vendredi 28 septembre 2018

Field Assistant - Northern Elephant seal research in Santa Cruz, California

Field Research Intern – Northern elephant seals
The Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Lab at UC Santa Cruz is looking for a highly motivated intern to assist in field data collection on northern elephant seals from December 2018 to April 2018 (approximately four months). The successful candidate will be assisting in a field research project evaluating the behavior of female northern elephant seals and their dependent pups. Specifically, this project will evaluate the role of multimodal recognition (acoustic and olfaction) and the occurrence of allonursing in this species. Through behavioral observations, recordings and playback experiments during the lactation period, we will determine if allonursing arises from misguided maternal care, and further, identify the factors that promote allonursing and fostering events between females and their pups during the breeding season. A general overview of the research project can be found on our project website, http://pinnipedlab.ucsc.edu.
Interns will support all aspects of the research project. For more information and instructions on how to apply for this position, please contact cbcasey@ucsc.edu.
Deadline to apply: November 1, 2018. Interviews will be conducted shortly thereafter. We encourage submission of early applications.

Description of research project
The Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Lab at UC Santa Cruz is looking for a highly motivated intern to assist in field data collection on northern elephant seals from December 2018 to April 2019. The successful candidate will be assisting in a field research project evaluating the behavior of female northern elephant seals and their pups. Specifically, this project will evaluate  the role of multimodal recognition (acoustic and olfaction) and the occurrence of allonursing in this species. Through behavioral observations, recordings and playback experiments during the lactation period, we will determine if allonursing arises from misguided maternal care, and further, identify the factors that promote allonursing and fostering events between females and their pups during the breeding season. A general overview of the research project can be found on our project website, http://pinnipedlab.ucsc.edu, and we encourage you to look over the materials provided there.
As an integral part of a small team, you will be directly involved in day to day activities of data collection and management. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to participate in the following aspects of field work:
Project activities:
·        5 full days of field work a week
·        Behavioral observations
·        Photo ID
·        Acoustic recordings
·        Playback experiments
·        Individual animal identification
·        Re-sighting and tracking focal individuals
·        Data entry, processing, and analysis,
·        Education and outreach
Internship requirements:
We are looking for dedicated, motivated, and hard-working interns able to commit to the entire field season (December-April). The applicant must be willing to work early mornings and late nights, be willing to work outside under harsh weather conditions, and be able to work efficiently as part of a small team. Must be physically fit and able to hike 5 miles each day. Typical days begin at 6am and end by 4pm.  Previous fieldwork experience is mandatory (any species).
Project Site description:
The project takes place at Año Nuevo State Park, which is located 35 miles north of Santa Cruz. Winter weather at this location can be very cold and windy, even on sunny days. Rain is frequent. Our field team drives to and from the field site each day from the Long Marine laboratory. All data entry/analysis takes place at the Long Marine Laboratory. Housing is not including as part of this internship.
Application process:
If you would like to be considered for our internship program, please return the following information to cbcasey@ucsc.edu:
·        CV
·        Cover leter

Deadline to apply: November 1st, 2018