

The successful applicant will be a motivated, team-focussed scientist and have a proven track record in a relevant agricultural science area (including animal welfare), with a national reputation and at least 3 years relevant post-graduate scientific experience.  He/she will have a track record for identifying and converting opportunities to successful R&D proposals and outcomes to the agricultural sector. He/she will be well-connected with NZ industry stakeholders (or proven ability to quickly develop these connections) and have a sound understanding of the challenges that industry currently face.  There will be a specific focus on animal welfare issues in dairy cow and goat as well as sheep and cattle industries.

This position offers significant rewards for someone with vision and drive.  AgResearch is committed to providing our staff with flexibility, a great environment and the opportunity to enjoy life away from work – so they (and you) can get on with the business of breakthroughs.  The successful applicant will be based at Ruakura campus, Hamilton. There are plans to move the location to Grasslands campus, Palmerston North at a date post January 2016. 

AgResearch is committed to supporting ongoing training and professional development.

To apply for this position and for a full job description, please visit our website www.agresearch.co.nz or for further information about the role please contact: Jim Webster on 029 838 5574 or email jim.webster@agresearch.co.nz .

This vacancy closes on 28 February 2014.

www.careers-agresearch.co.nz

Senior Scientist

Position Title:                      Scientist/Senior Scientist (R6-R8) Animal Welfare, Farm Systems North

Reports to:                            Science Team Leader, Farm Systems North

Group:                                    Innovative Farm Systems

Client(s):                               Internal colleagues and external customers

Location:                                Current location is Ruakura, Hamilton.

                                              Planned location is Grasslands, Palmerston

                                              North at a date post January 2016 – actual date to be confirmed

Definition of Business:

AgResearch is one of New Zealand's leading research organisations. We work for the benefit of New Zealand, collaborating closely with industry partners to achieve the outcomes they need. AgResearch’s purpose is to enhance the value, productivity and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand.

The Innovative Farm Systems Group is focused on creating more profitable and sustainable farms and agribusinesses. Systems thinking is an integral part of our R&D philosophy and approach. Collectively, our research provides the capacity to understand complex, interconnected agricultural issues of current and future interest to industry players and the public.

The Farm Systems North Team is focused on providing research solutions in pastoral agriculture, particularly with respect to their production, environmental and social performance including: animal welfare, pasture performance and farm systems.

 Position Scope:

This role will lead one or more, multi-disciplinary projects delivering high quality science outcomes, potentially across multiple areas of specialisation, relevant to pastoral industry priorities in animal welfare. In doing so, the job holder will identify and convert opportunities into successful R&D proposals and outcomes. He/she will be well-connected with industry stakeholders and have a sound understanding of the challenges that are currently faced. There will be a specific focus on animal welfare issues in dairy cow and goat as well as sheep and cattle industries

As this appointment could be made at three career levels (R6-R8) individual placement and scope will vary dependent on skills and experience.

Purpose:

To consistently deliver/lead high quality research involving unique problems and complex issues in alignment with the AgResearch Statement of Corporate Intent.

Key Liaisons:

Researchers in other disciplines within AgResearch and internationally. Scientists within the wider pastoral research communities, both in New Zealand and internationally. Industry customers, producer groups, farmers and other industry stakeholders.

Delegated Authority:

As per delegations policy

Key Result Areas:

The Scientist shall act within some or all of the following Key Result Areas.  Assessment of performance within these areas will be at the Science Team Leader’s discretion throughout the year culminating in a performance review in July. 

Research Strategy and Delivery

·         Identifies new opportunities for delivering R&D solutions of marked importance to the NZ economy, which have direct commercial application and /or are of high strategic importance in advancing scientific knowledge and theory.

·         Contributes to/leads the development of successful funding proposals that attract significant revenue and offer solutions to existing and new customers

·         Contributes to/leads work that provides solutions to complex/unique problems and results in generation of new patents, products, practices

·         Develops and implements integrated high quality research and product plans; develops project budgets and ensures project milestones are achieved within budgets.

·         Manages and meets customer expectations and retains key customers by ensuring timely and responsive service

·         Displays a collaborative ethos, including a ‘right teams’ approach that optimally draws on knowledge and capability across the organisation to deliver the best possible outcome

·         Liaises and negotiates with outside agencies, e.g. producer boards, universities etc resulting in funding, collaborations, initiation of commercial ventures etc.

Scientific excellence

·         Consistently delivers high quality, relevant research

·         Demonstrates science credibility by publishing research in world leading journals, primary authorship of important books, papers etc.

·         Contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge by presenting at conferences, serving on journal review panels, chairing conference sessions etc.

·         Acts as a specialist advisor to industry bodies and private sector companies.

·         Maintains an active involvement in the wider pastoral, animal welfare and behaviour research communities which extends recognition both nationally and internationally

Working with Partners and Stakeholders

·         Builds and maintains a strong culture of partnership with stakeholders, focused on creation of impact in their sectors

·         Works with Portfolio Leaders, Stakeholder Relationship Managers, Science Group Leaders, Science Impact Leaders and other Scientists to maintain strategic partnerships and generate new opportunities.

·         Shows innovative commercial ability to secure new opportunities that enhance company profile and develop new relationships that lead to significant funding/collaborative opportunities

·         Networks with and presents seminars to industry stakeholders in the wider pastoral community.

Special Projects and Health and Safety

·         Undertakes special projects as and when required

·         Ensures legislative compliance, (e.g. Department of Labour, HSNO, EPA Animal Ethics) and appropriate data security.

·         Complies with Health and Safety Policies as set by AgResearch and legislature and at all times have consideration for the safety of themselves and others in the workplace

The person best suited to this position will possess the following:

Education/Qualifications

· PhD degree that includes substantial components of research work relevant to their specialist area of science

Knowledge/Experience Required

·         Proven track record in a relevant agricultural science area (including animal welfare), with a national reputation and at least 3 years relevant post-graduate scientific experience

·         Excellent peer-reviewed publication record

·         Proven delivery of outcomes to the agricultural sector

·         Good understanding of the NZ pastoral industry and key industry relationships

·         Wider experience in farm systems and agricultural sciences would be valuable

·         Has background knowledge and in-depth expertise in own specialist area. Able to provide thought leadership and innovative solutions.

·         Uses good scientific methodologies for all research, including literature searching; hypothesis-based experimental design and statistical analysis; and follows rigorous development and documentation procedures for research protocols. Has a good understanding of intellectual property.

Competencies required

Competency	Definition	Key behaviours
Values focused	Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to AgResearch’s Statement of Core Purpose and Statement of Corporate Intent as well as the values encapsulated in The Way We Work principles.	·         Supports the organisation ·         Operates with integrity ·         Discloses own position ·         Remains open to ideas ·         Supports others ·         Maintains professionalism
Communicating	Clearly and succinctly conveys information and ideas to individuals and groups; communicating in an influential, focused and compelling way that captures and holds others’ attention.	·         Delivers clear messages ·         Communicates with impact ·         Uses language appropriately ·         Ensures understanding ·         Influences others ·         Provides linkage to strategy
Collaborating	Develops and uses collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of business goals	·         Stake holder focus ·         Identifies partnership needs Explores partnership opportunities ·         Formulates action plans ·         Focuses on shared goals ·         Monitors partnership.
Decision making	Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; takes action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.	·         Understands external environment Identifies issues, problems and opportunities ·         Gathers and interprets information ·         Generates alternatives ·         Chooses and commits to appropriate action ·         Involves others.
Delivering results	Translates strategic priorities into operational reality; aligns communication, accountabilities, resource capabilities, internal processes, and on-going measurement systems to ensure that strategic priorities yield measurable and sustainable results	·         Translates initiatives into action ·         Implements a communication strategy ·         Creates accountability ·         Ensures skills and readiness ·         Aligns systems and processes ·         Tracks results
Committed leadership	Provides feedback, instruction, and development guidance to help others excel in their current or future job responsibilities; plans and supports the development of individual skills and abilities.	·         Leads change ·         Clarifies performance ·         Provides timely feedback ·         Conveys performance expectations and implications ·         Evaluates skill gaps ·         Guides development ·         Fosters developmental relationships

Values

Adheres to “The Way We Work” principles:

·         Maintaining Professionalism

·         Sharing Responsibility

·         Respecting Each Other

·         Being Fair

These values are our commitment to each other to foster and sustain a positive, friendly and supportive workplace that nurtures excellence, creativity and successful relationships.