Stage

STAGES DE RECHERCHE (S4)

proposés pour le Master, Mention Vie et Santé

SPECIALITE ECOPHYSIOLOGIE ETHOLOGIE

Université de Strasbourg

2015-2016

  Qui dort dine chez les manchots :

la durée de la phase de repos en mer à normothermie reflète-t-elle le succès de la journée de chasse ?

Sujet : Pour un vertébré endotherme qui pêche activement en plongée, la contrainte physiologique liée à la gestion de l’énergie en apnée est accentuée s’il doit accéder à des profondeurs importantes en eau froide. C’est une des raisons pour lesquelles à l’IPHC, des recherches à long terme sont menées sur le manchot royal, un prédateur marin du Grand Sud champion de la plongée à grande profondeur (>300m de profondeur pour des apnées > 7 min). De plus, cette espèce est capable d’enchaîner des plongées toute la journée avec des temps de récupération en surface incompatibles, au regard des connaissances actuelles, avec son autonomie théorique d’apnée1. Grâce aux avancées technologiques dans le domaine de l’instrumentation d’animaux sauvages (Bio-logging), on a ainsi pu mettre en évidence toute une gamme d’ajustements comportementaux permettant une augmentation sensible du rendement de la recherche alimentaire2,3. Une adaptation physiologique remarquable augmente encore ce rendement : la mise en place d’une hypothermie profonde lors des séries de plongées diurnes. La température de la peau mais aussi des tissus profonds diminue de plusieurs dizaines de degrés pendant la journée de plongée4,5. Si les mécanismes physiologiques associés sont encore largement inexpliqués, le plus énigmatique reste les périodes nocturnes au cours desquelles la température des tissus profonds et périphériques ré-augmente jusqu’à la normothermie (38°C vs 5°C dans l’eau) alors que les oiseaux sont inactifs en surface; une conséquence directe de ce paradoxe est une augmentation importante des pertes de chaleur périphérique et du métabolisme, ce dernier dépassant les valeurs mesurées de jour en pleine activité de chasse1. 

Notre hypothèse de travail, sujet d’un projet de thèse, est que durant la nuit, la peau est revascularisée aux dépends de l’épargne énergétique pour permettre l’incorporation des lipides de la digestion dans les tissus adipeux sous-cutanés5,6. 

Objectif de l’étude. Le sujet proposé à plus court terme, dans le cadre de ce stage de M2, est de vérifier s’il existe un lien entre le succès de pèche pendant la journée et la durée de(s) (la) phase(s) d’inactivité à normothermie, que ce soit pendant des pauses observées pendant la journée, ou pendant la phase obligée d’inactivité nocturne. 

    

 Approche.  L’étudiant aura à sa disposition des sets de données acquis lors de sessions de terrain antérieures dans les Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises (TAAF). L’analyse de données sera basée sur l’interprétation de paramètres enregistrés sur différents manchots pendant un voyage alimentaire en mer grâce à des capteurs de pression (profondeur), d’accélération (vitesse de nage et angle de plongée) et de température de l’eau et corporelles.  L’approche sera donc essentiellement informatique : analyse des données et analyse statistique. Néanmoins, ce stage pourrait éventuellement se poursuivre par une étude de terrain de 6 mois dans les Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises (statut volontaire à l’aide civil), selon la motivation et l’investissement du candidat.   

Laboratoire et lieu de stage :

Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien

Département d'Ecologie Physiologie et Ethologie

23, rue Becquerel 

UMR 7178 CNRS UdS 

67087 Strasbourg cedex 2, France

Encadrant :

Yves Handrich, Chargé de recherche CNRS, Equipe d’Ecologie fonctionnelle, IPHC

Courriel : yves-jean.handrich@iphc.cnrs.fr ; Tél. :03 88 10 69 32

Profil de formation et compétences souhaitées concernant l'étudiant :

Il est demandé à l’étudiant d’avoir des connaissances de base en physiologie énergétique, environnementale et comparée, et de l’aisance en informatique et analyse des données (R,..). Des compétences en statistiques seraient également appréciées.

Ref. à lire :

1. Froget G., et al. (2004). J. Exp Bio. 207 (22): 3917-3926 

2. Sato K., et al. (2002). J. Exp. Biol. 205: 1189-1197

3. Hanuise N., Bost C.-A. & Y. Handrich. (2013). J. Zool. 290: 181-191

4. Handrich Y., et al. (1997). Nature 388 (6637): 64-67

5. Schmidt A., Alard F. & Y. Handrich (2006). Am. J. Physiol. 291: R608-R618

6. Fahlman A., et al. (2005). Am. J. Physiol. 289: R670-R679

Master thesis “Alarm call of Titi monkeys”

Titi monkeys Callicebus nigrifrons present a very complex vocal repertoire, and studies on their alarm calls have shown that they can encode both the type of predator and its location in the alarm sequences. This project aims to investigate deeper the understanding of those messages by the listeners, using playback experiments and presentations of stuffed predators, and to investigate factors influencing the structure of alarm calls.

We are looking for a master student starting around January 2016 to collect and analyze data in the Reserve of Caraça, Brasil. 

The internship would last around six months. The master student will participate in behavioral data collection, including acoustic recordings in the forest, presentation of stuffed predators and playback experiments. The data collection will be done in Caraça but the data analysis and the report redaction can be done out of the field. In order to establish the schedule, the applicant needs to check the visa procedure to stay in Brazil related to its country.

The successful applicant needs:

- Really good social skills (there is no private space in the house and it can be crowded)

- Interest in different culture and will to learn Portuguese if he/she does not speak yet (most of the people do not speak English there)

- Really good physical and mental conditions: Following the monkeys in the dense forest is physically demanding. Be prepared for long days without break in the field and to encounter dangerous fauna (snakes, tarantulas, big cats…)

-Have a strong interest in animal cognition

-Be curious and motivated

Qualifications/Experience:

Applicants should: 

- Have background in ethology, behavioral ecology, primatology, psychology, or any relative field

-Have a previous experience of at least two months on the field

-Be rigorous, autonomous and independent.

-Speak English or French.

Salary/funding:

No salary is provided.

The master student will be responsible for its flight (to Belo Horizonte) and housing/meals costs, visa and health insurance. The fees at the Sanctuary (housing + breakfast + diner) are 44 BRL/days. All transport from Belo Horizonte to Caraça and around Caraça (grocery shopping for example) will be provided.

Application Deadline:

Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply please send your CV including one-two detailed referents, a cover letter and your last academic transcription to melissa.berthet@unine.ch

If you are interested by the position but your dates do not match with those proposed above, please feel free to contact me, we can have a look on it.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact Information:

Mélissa Berthet, PhD student

Laboratory of Comparative Cognition

University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland

melissa.berthet@unine.ch

PhD postitions at University of Plymouth, School of Biological Sciences

Fifty PhD positions, fully funded for EU students, are currently open at the University of Plymouth. These encompass a wide range of topics, including some projects in the School of Biological Sciences that may be of interest to ASAB members.

Full details can be found on the website at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/the-graduate-school/fully-funded-phd-studentships

Postdoc position in Movement Ecology & Behaviour

On: Intra- and intergroup coordination and movement in meerkats (Suricata suricatta) at the University of Zurich, Switzerland 

A two-year (with potential to extend) postdoctoral position in spatial animal behaviour is available at the University of Zurich working with Prof Marta Manser and her international team. The research involves an investigation of within and between group behavioural processes on spatial coordination, with fieldwork performed at the Kalahari Meerkat Project in South Africa. Within this framework, several aspects of research can be pursued including: coordination and decision making of within group individual movement; intergroup effects on home range use and shift; ecological aspects, etc…. The tasks will consist of collecting observational and experimental data in the field on meerkat group coordination, movement and their ecology, as well as the analysis of long-term data. The postdoc will be responsible for: (1) conducting the field research; (2) analyses of behavioural, movement and ecological data; (3) involvement in supervision of our assistants, MSc and PhD students in the field in South Africa and at the University in Zurich; and (4) helping to organise the field site in South Africa and the captive group of meerkats in Zurich. We welcome highly motivated applicants with PhDs in Ecology/Zoology or relevant fields. Applicants must have a strong background in movement ecology, data analyses and ideally modelling. People with experience in programming (i.e. MatLab, SAS, R, ….) are preferred. The working language in the group is English, German skills are not essential. The position is available from September 2015. Target application date is August 10th, 2015, but open until a suitable candidate has been found. Applicants should please send a cover letter with a brief statement of their research interests, a C.V. (including publication list), and the names and affiliations of three referees. Applications (preferably as a single pdf file) and informal inquiries should be sent to: marta.manser@ieu.uzh.ch Additional information on our group and research can be found at: http://www.ieu.uzh.ch/research/behaviour/cognition.html; http://www.kalaharimeerkats.com/

Postdoc position in Animal Behaviour

On Vocal communication and cognition in meerkats (Suricata suricatta) at the University of Zurich, Switzerland 

A three year postdoctoral position in animal behaviour is available at the University of Zurich working with Prof Marta Manser and her international team. The research involves behavioural and vocal studies on meerkats, with fieldwork performed at the Kalahari Meerkat Project in South Africa. Within this framework, several aspects of research can be pursued including: causes and consequences of the variation in vocal signals; the flexibility and intentionality in the production and perception of vocal signals; playback experiments documenting knowledge about other group members; underlying cognitive mechanisms in vocal communication and social interactions; etc... The tasks will consist of collecting observational and experimental data in the natural habitat of the meerkat, as well as the analysis of longterm data. The postdoc will be responsible for: (1) conducting the field research; (2) analyses of behavioural and acoustic data; (3) involvement in supervision of our field assistants, MSc and PhD students in the field and back in Zurich; and 4) helping to organise the field site in South Africa and the captive group in Zurich. We welcome highly motivated applicants with PhDs in Biology/Zoology and related fields. Applicants must have a strong background in collecting and analysing behavioural data. People with experience in acoustic research (i.e. acoustic analysis and playback experiments) are preferred. The working language in the group is English, German skills are not essential. The position is available from September 2015, target application date is August 10th 2015, but open until a suitable candidate has been found. Applicants should please send a cover letter with a brief statement of their research interests, a C.V. (including publication list), and the names and contact details of three referees. Applications (preferably as a single pdf file) and informal inquiries should be sent to: marta.manser@ieu.uzh.ch information on our group: http://www.ieu.uzh.ch/research/behaviour/cognition.html; http://www.kalahari-meerkats.com/

PhD in bird ecophysiology and behavioural ecology - University of Greifswald (Germany)

University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum 

PhD position in Animal Ecology 

Application deadline: 30.09.2015 

The Department of Animal Ecology, Zoological Institute and Museum at the University of Greifswald invites applications for a PhD position.  

Starting date: November 1st 2015. 

Duration: 3 years. 

Salary: German salary scale (TV-L 13, 65%). 

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with interests in ecophysiology, behavioural ecology and evolution. The general aim of the PhD project is to characterize the threat that heat waves may constitute for a tropical bird species (Gouldian finch), and how variation in terms of oxidative status may participate to this threat. Towards this end, the candidate will measure the effects of high temperature on (i) oxidative markers, (ii) fertility and fecundity markers, and (iii) ageing markers. The candidate will also examine whether these effects can be alleviated by the consumption of natural food resources of high antioxidant potency. The whole project will be conducted in captivity at the University of Greifswald, but also includes collaborative work with the universities of Groningen, Neufchatel and Strasbourg.

The successful candidate will hold a Masters in Biology or equivalent (e.g. Dr. Vet. Med), and will have a strong background in behavioural ecology and/or physiology. Prior work with birds or mammals and laboratory work will be advantageous. English communication skills are essential and some German knowledge might also be useful. The successful candidate will be expected to take actively part to the set-up and the organization of the project, as well as to take care of birds. Finally, she/he will have the opportunity to take part to the Graduate School RESPONSE as associated doctoral researcher (http://www.mnf.uni-greifswald.de/institute/fr-biologie/graduiertenkolleg-rtg-2010.html).

The department of Animal Ecology works in the field of evolutionary ecology, focusing on life-history evolution, stress adaptation and reproductive biology. Current projects focus on temperature stress resistance, temperature-mediated plasticity, reproductive resource allocation, sexual selection and sexual conflict. For further information on our research, please visit http://www.mnf.uni-greifswald.de/institute/fr-biologie/institute-und-forschung/zool-institut-museum/tieroekologie.html and https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael_Beaulieu2.

Greifswald is a small and pleasant university town located on the coast of the Baltic Sea between the islands of Rügen and Usedom. The region offers great opportunities for outdoor activities and bird watching. Large cities like Berlin and Hambourg are easy to reach. 

 Applications should include: 

(1) a cover letter with a short statement of motivation, 

(2) a short statement of research  accomplishments (max. 1 page), 

(3) a CV, 

(4) a list of publications (if any), 

(5) the contact details of one or two academic referees.

Applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF file to:  Dr. Michaël Beaulieu e-mail: beaulieum@uni-greifswald.de  

The University of Greifswald is an equal opportunity employer.  

For any enquiries, please contact Michaël Beaulieu via e-mail.  

Dr. Michaël Beaulieu Zoological Institute & Museum Greifswald University J.-S.-Bach-Str. 11/12 D-17489 Greifswald  Phone: +49-3834-864266 Fax: +49-3834-864252    "Dr. Michaël Beaulieu"  

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Animal Welfare Research – Chimpanzee

Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. The Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. The Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction and award-winning educational institution.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow, Animal Welfare Research – Chimpanzee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a research project on the implementation of WelfareTrak on chimpanzee welfare including behavioral data collection and/or coding, assisting in related laboratory analyses, communication with collaborators, project coordination, data analyses and preparation of scientific papers and publications. You will be responsible for planning and carrying out research specific to the grant-funded project; collating, tabulating and organizing all incoming data; analyzing compiled data; and assisting in related laboratory analyses as required. Additionally, you will be responsible for training staff at collaborating institutions in project methodology; assisting the Senior Director of Animal Welfare in training research assistants, interns and volunteers in specific data collection and management techniques for assigned research; and preparing reports for scientific publication and presentation and for distribution to collaborators.

The requirements for this position include:

 Ph.D. degree in biology, psychology, or related field required.

 Two years of experience in field or zoo research is required.

 Proven ability to train and supervise staff, preferably including students, volunteers, and/or interns.

 Prior experience working with live animals safely.

 Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

 Prior experience in writing reports and scientific papers, grant preparation, and oral presentations.

 Basic computer literacy required, including skills in database management, statistical packages, and graphing software.

 Demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize tasks as necessary. 

 Ability to work collaboratively.

 Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

The desirable/preferred qualifications include:

 Previous experience working at a zoological institution is desirable.

 Experience running a multi-institutional study preferred.

 Previous experience studying chimpanzees or other great apes preferred.

 Broad research and conservation interests preferred.

 Valid driver’s license preferred.

 Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled. 

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 851BR.

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Animal Welfare Research – Bottlenose Dolphins

Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. The Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. The Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction and award-winning educational institution.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow, Animal Welfare Research – Bottlenose Dolphins is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a research project examining the welfare of bottlenose dolphins including the behavioral data collection and/or coding, assisting in related laboratory analyses, communication with collaborators, project coordination, data analyses and preparation of scientific papers and publications. You will be responsible for

planning and carrying out research specific to the grant-funded project; collating, tabulating and organizing all incoming data; analyzing compiled data; and assisting in related laboratory analyses as required. Additionally, you will be responsible for training staff at collaborating institutions in project methodology; assisting the Senior Director of Animal Welfare in training research assistants, interns and volunteers in specific data collection and management techniques for assigned research; and preparing reports for scientific publication and presentation and for distribution to collaborators.

The requirements for this position include:

 Ph.D. degree in biology, psychology, or related field required.

 Two years of experience in field or zoo research is required.

 Proven ability to train and supervise staff, preferably including students, volunteers, and/or interns.

 Prior experience working with live animals safely.

 Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

 Prior experience in writing reports and scientific papers, grant preparation, and oral presentations.

 Basic computer literacy required, including skills in database management, statistical packages, and graphing software.

 Demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize tasks as necessary. 

 Ability to work collaboratively.

 Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse,

multicultural audience.

The desirable/preferred qualifications include:

 Experience using technology to monitor animals (e.g., GPS, dead-reckoning, etc.) preferred.

 Previous experience studying bottlenose dolphins or marine mammals preferred.

 Broad research and conservation interests preferred.

 Previous experience working at a zoological institution is desirable.

 Valid driver’s license preferred.

 Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled. 

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 852BR.

Working equine welfare internship

Salary: £12 per hour for 85 hours, spread over 6-12 weeks according to intern availability.

Location: Remote working, with possible visit to the Brooke office in Central London if   required.

Contract type: Internship (paid).

Job reference: ID1503

Role: The role will involve creation of summary documents on specified working equine welfare issues, which should include information on welfare significance to the animal, possible causation and means of resolution.  Welfare issues may include, but are not restricted to: behavioural anomalies (fear, aggression, apathy); eye problems; harness-related injuries; spinal pain; abnormal mucous membranes; hoof abnormalities; firing; ectoparasites.  

Please refer to the attached specification for further information on the role and criteria.

Closing date for applications: 12:00 on Thursday 6th August 2015.

Telephone interviews will be held on: Monday 10th - Tuesday 11th August 2015. 

Anticipated start date: Week commencing Monday 14th September 2015.

To Apply: Please submit applications in Microsoft Word format to recruit@thebrooke.org, responding to the following questions, and including your contact details (email and telephone number). Please note, applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom, as evidenced by appropriate passport/visas.

1. Please explain why you wish to intern at the Brooke and what attracted you to this position specifically. 

2. Please indicate how you meet each of the required competencies for this position referring to the numbered list above, providing examples of relevant past experiences.  

3. Please mention any additional experience you feel may support your application for this position.

4. Please indicate your time and travel availability (days and hours; remote and central London office), and the start and end dates of the time period during which you would be available. 

5. Please mention any additional information that may be relevant for the Brooke to consider/be aware of, or any aspects of the internship on which you would like clarification.  

The Brooke

The Brooke is an international animal welfare organisation dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in the poorest parts of the world. We provide veterinary treatment and community education programmes across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Last year, we reached more than 1,100,000 working horses, donkeys and mules benefiting more than five million people.

The Brooke’s vision is a world in which working horses, donkeys and mules are free from suffering.

The Brooke strives to promote equality of opportunity.

Working equine welfare internship position – Development of equine welfare information resources

Description

The Brooke’s Welfare Assessment Advisor is seeking assistance from an intern to develop additional equine welfare information resources for use by staff throughout the Brooke’s countries of operation.  

Background to relevant work area

The Brooke strives for evidence-based programming, and a key element of this is collecting animal-based data, obtained through assessing the welfare of the working horses, donkeys and mules we work with.  These data are used for numerous purposes, such as ascertaining the prevalence of various welfare issues in different working equine populations, prioritising key issues to address through project activities, and monitoring the impact of our work on the animals’ welfare status.

To facilitate improved understanding of these welfare data and application to programme activities by international staff, additional information resources on pertinent equine welfare topics would be beneficial.      

The role and tasks

The role will involve creation of summary documents on specified working equine welfare issues, which should include information on: welfare significance to the animal, possible causation and means of resolution.  Welfare issues may include, but are not restricted to: behavioural anomalies (fear, aggression, apathy); eye problems; harness-related injuries; spinal pain; abnormal mucous membranes; hoof abnormalities; firing; ectoparasites. 

The intern will have opportunity to input creatively into the design, structure and aesthetics of the resources, with the aim of making these visually appealing, interesting and accessible, both in electronic and printed form.  The end users of the materials will not be native English speakers, therefore concision, clarity, simplicity and use of visual aids will be important. 

Tasks will include:

-          Planning the structure and content of the information resources in conjunction with the Welfare Assessment Advisor.

-          Researching welfare issues and collating pertinent information from a range of sources.

-          Summarising key points of information in a clear and concise manner.

-          Referencing external (to the Brooke) information sources where relevant.

-          Incorporating photographs to illustrate associated text.

-          Formatting the information resources to ensure suitability for printing.

Applicants must have adequate access to a computer and internet connection with sufficient capacity to enable them to complete these tasks.

Applicants should be aware that the role will necessitate exposure to images of equine welfare problems which may be distressing. 

Benefits

The intern will benefit by:

- Having the opportunity to make a valuable and lasting contribution to the learning of Brooke international staff, and thus supporting them to help working equine animals. 

- Gaining detailed insight into working equine welfare issues, an area of animal welfare not widely accessible in the scientific or lay literature. 

- Learning about animal-based welfare assessment methodologies used within the Brooke, and ways in which findings can be utilised.  

- Gaining experience in gathering, collating and producing information resources on a scientific topic creatively.

- Increasing understanding of the operations of an international non-governmental organisation. 

- Making contacts within the equine welfare field.

- Gaining experience in document production and formatting.

Payment

The intern will be compensated at a rate of £12 per hour, for a total of 85 hours of work.  If deemed necessary, occasional visits to the Brooke’s London office may be requested, at mutually-agreed times, for which reasonable UK travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Brooke’s expenses policy. 

Availability

The work can be done remotely, and the intern will not be required to be based in the Brooke office in London.  The 85 hours of work can be spread over a 6-12 week period; specific working days and times can be agreed to suit the availability of the intern, through discussion with the Welfare Assessment Advisor. 

Training and supervision

The internship will be under the supervision of the Welfare Assessment Advisor, a member of the Brooke’s Animal Welfare and Research Team.  As this staff member often travels abroad to the Brooke’s countries of operation, the intern should be capable of working independently after initial direction has been provided, checking in with the Welfare Assessment Advisor at mutually-agreed times as required.  Should the Welfare Assessment Advisor be unavailable for a period of time, additional support will be provided by the Welfare Assessment Development Officer.

The intern will be supported with:

-          Initial meeting and more detailed discussion of tasks.

-          Periodic discussions (in person or remotely depending on location of intern) to review progress, assist with any difficulties, advise on next steps, clarify any queries, and other support as required.

-          Review and editing of documents.

-          Provision of photographic materials from the field, insight and suggestions related to the specified welfare problems.

-          Access to existing relevant Brooke resources.

-          Facilitation of liaison with other Brooke staff (e.g. welfare assessors abroad) for input when useful.

-          Referral to Brooke UK UT support if required for technical assistance.

-          Explanation of the Brooke’s Standardised Equine Based Welfare Assessment Tool (SEBWAT).

-          Explanation of the Brooke’s work internationally.

Required competencies

1.       Knowledge of equine animals, for example, behaviour, basic anatomy, health concepts.

2.       Knowledge of animal welfare principles.

3.       Ability to research information from various sources but particularly scientific/veterinary literature, critically appraise its validity, and assimilate into alternative formats.

4.       Excellent standard of English comprehension and writing.

5.       Ability to produce creative and interesting communication materials (including necessary IT skills).

6.       Ability to adapt communication styles for people who are not native English speakers.

7.       Ability to work independently.

Application

1. Please explain why you wish to intern at the Brooke and what attracted you to this position specifically.
2. Please indicate how you meet each of the required competencies for this position referring to the numbered list above, providing examples of relevant past experiences. 
3. Please mention any additional experience you feel may support your application for this position.
4. Please indicate your time and travel availability (days and hours; remote and central London office), and the start and end dates of the time period during which you would be available.
5. Please mention any additional information that may be relevant for the Brooke to consider/be aware of, or any aspects of the internship on which you would like clarification. 

Deadline

Please submit applications in Microsoft Word format to recruit@thebrooke.org before 12:00 on Thursday 6^th August 2015.  The proposed date for telephone interviews is Tuesday 11^th August 2015, and the proposed start date is the week commencing Monday 14^th September 2015. 

Recruitment for Ethologist Position

Assistant/Associate Professor in Swine Welfare

Applications are invited for a tenure track faculty position as an Ethologist with a focus on swine at the University of Saskatchewan.  The position will have an academic home and tenure track faculty appointment at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and simultaneously hold the position of Research Scientist at Prairie Swine Centre. At Prairie Swine Centre, behaviour and welfare have been core areas of study since inception of the Centre (1992), and it is the only institution in Canada with a full-time ethologist focusing on pigs. The pork industry considers this unique position as fundamental to the growth and ongoing evolution of the science of pork production, with pork producers and packers/processors from across Canada providing significant financial support for the National Chair in Swine Welfare. 

The successful candidate will be expected to apply for a NSERC industrial chair position funded through industry and the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada.

The Chair candidate will be a recognized scientist with a PhD in the field of applied ethology or other related discipline, with special interest in swine welfare, behaviour and production.  Demonstrated multi-disciplinary experience in swine health, nutrition, housing and management will be considered an asset.  At least 3 years of experience with swine production practices and research experience with swine will be essential for successful candidates.  Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong communication skills, interpersonal and leadership skills, and an ability to engage with the swine industry and the public. This is a research intensive Chair with a focus on an applied approach, developing solutions to industry challenges. The candidate should share a passion for improving the lives of both pigs and the people handling the livestock on Canada’s pork farms, in transit and in lairage through slaughter.  Teaching obligations will be limited during the first 5-years of the appointment with responsibility for development of graduate students a priority. The Chair will co-teach an undergraduate course in their field of expertise and lead graduate level courses as may be required and therefore strong teaching skills will be considered as essential for this position.  The program will interact with others in the department, at Prairie Swine Centre and across campus to coordinate a strong multi-species approach to animal welfare. This Chair position is a reflection of the University to continue to enhance its strength in agriculture, veterinary medicine and related disciplines that further the wellbeing and important economic contribution livestock bring to Canadian farms and throughout the pork value chain.

Description:

The Chair will develop and lead an internationally recognized research program in pig welfare.  The research program will identify and find solutions to issues of animal welfare that will be important to the pig industry in both the long and short (5 yr) term.  The successful candidate will recruit a research team including research associates, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and technical support to produce a multi-disciplinary approach to pig welfare issues.  The program is expected to demonstrate national leadership and collaboration with other research groups at various universities and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada stations.

The program will attract industry funding from the entire value chain and leverage this with appropriate government agency research support.  In addition, the program will access tri-council funding through its own applications and in collaboration with other research groups locally, nationally and internationally. To assist with priorities and stakeholder involvement an Advisory Committee will be established with membership from the various funding and supporting organizations participating.

Access to modern swine production and research facilities at Prairie Swine Centre make it possible for the research to emulate modern production scale. The new research program will benefit from 23 years of research conducted by Prairie Swine Centre on commercial farms across North America. The National Chair in Swine Welfare will develop a rapport with industry, becoming a capable spokesperson to the general public on the subject of swine welfare.

Interested candidates should send a current CV, letter of introduction, contact information for three referees, and a summary of future research plans in confidence to: Dr. John Campbell, Dept. Head, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences Western College of Veterinary Medicine; 52 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5B4, Email: john.campbell@usask.ca; Phone: 306-966-7158.

Applications are currently open and will be reviewed beginning July 1, 2015.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.  The University of Saskatchewan is committed to Employment Equity. Members of designated groups (women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) are encouraged to apply.

Further information about the NSERC programs can be found at http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-Professeurs/CFS-PCP/IRC-PCI_eng.asp, further information about Prairie Swine Centre can be found at www.prairieswine.com, and WCVM http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/.

One year junior post doc position in seabird biotelemetry and population dynamics

Within the framework of a project funded by the French Agency for Marine Protected Areas (http://www.aires-marines.com/ ), we are looking for an inspired Post Doc, to lead cutting-edge research in seabird biological conservation.

Posting: Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Montpellier, France.

Project leaders: David Grémillet and Aurélien Besnard.

Starting date: 1st November 2015

Duration: One year (potentially extendable to two years)

Requirement: PhD completed within the last 24 months

Application deadline: 1st September 2015

Opportunity and training: This project will provide the Post-Doctoral fellow with the opportunity to use an extensive seabird (shearwater) tracking data base and long-term population monitoring to address essential issues in movement ecology, population dynamics and conservation biology, and to publish in leading ecological journals. The research will mainly focus on data analysis and writing, but will also include fieldwork (seabird telemetry). It will be conducted in collaboration with other marine research institutions in the Mediterranean, and will be of direct use to a wide range of stakeholders, especially for the agency for marine protected areas (AAMP) and the managers of the Parc National des Calanques off Marseille.

Context: The CEFE Montpellier has been commissioned by the AAMP to perform biotelemetry studies of Shearwaters in French Mediterranean waters across 2011-2012, and to map their at-sea habitats (Péron et al. Biological Conservation 2013; Péron & Grémillet PLOS-ONE 2013; Authier et al. Methods in Ecology & Evolution 2013 ; see also : http://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/fr/recherche/ee/esp/422-habitats-marins-des-puffins ). These investigations have been pursued within the framework of the OSU-OREME (http://www.oreme.org/services/observation/ecopop/puffin-cendre ), across 2014-2015. Multi-year, multicolony GPS-tracking showed that shearwaters (Scopoli and Yelkouan) extensively use coastal areas along the French Mediterranean coast, and the Gulf of Lion area. Further, the Parc National des Calanques off Marseille has been performing >20 year monitoring of the vital rates of Scopoli’s shearwaters breeding on the Island of Riou, on the basis of >200 individually-marked breeding adults. Both GPS-tracking and population monitoring show that shearwaters are, for a series of ecological and practical reasons, serious candidates as ecological indicators (or samplers of state variables, sensu Yoccoz et al. TREE 2001).

Project objectives:

The overall aim of the project is to verify and establish the status of Scopoli’s shearwaters as ecological indicators in the western Mediterranean.

To this aim, the Post Doc will explore two sets of state variables, and their functional links with environmental parameters:

1) The reproductive performance and annual survival rates of adult shearwaters, as determined through a >20 year mark-recapture study of individually-marked birds, will be confronted with environmental conditions, both at their Mediterranean breeding site and across their non-breeding migratory areas in the Atlantic.

2) The at-sea home-range and foraging effort of birds are also tightly linked to marine resources, and the ecological state of the western Mediterranean during the breeding season. These state variables, determined via electronic tracking and stable isotopic analyses of trophic status, will therefore be confronted with environmental conditions, especially the spatio-temporal availability of small pelagic fish in the western Mediterranean.

Finally, exploratory analyses will be conducted upon the potential impact of a forthcoming offshore wind farm on foraging Scopoli’s shearwaters. These analyses will be fed into a project application aiming at extending this Post Doc to a second year.

Expected outcomes:

Two scientific publications in international research journals. The Post Doc will also be in charge of promoting his/her work through a variety of media (dedicated web portal, social media, educative online videos) and by attending meetings with the AAMP and further stakeholders.

Required skills:

The candidate should have (1) Strong computational, analytical and mapping skills, as the candidate will have to deal with large databases, to download and format remote-sensing biotic/abiotic information, to perform sophisticated statistical analyses and modelling of time series as well as of spatial data, and to adequately graph/map research outcomes. (2) A taste for writing, as the work will involve reporting to the Agency for Marine Protected Areas, as well as publishing two papers in high-profiled journals. (3) The capacity to conduct seabird fieldwork involving GPS-recorder deployments on sensitive wildlife, and to function in the most secure manner in an isolated insular environment. (4) The candidate will be expected to be fairly independent across the project, including the writing up of papers. (3) French language skills are a plus, but not mandatory.

Salary and terms: please contact us for detailed information

Location: The Post Doc fellow will be based at the Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive in Montpellier, France (http://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/fr/ ).

Project partners: David Grémillet and Aurélien Besnard (coordinators, CEFE-CNRS), Elodie Debize (Parc National des Calanques, Marseille), Boris Daniel (Agence des Aires Marines Protégées). Collaborations will also be maintained with Capucine Mellon and Claire Saraux (IFREMER Sète), and with Frédéric Bouchette (Géosciences Montpellier).

Applications: Please send your CV and motivation letter to: David Grémillet, CEFE-CNRS, Montpellier, France Email: david.gremillet@cefe.cnrs.fr

Poste de chargé(e) de mission environnement – ONF

Type de poste : VSC (volontaire service civique)

Durée : 1 an renouvelable une fois

Prise de poste : 21 septembre 2015

Lieu : service Sylvétude de l’ONF Guyane – Cayenne

Indemnités : 1455.17 €/mois net pour les résidents métropolitains (indemnité de base de 738,15 € brut + indemnités de logement de 822,54 € brut) ; 738,15 € brut pour les résidents en Guyane.

Plus d’informations dans la fiche de poste en pièce jointe et par mail (ci-dessous).

Le CV, la lettre de motivation et le portfolio sont à adresser par mail à Yolande Louvrier, chargée de ressources humaines, avant le 21 aout 2015.

http://www.onf.fr/outils/en_avant/20150716-142219-155191/2/++files++/1

(ou http://www.onf.fr/guyane rubrique « Offres d’emploi »

Junior Research Scientist

La Tour du Valat recrute Un(e) Chargé(e) de Recherche (junior) en Biologie de la Conservation des Poissons (non marins)

La Tour du Valat est une fondation privée dédiée à la recherche et à la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes. Fondée en 1954 par le Dr Luc Hoffmann et basée en Camargue, elle est à la pointe dans les domaines de la recherche multidisciplinaire, l’établissement de ponts entre science, gestion et politiques publiques et l’élaboration de plans de gestion. La Tour du Valat possède une expertise scientifique reconnue internationalement, et elle apporte des réponses pratiques aux problèmes de conservation et de gestion durable des ressources naturelles. Les projets de la Tour du Valat se déroulent en Camargue et autour du bassin méditerranéen. 

Avec un domaine de 2 600 ha, la Tour du Valat dispose d’équipements de laboratoires, de terrains d'expériences et de bureaux au coeur de zones humides et autres habitats méditerranéens diversifiés. Ella a développé de nombreux partenariats aux niveaux local, national et international. L'équipe de recherche de la Tour du Valat travaille en étroite collaboration avec plusieurs centres de recherche nationaux et internationaux, notamment les équipes voisines des universités et du CNRS de Montpellier et de Marseille, l'Institut Edward Grey (Oxford) et la Station biologique de Doñana (CSIC, Séville).

La Tour du Valat emploie environ 60 personnes, dont 10 chargé(e)s de recherche et une dizaine de doctorants/étudiants.

Plus de détails sur la Tour du Valat sur : http://www.tourduvalat.org/

Dans la région méditerranéenne, les poissons, avec de nombreuses espèces endémiques, sont au centre d’enjeux multiples, incluant des enjeux de conservation et des enjeux socio-économiques, liés à leur exploitation durable, leur rôle dans les réseaux trophiques, les espèces exotiques, …. Les travaux actuels de la Tour du Valat sur les poissons concernent essentiellement les populations de poissons des lagunes méditerranéennes (en particulier l’anguille), l’impact des espèces d’eau douce introduites (par ex : le silure) et la conservation des espèces endémiques d’eau douce, plus particulièrement les truites méditerranéennes

La Tour du Valat recherche un(e) Chargé(e) de recherche (junior) pour poursuivre et développer son programme de recherche et de conservation sur les poissons.

La tâche principale sera de développer un programme de recherche suite au départ à la retraite d’un directeur de recherche (http://www.tourduvalat.org/fr/cv/alain_crivelli). Ce programme se situera dans le domaine de l’écologie des populations de poissons, en particulier les études à long terme des populations individuellement marquées, dans un contexte de meta-population. La Tour du Valat a une longue tradition de recherche sur la biologie des populations et possède d’importantes bases de données relatives aux histoires de vies individuelles. 

Le(la) chargé(e) de recherche intègrera le département « Conservation des espèces » de la Tour du Valat. L'objectif de ce département est de proposer des solutions aux problèmes de conservation et de gestion durable des ressources naturelles, impliquant les espèces des zones humides méditerranéennes, aussi bien les espèces menacées que celles posant problèmes. Ses propositions en termes de conservation sont basées avant tout sur les connaissances scientifiques, issues de ses projets de recherche, et sur le transfert et l'application de l'information produite plus généralement par la communauté scientifique.

Le candidat retenu devra avoir la volonté de développer un programme de recherche sur le long terme et posséder :

(1) un doctorat sur un sujet approprié ;

(2) une solide expérience en recherche ;

(3) un intérêt confirmé pour la recherche appliquée et la conservation ;

(4) une grande autonomie dans la gestion et le développement de son programme de recherche (maintien et développement de collaborations nationales et internationales, recherche de financements, etc.) ;

(5) une bonne capacité à diriger une petite équipe (technicien, doctorants et stagiaires).

Une expertise en modélisation et en analyse Capture-Marquage-Recapture (CMR) et une expérience dans les pays méditerranéens seraient un plus.

Rémunérations : entre 31 000 et 34 000€ brut en fonction de l'expérience.

Lieu de travail: Tour du Valat, Camargue, France

Date de prise de poste : dernier trimestre 2015.

Comment postuler :

Envoyer le dossier de candidature à daubigney@tourduvalat.org (ref: TdV-2015-SR) avant le 13 septembre 2015, avec :

 une lettre de motivation ;

 un curriculum vitae ;

 une liste de publications ;

 une proposition de programme de recherche (2 pages max) ;

 les noms et coordonnées (avec adresses e-mail) de trois références, dont un employeur récent.

Les candidats présélectionnés seront convoqués pour un entretien le 6 octobre 2015. Une courte présentation sur leurs recherches et sur leur proposition de programme devra être faite devant le comité de sélection. Les frais de déplacements pourront être remboursés sur demande.

Pour toute question sur le processus de soumission de candidatures, merci de vous adresser à Florence Daubigney (daubigney@tourduvalat.org.)

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The Tour du Valat is seeking a Junior Research Scientist in the Biology of non-marine Fish Conservation

The Tour du Valat is a private foundation working for the research and conservation of Mediterranean wetlands. Founded in 1954 by Dr Luc Hoffmann and based in the Camargue, it is at the cutting edge of multidisciplinary fields of research, building bridges between science, management and public policies, and drawing up management plans. The Tour du Valat has internationally recognised scientific expertise, and provides practical responses to problems regarding the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. The Tour du Valat’s projects are carried out in the Camargue and around the Mediterranean Basin.

With its 2600-hectare estate, the Tour du Valat has laboratories, experimental field sites and offices surrounded by wetlands and various other Mediterranean habitats. It has developed a wide range of local, national, and international partnerships. The Tour du Valat research teams work in close collaboration with several national and international research centres, in particular the nearby universities and CNRS (national scientific research centres) of Montpellier and Marseille, the Edward Grey Institute (Oxford), and the Doñana Biological Station (CSIC, Sevilla).

The Tour du Valat employs 60 people, including 10 researchers and about ten Ph.D. or other students.

For further information on the Tour du Valat visit: http://www.tourduvalat.org/en

Fish in the Mediterranean region, with many endemic species, are at the heart of multiple issues, including conservation and socio-economic issues concerning their sustainable exploitation, their role in food webs, and exotic species. The Tour du Valat’s current work on fish essentially concerns populations of Mediterranean lagoon fish (especially the eel), the impact of introduced freshwater species (e.g. European Catfish) and the conservation of endemic freshwater fish, in particular Mediterranean trout species

The Tour du Valat is seeking a junior research scientist to continue developing its fish research and conservation programme.

His/her main task will be to develop a research programme after the retirement of a research director (http://www.tourduvalat.org/en/cv/alain_crivelli). The programme will be in the field of the ecology of fish populations, in particular long-term studies of populations of marked individuals in metapopulation contexts. The Tour du Valat has a long tradition of research on the biology of populations, with large databases on the life histories of individuals.

The research assistant will join the Tour du Valat’s “Conservation of Species” department, which aims is to provide solutions to issues regarding the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources involving Mediterranean wetland species, both threatened species and those causing problems. The conservation solutions it proposes are based above all on scientific knowledge, resulting from its research projects, and on the transfer and application of the information produced by the scientific community in general.

The successful applicant must have the desire to develop a long-term research programme together with:

(1) a doctoral degree on an appropriate subject;

(2) solid research experience;

(3) a proven interest in applied conservation research;

(4) the capacity to work highly autonomously in the management and development of his/ her research programme (maintaining and developing national and international partnerships, fund seeking, etc.);

(5) good small-team management skills (technician, PhD students and interns).

Expertise in modelling and Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR) Analysis would be a further advantage. Annual Salary: between 31 000 and 34 000€ (gross) according to experience.

Workplace: Tour du Valat, Camargue, France

Starting date: fourth quarter 2015

How to apply:

Send the application file to daubigney@tourduvalat.org (ref: TdV-2015-SR) by 13 September 2015, with:

 a covering letter;

 a resume/CV

 a list of publications;

 a research programme proposition (max. 2 pages);

 the names and contact details of three references (with e-mail addresses), including a recent employer.

The shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview on 6 October 2015. They will make a short presentation of their research and their proposed programme to the selection committee. Travelling expenses can be reimbursed at the applicant’s request. For any questions concerning the application procedure, please contact Florence Daubigney (daubigney@tourduvalat.org.)

M2 Ecophysiologie des tortues d'eau douce, IPHC, Strasbourg, Fevr.-juin 2016

De : Jean-Yves Georges jean-yves.georges [ chez ] iphc.cnrs.fr 

Proposition de stage de Master 2 centré sur l’étude du comportement thermorégulateur chez les tortues d’eau douce. 

Date : De février à juin 2016 

Structure d'accueil : Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC, Strasbourg) 

Encadrant : Jean-Yves Georges, IPHC, mailto:jean-yves.georges [ chez ] iphc.cnrs.fr 

Proposition : www.risc.cnrs.fr/pdf/Stage_M2_2015_Cistudes_thermo.pdf 

Offre de stage court - CNRS, Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé

Titre : Influence des conditions de développement sur le comportement des moineaux

Lieu : Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, 79360 Villiers en Bois

Dates: durant la période septembre-décembre 2015

Durée approximative: deux mois

Domaine : Ecophysiologie, Ecologie, Ethologie

Objectif : Comprendre l’impact de conditions environnementales contraignantes sur l’ontogénie du comportement chez une espèce d’oiseau

Le stagiaire travaillera avec un chercheur afin de mettre en place une série de mesures pour évaluer la personnalité et les traits comportementaux de moineaux domestiques captifs. Le stagiaire participera activement aux mesures comportementales et physiologiques, ainsi qu’aux soins prodigués aux animaux.

Méthodes : Capture, baguage, mesures biométriques, mesures comportementales, prise de sang.

Compétences requises : Volonté de travailler sur des animaux sauvages ; Capacité d’organisation ; Connaissance en écologie/éthologie, bon niveau d’Anglais.

Compétences appréciées : Expérience de terrain (manipulation d’oiseaux : baguage, prise de sang) ; Expérience de laboratoire.

Valorisation : Expérience de recherche ; Expérience de terrain.

Rémunération : stage non rémunéré

Pour plus de détails et pour faire acte de candidature, transmettre un CV et une lettre de motivation à l’adresse suivante : frederic.angelier@cebc.cnrs.fr (Frédéric Angelier).

Thèse : Effets du stress sur le microbiome ruminal chez les ovins

Tous les détails ici : http://www6.inra.fr/agri_bien_etre_animal/Mobilites-offres-candidatures/Offres-de-stage/These-Effets-du-stress-sur-le-microbiome-du-rumen-chez-les-ovins

Trois jobs

Veuillez trouver ci-dessous les liens pour 3 offres de postes basés au Cameroun et proposés par la Société Zoologique de Londres (ZSL):

- Country Manager : http://www.zsl.org/country-manager-cameroon-full-time-permanent

- Deputy Country Manager : http://www.zsl.org/deputy-country-manager-cameroon-full-time-permanent

- Forestry Project Manager : http://www.zsl.org/forestry-project-manager-cameroon-full-time-permanent

A noter que la date limite pour les candidatures est le 23 août 2015. Vous trouverez tous les documents nécessaires (description du poste, formulaire de candidature, etc.) sur le site de ZSL: http://www.zsl.org/about-us/jobs