Understanding aggression in domestic animals

All information here about the PhD

PHD POSITION: SOCIALITY AND SOCIAL COGNITION IN CHIMPANZEES IN THE TAÏ NATIONAL PARK, CÔTE D’IVOIRE

Hiring Organization:

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

Date Posted:

2015-10-29

Position Description:

We are offering a PhD position working on questions of sociality, incl. hormones, and social cognition in wild chimpanzees. The position will start January 1, 2016, and will require several prolonged field seasons (9 months each) at the Taï Chimpanzee Project, Cote d’Ivoire. 

Our general interest is to understand the effects of sociality and social cognition on fitness in chimpanzees. We are looking at proximate mechanisms and at ultimate effects. We will accept proposals on any question in the realm of sociality and social cognition.

Qualifications/Experience:

MSc (or comparable degree) in Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology or Evolutionary Psychology. Good knowledge in evolutionary biology, animal behavior and ecology are crucial for a successful application. Previous observations and detailed behavioural data collection on wild mammals are of advantage. The PhD candidate will need to work independently in a remote and physically demanding tropical forest habitat. Good social skills are important to work and live amongst a group of international colleagues with different cultural backgrounds.

The successful candidate is fluent in French and English and has some management experience. Previous experience with field work will be beneficial to the application.

Salary/funding:

Supported by a MPI EVA PhD contract. In addition the successful candidate will write a research proposal to apply for grant money.

Term of Appointment:

Starting January 2016, or as soon as possible afterwards, the successful applicant will observe chimpanzees for several field seasons in Tai. Tenure of the position is three years (+ one year extension).

Application Deadline:

December 1, 2015

Comments:

Applications include a cover letter stating research experience, field experience and experience of managing field sites, a detailed curriculum vitae, a short research proposal and the names and e-mail addresses of three referees. The application documents should be sent electronically to taichimpproject@eva.mpg.de. The evaluation of applications will start on December 1, 2015, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Contact Information:

Dr. Roman Wittig

Deutscher Platz 6

Leipzig 04103

Germany

Telephone Number:

+49 341 3550 204

Fax Number:

+49 341 3550 299

Website:

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

E-mail Address:

taichimpproject@eva.mpg.de

PhD postions

A PhD position is available in the Animal Ecology Group of Jana Eccard at the University of Potsdam. The position is part of a 3-year DFG grant to study the interaction or reproductive and antipredatory behaviours. 

Background:

Reproductive behaviours in a risky world: are mothers trading-off offspring safety for future fitness?

Individuals do not only have to eat without been eaten, they also have to balance the risk of mortality with their investment into reproduction. Here we study trade-offs between reproductive and anti-predatory behaviours. Rodents are a suitable study system: they are highly depredated, have flexible mating system (i.e. can mate singly or multiply), and can potentially simultaneously invest into nestling litters (current investment) and pregnancy (future investment). This produces a conflict between caring for the current offspring, and leaving the offspring temporally behind for mating in order to be able to invest into future offspring. It further allows to  separate the effects of predation risk on different stages in the life cycle on the trade-off between current reproductive investment (nest guarding) and future reproductive investment (mating behaviour). In our experiments individual variation in time allocation, physiological responses, space use and mating success will be monitored allowing quantifying both behavioural and fitness consequences. Experiments will be conducted in different spatial and temporal scales: behavioural observations in the laboratory and automated telemetry observations in semi-natural enclosures. Results of the experiments will give novel estimates of the general flexibility of reproductive behaviour and for the first time measure life-history trade-offs of reproduction and mortality risk for individuals in semi-natural settings.

How to apply:

Your application should include a cover letter, transcript of master degree, C.V. (including, if applicable, your research experience, conference attendance, publication list), contact information of the referees of your master thesis -  please combine to ONE pdf not larger than 4MB) and send to mthrun@uni-potsdam.de not later than the 15th of November 2015. The candidate can start Jan. 2016.

More information on the project and the group: 

http://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/ibb/researchgroups/fullprofessors/animal-ecology/forschung/research-animal-ecology.html

Camp Manager for Guinea Baboon Research Project in Senegal

Starting date: February or March 2016

The Cognitive Ethology Lab of the German Primate Center runs the research station “Simenti” in the Niokolo Koba National Park in Senegal, to study the behavior and ecology of Guinea baboons. We are looking for a highly motivated Camp Manager for a period of a minimum of 2 years. An extension is possible.

The position is paid at the German E8 salary scale, with health insurance and benefits. In addition, we cover travel costs, necessary medical examinations and vaccinations as well as malaria prophylaxis. A trial period with a visit to the field site as soon as possible is required.

Required Skills

·         Field experience (preferably in Africa and with primates)

·         Willing to live and work under harsh conditions (temperatures > 42°C)

·         Outstanding intercultural communication skills

·         Knowledge of French and English (fluent spoken and written)

·         Basic technical skills

·         Team spirit

·         Driver’s license

Tasks (selection)

·         Communication with Senegalese authorities

·         Organizing the work schedule

·         Reporting, managing camp budget and controlling

·         Logistics, including supply runs and maintenance issues (cars, solar panel, well, buildings)

·         Knowledge of the animals

·         Managing the data base

·         Help with data collection (i.e. following the baboons for hours and protocolling their behavior, walking several kilometers under very hot and exhausting conditions)

·         Training of field assistants and students

·         Capture of animals, helping with lab issues

·         Contribute to the running of the project

·         Support of PhD and Master students

*

Some information about the project can be found at http://www.dpz.eu/en/unit/cognitive-ethology/field-station.html

If you are interested in the position, please send a motivation letter, a CV and names of two referents to Mechthild Pohl (mpohl@dpz.eu). The deadline is rolling until a suitable candidate is found. Further information can be obtained from Dr. Dietmar Zinner (dzinner@gwdg.de).

A PhD position is available in the Animal Ecology Group of Jana Eccard at the University of Potsdam. The position is part of a 3-year DFG grant to study the interaction or reproductive and antipredatory behaviours.

Background:
Reproductive behaviours in a risky world: are mothers trading-off offspring safety for future fitness?
Individuals do not only have to eat without been eaten, they also have to balance the risk of mortality with their investment into reproduction. Here we study trade-offs between reproductive and anti-predatory behaviours. Rodents are a suitable study system: they are highly depredated, have flexible mating system (i.e. can mate singly or multiply), and can potentially simultaneously invest into nestling litters (current investment) and pregnancy (future investment). This produces a conflict between caring for the current offspring, and leaving the offspring temporally behind for mating in order to be able to invest into future offspring. It further allows to  separate the effects of predation risk on different stages in the life cycle on the trade-off between current reproductive investment (nest guarding) and future reproductive investment (mating behaviour). In our experiments individual variation in time allocation, physiological responses, space use and mating success will be monitored allowing quantifying both behavioural and fitness consequences. Experiments will be conducted in different spatial and temporal scales: behavioural observations in the laboratory and automated telemetry observations in semi-natural enclosures. Results of the experiments will give novel estimates of the general flexibility of reproductive behaviour and for the first time measure life-history trade-offs of reproduction and mortality risk for individuals in semi-natural settings.

How to apply:
Your application should include a cover letter, transcript of master degree, C.V. (including, if applicable, your research experience, conference attendance, publication list), contact information of the referees of your master thesis -  please combine to ONE pdf not larger than 4MB) and send to mthrun@uni-potsdam.de not later than the 15th of November 2015. The candidate can start Jan. 2016.

More information on the project and the group:
http://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/ibb/researchgroups/fullprofessors/animal-ecology/forschung/research-animal-ecology.html

Assistant position in bird ethology, French Pyrenees

Assistant position in bird ethology (French Pyrenees)
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic volunteer to help with an exciting project on bird ethology developed in the French Pyrenees.


The overall goal of the project is to examine the link between personality and cognition in Great Tits (Parus major). Volunteer will help will running experiments in outdoor aviaries and analyzing behaviors. This internship will provide the volunteer a diverse experience on cognitive sciences, behavioural ecology and evolutionary biology. Additionally, being based at the Station of experimental Ecology of Moulis (SEEM) they will have the opportunity to discover one of the nicest and wildest area in the south of France.


Although some knowledge in ornithology and biology would be a plus, highly motivated applications from any field will be considered with high interest.


Duration of the internship is flexible from 2 weeks to 3 months, staring December 2015.
Volunteers will be under the direct supervision of Maxime Cauchoix (Post Doc, IAST) and will have the opportunity to collaborate with Alexis Chaine (Researcher, CNRS, SEEM).
We cannot offer any salary but we are happy to help students getting individual travel scholarship from their respective university and to pay for their accommodation (housing only) at the SEEM (150 €/month).


Contact: mcauchoixxx [ chez ] gmail.com

STAGES DE RECHERCHE FONDAMENTALE

Prise de décisions lors des déplacements de groupes chez le bison d’Europe (Bison bonasus)

 

 

 

Ph.D. student position available in Beef Cattle Welfare

Research Area: The research area is within animal behaviour, health and welfare. The successful candidate will conduct research on cow-calf bonding.   The student will also be expected to participate in a variety of other animal welfare projects

Program and Place of Work: Funding is available for a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program through the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (http://vet.ucalgary.ca/graduate/) at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This is a collaborative project with Dr. Joe Stookey at the University of Saskatchewan.  Dr. Stookey will be a member of the Supervisory Committee.  The research will occur either in Alberta and/or Saskatchewan depending on the needs of the project.  Therefore the successful applicant may be required to move between Saskatchewan and Alberta during the project. 

Qualifications: Candidates should have a Master’s degree in animal science, veterinary medicine, physiology, or biological sciences. The successful candidate will have demonstrated strong research capabilities through their previous graduate program, as well as strong academic performance and verbal and written communication skills throughout their postgraduate studies. Training and experience in animal behaviour and welfare is desirable. Candidates should be well organized and hold a valid driver’s license.

Salary: Candidates must be academically competitive and will be expected to apply for external funding. Minimum stipend is $20,000/yr.  For outstanding PhD students, internal top-up award opportunities are available on a competitive basis. 

Start Date:  January 1, 2016, with funding for 4 years

Application Interest:  Interested candidates should send by email (eapajor@ucalgary.ca) a current curriculum vitae, a scanned copy of transcript or listing of course grades, names and contact information for two references, and a cover letter describing your interest in the project.

Application Deadline:  Nov. 1. 2015

For further information about the above Ph.D. research opportunity please contact:

Dr. Ed Pajor,

Anderson-Chisholm Chair in Animal Care and Welfare

Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary

3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Phone: 403-210-7328

Email:  eapajor@ucalgary.ca

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position

M.Sc. student position available in Beef Cattle Welfare

Research Area: The research area is within animal behaviour, health and welfare. The successful candidate will conduct research assessing the impacts of dystocia on cow-calf behaviour and welfare and evaluate the impact of treating calves and/or cows with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to assist in a variety of other animal welfare projects.    

Program and Place of Work: Funding is available for a Master of Science program (M.Sc.) through the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (http://vet.ucalgary.ca/graduate/) at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This is a collaborative project with Dr. Claire Windeyer from the University of Calgary. Research will be carried out on ranches near Calgary.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary medicine, or biological sciences. The successful candidate will have demonstrated a strong academic performance in their undergraduate program.  Individuals with a beef background as well as training in animal behaviour and welfare are highly encouraged to apply.  A current and valid driver’s license is required.

Salary: Candidates must be academically competitive and will be expected to apply for external funding. Minimum stipend is $20,000/yr.  For outstanding students, internal top-up award opportunities are available on a competitive basis. 

Start Date:  The position is currently available, with funding for 2-3 years.

Application Interest:  Interested candidates should send by email (eapajor@ucalgary.ca) current curriculum vitae, a scanned copy of transcript or listing of course grades, names and contact information for two references, and a cover letter describing your interest in the project.

For further information about the above Ph.D. research opportunity please contact:

Dr. Ed Pajor, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary

3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Phone: 403-210-7328

Email:  eapajor@ucalgary.ca

Two PhD scholarships available for international and Australian domestic applicants in honey bee behaviour and welfare

The PhD scholarships are offered by Macquarie University, Sydney, and cover all tuition fees and a living stipend. 

1. Examining mechanisms of cognition and goal-directed behaviour in honey bees

This project in cognitive neuroethology will examine how honey bees learn and process complex stimuli and choose and enact the most appropriate behavioural response. It will focus on visual learning, stimulus classification, resolution of uncertainty, goal-directed behaviour or operant learning and involve a combination of behavioural analyses, neural imaging and neuropharmacology. It will suit applicants with training in neurobiology. The project is aligned with a Future Fellowship Grant awarded to Andrew Barron to model functions of the bee brain. The new experimental data generated in this project will be used to synergistically test and improve models of brain function.

2. Improving honey bee health

The project will study the process of colony decline and failure in order to identify colonies at risk of collapse early and the best interventions to rescue colonies.  It will involve longitudinal detailed monitoring of colony growth and performance using new sensor technologies, and examination of impacts of pesticide and pathogen stressors on bees and colonies. The project is a collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture, and universities in the USA. 

For more information on the research activities of the lab visit:

http://bio.mq.edu.au/research/groups/cognitive-neuroethology/

Scholarship details are given here:

http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/Scholarships/schol-opportunities

To register an expression of interest contact Andrew Barron

Andrew.Barron@mq.edu.au