Some news for next months

A partir d'aujourd'hui, je serai silencieuse sur ce blog. 

Aucune inquiétude, c'est pour un projet actuellement en maturation  

On se retrouve dans quelques mois ! 

I will be silent on this website. No worries, it's for a personal project :-)
See you in a few months!

3 PhD Positions in Language Evolution

With the launch of a new ‘NCCR Evolving Language’, which involves nearly 40 different research groups from a large variety of disciplines across Switzerland, we seek to fill three PhD positions (4 years).
Our goal is to make progress in how human and non-human primates learn to communicate (WP EarlySurround). To this end, we plan to carry out a set of studies, such as how acoustic structures are acquired and how sound-meaning linkages are established, especially by focusing on the impact of exposure to dyadic and triadic social interactions.
The entire project will encompass research with chimpanzee, bonobo and human infants in their natural surroundings. The three successful PhD students will become part of a large interdisciplinary team of scientists tackling the topic of language evolution. Although each project will have a responsible PI, research supervision of this work package will be done collectively by Profs Sabine Stoll (Uni Zurich), Simon Townsend (Uni Zurich), Carel van Schaik (Uni Zurich) and Klaus Zuberbühler (Uni Neuchatel).
Research with chimpanzees (PhD1) and bonobos (PhD2) will be conducted at the Budongo Conservation Field Station (Uganda) and at the Kokolopori Research Station (DRC), respectively. We will use observational and experimental approaches to understand the impact of social factors on call acquisition and comprehension. Successful candidates will have a strong academic background in a relevant discipline, such as zoology, anthropology, psycholinguistics or psychology, ideally with prior field experience. The bonobo research project will be conducted in collaboration with Prof Martin Surbeck, Harvard University. Both projects will require a strong commitment to working under difficult field conditions for a total period of around 24 months.
The successful candidate for research with human infants (PhD3) will join the ACQDIV group at the Department of Comparative Language Science where he/she will become part of a team of linguists and computational scientists working on maximally diverse languages. The main task will be to build a large cross-sectional corpus of the Shipibo language, spoken in the Peruvian Amazon, in collaboration with local and international colleagues. Data will be collected in the Peruvian Amazon and analysed at the Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE) of the University of Zurich, Switzerland. The successful candidate will have an MA in linguistics (typology, language acquisition and/or quantitative methods), a strong  interest in corpus linguistics, a solid background in statistics and in at least one scripting language (e.g., R, Python), and ideally fieldwork experience.
We aim to generate a work programme that maximally fits the candidates’ own interest -- within the limits of the project’s goals – so we will look for evidence of personal initiative, independent work ethics, and a strong interest in theory. Successful candidates should have excellent teamwork skills and be interested to go beyond disciplinary boundaries.
For consideration, please compile the following documents into a single PDF labelled ‘WP EarlySurround-YourSurname.pdf’ and send to Fabienne Leuenberger:

• cover letter (qualifications, PhD position(s) of interest, 1 page max)
• curriculum vitae
• contacts of two referees; writing sample (2 pages max)

The NCCR places great emphasis on gender balance; we particularly encourage women to apply.
The positions are available until filled (deadline 3 April 2020). For questions about PhD1 contact Klaus Zuberbühler; for PhD2 Simon Townsend; for PhD3 Sabine Stoll

 

 

https://www.isle.uzh.ch/en/jobs/PhD-Language-Evolution.html

Post-doc Position at University of Debrecen, Hungary ÉLVONAL (cutting edge) – Breeding system evolution in shorebirds

Our team is carrying out a 5-year project focusing on breeding system evolution through the use of behavioural, genomic and demographic approaches. The project uses shorebirds (i.e., plovers, sandpipers, and allies) as model organisms since they exhibit an unusual diversity of mating systems and parental care (see references). The need recently emerged for a post-doctoral position.

This job offers a great opportunity for a post-doc who wants to combine fieldwork with cutting-edge evolutionary and behavioural science, and establish herself/himself in an emerging field of organismal biology. The main tasks are to carry out and supervise field studies, primarily in Madagascar and elsewhere (see https://elvonalshorebirds.com/). We seek candidates with experience in sexual selection, mating systems and reproductive strategies and field biology (preferable with birds), and skills in behavioural analyses and population demography. Publications in top peer-reviewed journals,excellent communication skills, and database handling are essential. The position will be based in Debrecen and the data analyses will be carried out jointly with Prof Robert Freckleton (University of Sheffield), Prof Oliver Kruger (University of Bielefeld) and Dr Brett Sandercock (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research).

This is a full-time position and the salary will be above the normal Hungarian level (up to 1500 EUR, depending on experience). Note that the cost of living in Hungary is substantially less than in the US or Western Europe. The position is initially for 1 year (subject to probation period) with the possibility of extension. See further specifications below.

Application deadline is 29 February 2020.

The application should include a (1) max two pages cover letter, (2) CV with list of publications, and (3) the name and contact details of two academic referees. French speakers are especially encouraged to apply. The applications should be emailed to Ms Fanni Takacs fannitakacs.94@gmail.com Interviews will be in early March and the position is available from 1 April 2020. Applications from women and minority candidates are welcome.

Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and has a lively university community. The University of Debrecen was established in 1538, and it is one of the prestigious universities in Central Europe The university has over 4000 students – many are from abroad. The Dept. of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology is one of the leading departments in natural sciences Debrecen Airport has connections with some of the main European airports. Debrecen’s surrounding has impressive wildlife and landscape that include Hortobagy National Park, a UNESCO-recognised protected area. See details at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Debrecen http://zoology.unideb.hu/home/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortob%C3%A1gy_National_Park

Selected publications
Eberhart-Phillips, L. J. et al. 2017. Adult sex ratio bias in snowy plovers is driven by sex-specific early survival: implications for mating systems and population growth. Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 114: E5474-E5481.
Kubelka, V., M. Šálek, P. Tomkovich, Zs. Végvári, R. Freckleton & T. Székely. 2018. Global pattern of nest predation is disrupted by climate change in shorebirds. Science 362: 680-683.
Liker, A., R. P. Freckleton & T. Székely. 2013. The evolution of sex roles in birds is related to adult sex ratio. Nature Communications 4: 1587.
Vincze, O. et al. 2016. Parental cooperation in a changing climate: fluctuating environments predict shifts in care division. Global Ecology and Biogeography 26: 347-358.

Further specifications of the position
Employer: University of Debrecen, Dept. of Evolutionary Zoology & Human Biology, University of Debrecen, H-4032, Egyetem ter 1, Hungary

Job description
• The post-doc will carry out research in shorebird populations included in the ELVONAL project (Madagascar and possibly elsewhere) in regards to mating system and parental care
• coordinate research associated with the ELVONAL project: supervise PhD students and research assistants, and coordinate research with external collaborators
• coordinate behavioural recording, data analyses, and preparations of manuscripts for publication within the broad fields of sexual selection, mating systems and/or evolutionary demography
• present the results at conferences and research seminars, and promote the results of the ELVONAL project
• assist administration associated with the project
• carry out other scientific and/or academic activities that are deemed necessary for the success of the project

Requirements:
• PhD in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, zoology, or relevant field of life sciences
• extensive knowledge in sex roles, mating systems, parental care and/or evolutionary demography
• at least 2 years post-doctoral experience in avian field ecology, behavioural ecology or a relevant field
• skills in statistical modelling (e.g., mixed-effects regression, mark-recapture analysis, population matrix modelling)
• at least 5 published (or accepted) research papers in peer-reviewed journals
• advanced knowledge of R programming, database management, and data wrangling
• international field experience studying wild populations (preferably birds)
• experience in bird ringing and preferably ringing licence
• valid driving licence

For further information please contact Ms Fanni Takacs fannitakacs.94@gmail.com

Clinical Medicine Program Administrator opening at OHSU

Oregon Health & Science University, a nationally recognized academic health center, provides an uncommon array of clinical services, education and research opportunities. We are currently seeking an extraordinary individual to fill this position at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC). As one of the seven National Primate Research Centers in the United States, our mandate as a Center is to provide Nonhuman Primate (NHP) resources for the very best scientific programs, both within the Oregon Health & Science University community and beyond. We are located in Beaverton, Oregon, approximately 12 miles west of Portland and home to approximately 5000 nonhuman primates (NHPs).

Position Purpose:

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide overall support and administration for the clinical medicine unit and provide direct oversight for the Veterinary Research Health Technicians assigned to the unit.  There is an emphasis on reviewing, maintaining, and improving clinical efficiency and consistency across campus, including both research and colony clinical medicine. Ongoing evaluation and streamlining of standard processes to create reliable, efficient, and maximally effective practices will be a primary focus of this staff member. This position directly reports to the departmental Manager, but works closely with departmental veterinarians and the Unit Head to determine unit and individual priorities and requirements. This role additionally provides administrative assistance for ongoing departmental research or poster/publication preparation. This position requires high-level English communication and writing skills, as well as the ability to conduct business in a professional manner in a diverse environment. Communication with research staff and leadership staff at all levels will be common for this staff member. The position requires solid knowledge of the laws and regulations that apply to USDA regulated laboratory animals, and the ability to understand, carry out, train for, and assist with the review and revision of a large number of SOPs, formal guidelines and policies. It requires the ability to understand and provide mechanisms to ensure the accurate conduct of tasks performed by CMU staff for NHP research protocols. Performance of clinical veterinary support and/or animal care activities and communication responsibilities may be required on weekends, and/or during non-regular working hours.     

Qualifications:

·      BS/BA Degree in related field or a combination of AALAS certification and a minimum of 5 years of equivalent experience within a veterinary/research setting.

·      5 year experience caring for animals in a research environment or veterinary hospital, 1 year in a research lab setting with NHPs.

·      Minimum 2 years of experience in a supervisory or management role in a research or veterinary environment.

·      A solid knowledge of the laws and regulations that apply to USDA regulated laboratory animals is required.  Must be able to perform clinical work safely in a BSL 2+ and BSL3 environment. 

·      Valid driver’s license

Preferred:

·      Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the CMAR level.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.

For more information and to apply online visit www.ohsujobs.com,

refer to recruitment 2019-2873.

If you would like to know more about a career in lab animal medicine or you have any questions regarding this positions please contact Megan O'Brien at obriemeg@ohsu.edu, CMU Manager.

Research Associate (Full-time) – Macaque facial expressions

Research Associate (Full-time) – Macaque facial expressions

Hiring Organization:

University of Portsmouth, Department of Psychology

Date Posted:

Feb 17, 2020

Position Description:

The Research Associate will work on a research project involving the application of a new analytical method to quantify the complexity of communication via the face, by combining the Facial Action Coding System and Social Network Analysis. The Research Fellow will contribute to the application of the methodology and data collection in several captive and/or wild macaque species, and will work closely with a PhD student and another Research Associate on the project.

Humans and other primates are capable of incredibly subtle and meaningful facial movements that are important channels of communication. Current evidence suggests that species characterised by more complex social systems (e.g. large social groups, individualised, diverse and long-term relationships) have more complex communication systems, in order to deal with their complex social lives.

Testing this hypothesis is hampered by the dominant theoretical approach which conceptualises facial expressions as static configurations of the face, reflecting categorical internal states such as anger or fear (i.e. universal emotions). Scientists are trying to approximate complexity by forcing a species’ facial behaviour into these arbitrary categories, resulting in a number (usually between 2 and 10) used to compare species. We believe that this arbitrary classification is highly subjective, and does not account for the subtlety, variability and dynamism of communication via the face. First, the expressions may differ anatomically. Second, the expressions might blend with others, incorporate additional muscle movements at times, and link with others in complex sequences. Third, the expressions may not have the same duration and temporal dynamics. We will abandon the traditional categorical emotion approach to measuring facial expression, and instead develop a new theoretical and methodological framework.

First, we will build a new tool (NetFACS) to measure the complexity of species’ facial repertoire by a series of continuous measures. We will combine an anatomically-based system to identify facial muscle movements (FACS: Facial Action Coding System), with a network approach which measures the relationships between units in a system (SNA: Social Network Analysis). NetFACS will measure the dynamic nature of facial movements and allow analysis of complexity at different hierarchical levels (individual muscle movements, sets of movements and the transitions between movements and sets of movements). This approach has the potential to radically change the study of facial expressions and open up new channels to investigate the evolution of complex communication, including language. Second, using NetFACS, we will test the hypothesis that social complexity drives the evolution of facial communication complexity. We will compare four closely related species characterised by different degrees of social complexity: rhesus, long-tailed, Barbary, and crested macaques.

Application instructions and more details about the post can be found here:

https://port.engageats.co.uk/ViewVacancyV2.aspx?enc=mEgrBL4XQK0+ld8aNkwYmFzl9GE98H4/zCk2ThjUZssvPBaXxESmfvoCGqBTmBjT4teu5J6Vx00YlQT1KcU5pUTu7S7oRghrVc15DBQAS5VfqrAzGaWwVxbW1/y44iAAkYCvC0WPHcnjuFLJR+szGQ==

Qualifications/Experience:

No	Attributes	Rating	Source
1.	Specific Knowledge & Experience
	Experience in advanced quantitative data analysis methods using R	E
	Experience in programming, modelling and simulation using R	D
	Experience with the Facial Action Coding System	D
	Experience with Social Network Analysis	D
	Experience of writing research article and funding applications	E
	Experience in behavioural observation methods	E
	Experience in video coding	E
	Research experience in Animal Behaviour or related field	E
	Previous experience of successfully managing a research project through to completion	D
	Previous experience of managing staff	D
2.	Skills & Abilities
	Ability to predict and solve problems when they occur	E
	Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workloads	E
	Good communication and interpersonal skills	E
	Good report writing skills	E
	Statistical data analysis skills	E
	Excellent presentation skills	E
	Project Management skills	D
3.	Qualifications, Education & Training
	Completed PhD in relevant subject or equivalent professional experience	E
4.	Other Requirements
	Ability to motivate and engage others in research	E
	Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team	E
	Ability to work to tight deadlines	E

Salary/funding:

£27,511 - £30,046 per annum

Term of Appointment:

Fixed-term position, Full-time, 26 months, April 2020 start.

Application Deadline:

8^th March 2020

Contact Information:

Dr Jérôme Micheletta,

University of Portsmouth, Department of Psychology, Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology.

Telephone Number:

+44 239284 6330

Website:

https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/jerome-micheletta(ba9b8777-3805-4698-8f01-9120da457540).html

E-mail Address:

jerome.micheletta@port.ac.uk

Research Associate (Part-time) – Macaque facial exp ressions – Development and application of R package

Research Associate (Part-time) – Macaque facial expressions – Development and application of R package

Hiring Organization:

University of Portsmouth, Department of Psychology

Date Posted:

Feb 17, 2020

Position Description:

The Research Associate will work on a research project involving the development and application of a new analytical method to quantify the complexity of communication via the face, by combining the Facial Action Coding System and Social Network Analysis. The Research Fellow will be responsible for developing the methodology and will work closely with another Research Associate and a PhD student on the project.

Humans and other primates are capable of incredibly subtle and meaningful facial movements that are important channels of communication. Current evidence suggests that species characterised by more complex social systems (e.g. large social groups, individualised, diverse and long-term relationships) have more complex communication systems, in order to deal with their complex social lives.

Testing this hypothesis is hampered by the dominant theoretical approach which conceptualises facial expressions as static configurations of the face, reflecting categorical internal states such as anger or fear (i.e. universal emotions). Scientists are trying to approximate complexity by forcing a species’ facial behaviour into these arbitrary categories, resulting in a number (usually between 2 and 10) used to compare species. We believe that this arbitrary classification is highly subjective, and does not account for the subtlety, variability and dynamism of communication via the face. First, the expressions may differ anatomically. Second, the expressions might blend with others, incorporate additional muscle movements at times, and link with others in complex sequences. Third, the expressions may not have the same duration and temporal dynamics. We will abandon the traditional categorical emotion approach to measuring facial expression, and instead develop a new theoretical and methodological framework.

First, we will build a new tool (NetFACS) to measure the complexity of species’ facial repertoire by a series of continuous measures. We will combine an anatomically-based system to identify facial muscle movements (FACS: Facial Action Coding System), with a network approach which measures the relationships between units in a system (SNA: Social Network Analysis). NetFACS will measure the dynamic nature of facial movements and allow analysis of complexity at different hierarchical levels (individual muscle movements, sets of movements and the transitions between movements and sets of movements). This approach has the potential to radically change the study of facial expressions and open up new channels to investigate the evolution of complex communication, including language. Second, using NetFACS, we will test the hypothesis that social complexity drives the evolution of facial communication complexity. We will compare four closely related species characterised by different degrees of social complexity: rhesus, long-tailed, Barbary, and crested macaques.

Application instructions and more details about the post can be found here:

https://port.engageats.co.uk/ViewVacancyV2.aspx?enc=mEgrBL4XQK0+ld8aNkwYmL2wwzFBtTPUtMzusc61IVInR8M7gQ0v+qmrgIkJUrLfU+vGnNODh4We+AAuRVvXgPNVovGU6KejVDdITg8RVMsRdfOKePi3w02ByntjkOhRHgCd1Od6Psu+gfCgYyipnA==

Qualifications/Experience:

No	Attributes	Rating	Source
1.	Specific Knowledge & Experience
	Experience in advanced quantitative data analysis methods	E
	Experience in programming, modelling and simulation using R	E
	Experience using the Facial Action Coding System	D
	Experience using Social Network Analysis	D
	Experience of writing research article and funding applications	E
	Experience in behavioural observation methods	D
	Experience in video coding	D
	Research experience in Animal Behaviour or related field	D
	Previous experience of successfully managing a research project through to completion	D
	Previous experience of managing staff	D
2.	Skills & Abilities
	Ability to predict and solve problems when they occur	E
	Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workloads	E
	Good communication and interpersonal skills	E
	Good report writing skills	E
	Statistical data analysis skills	E
	Excellent presentation skills	E
	Project Management skills	D
3.	Qualifications, Education & Training
	Completed PhD in relevant subject or equivalent professional experience	E
4.	Other Requirements
	Ability to motivate and engage others in research	E
	Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team	E
	Ability to work to tight deadlines	E

Salary/funding:

£13,755 - £15,023 (£27,511 - £30,046 x 0.5FTE) per annum 

Term of Appointment:

Fixed-term position, Part-time (18.5h/week), 19 months, April 2020 start. Flexible arrangements regarding working hours can be considered and candidates are encouraged to discuss this with Dr Jérôme Micheletta.

Application Deadline:

8^th March 2020

Contact Information:

Dr Jérôme Micheletta,

University of Portsmouth, Department of Psychology, Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology.

Telephone Number:

+44 239284 6330

Website:

https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/jerome-micheletta(ba9b8777-3805-4698-8f01-9120da457540).html

E-mail Address:

jerome.micheletta@port.ac.uk