PhD Studentship: Monitoring the welfare of kennel-housed dogs

 Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong 

Supervision Team: Dr. Kate Flay, Dr. Kai Liu, Dr Alan McElligott (City University of Hong Kong; CityU), Dr. Mia Cobb (University of Melbourne). 

 

Introduction  

The Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences (https://www.cityu.edu.hk/jcc/) is building a team of internationally renowned researchers who are actively engaged in advancing animal health and welfare. Its mission includes the establishment of state-of-the-art research in emerging problems in public health and animal health related issues, in meeting societal needs locally, regionally and internationally through partnership and strengthening links with industry, business, commerce and other institutions. We also aim to make a significant contribution to Hong Kong as a regional hub for One Health education, through the provision of high-quality education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The recently established Centre for Companion Animal Health and Welfare (CAHW, https://www.cityu.edu.hk/cahw/), is the first of its kind in Asia, and is an Applied Strategic Development Centre of CityU. The CAHW is a multidisciplinary team of veterinary researchers with complementary expertise and shared core values of excellence, integrity and compassion. 

Large numbers of dogs are housed in kennels across the world. Currently, there is no system to monitor their welfare in real time. We aim to develop methods to remotely monitor the welfare of kennel-housed dogs using their behaviours and vocalisations. Various behaviours and the types of vocalisations produced may serve as viable indicators of overall dog welfare. 

Attributes  

The student for this project must be motivated, organized and driven. They will also need very good communication skills to develop and maintain excellent relations with external partners. This project will best suit a student with an animal, behavioural, veterinary sciences or engineering background, although those from other relevant disciplines with strong prior performance will also be considered. 

Requirements 

The student must meet City University of Hong Kong requirements to be considered for a PhD studentship (https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/). Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Animal, Behavioural or Veterinary Sciences, or Engineering. A relevant Masters degree or other demonstrated research experience is desirable. The researcher will be based at City University of Hong Kong. International students are required to provide evidence of their proficiency in English.

Contact and Deadline 

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and short, 2-page CV, via email to Dr. McElligott on or before April 28th, 2022. CVs must include degree grade details and GPA scores, because they are a requirement of the graduate school admissions system of City University of Hong Kong. PhD start: January 2023

Dr. Alan McElligott, Associate Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. 

alan.mcelligott@cityu.edu.hk 

https://www.cityu.edu.hk/ph/staff/dr-alan-mcelligott 

Offre de stage en Ethologie, niveau L3-M1

Thématique du stage : apprentissage du chant chez le Diamant Mandarin (Taeniopygia guttata) : utilisation d’un robot-oiseau comme tuteur Durée du stage : 2 mois, entre avril et juillet 2022 Laboratoire d’accueil : Laboratoire Ethologie Cognition Développement, Université Paris Nanterre, 200 avenue de la République, 92000 Nanterre Encadrant du stage : Sébastien Derégnaucourt Gratification : non Détails du stage : Chez le Diamant Mandarin, les jeunes mâles apprennent à chanter pendant une période sensible de la vie précoce, en imitant principalement le chant paternel. En laboratoire, la meilleure façon d’obtenir une copie fidèle du chant consiste à placer un jeune mâle en présence d’un mâle adulte. Cette procédure expérimentale qui garantit presque toujours une imitation très fidèle du modèle, constitue une référence pour explorer les aspects neurobiologiques de l’apprentissage du chant chez les oiseaux. Cependant, cette méthode ne permet pas un contrôle précis des différentes variables impliquées dans l’apprentissage du chant. Au cours de ce stage, l’étudiant.e utilisera un robot-oiseau comme tuteur de chant pour de jeunes diamants mandarins. Ce projet s’articulera autour des questions suivantes : 1) un robot-oiseau peut-il être considéré comme un tuteur de chant pour un jeune diamant mandarin ? 2) Quelle est l’importance de la contingence (physique, vocale) sur l’apprentissage du chant chez le Diamant Mandarin ? Le/la stagiaire recruté.e sera initié.e en particulier :  à la réalisation d’expériences avec de jeunes oiseaux en laboratoire  à la programmation et à l’utilisation d’un robot-oiseau  à l’analyse d’enregistrements audio et vidéo L’étudiant.e recruté.e devra être motivé.e, rigoureux.se et avoir une bonne capacité d’organisation et de travail en autonomie. Il/elle devra manipuler quotidiennement les oiseaux pour les expériences. Merci d'envoyer CV, lettre de motivation, et relevé de notes à Sébastien Derégnaucourt sebastien.deregnaucourt@parisnanterre.fr

OFFRE DE STAGE DE 2 à 6 MOIS

 

Production de lait de jument : évaluation de l’impact sur le comportement de la jument et du poulain

 

Résumé du stage :

Le lait de jument est connu pour sa composition proche du lait de femme (ce qui en fait un bon substitut au lait maternel), mais aussi pour ses bienfaits en cosmétologie. En France, la filière lait de jument est en développement. Cependant, cette production reste marginale et la recherche autour de cette filière est peu développée. Dans ce projet issu de la collaboration entre le plateau technique de la station expérimentale de Chamberet (IFCE) et le laboratoire Ethos (UMR 6552), nous proposons de faire, sur plusieurs mois, un suivi comportemental des dyades mère-jeune (n=30), que ce soit pendant la phase de traite en bâtiment (effet de l’inaccessibilité à la tétée, réactions à la traite, réactions lors de la réunion), mais aussi plus largement sur la relation mère-jeune et le comportement du poulain (observations au pré des dyades avant le début de l’expérimentation et après la réalisation des traites) afin de mieux cerner comment certaines pratiques de la filière sont perçus par les juments et leurs jeunes. Des mesures en lien avec la production de lait seront également réalisées.

Cette action se fera en partenariat avec la Société Française des Équidés de Travail (SFET).

 

Lieu du stage : Plateau technique de Chamberet (logement possible sur place)

 

Début du stage : entre fin avril 2022 et mi-août 2022

 

Encadrants : Juliette Auclair-Ronzaud (Ingénieure de projets et développement, IFCE) et Séverine Henry (Maitre de conférences, Laboratoire EthoS, Université de Rennes 1)

 

Profil recherché :

- Etudiant en licence ou master d’éthologie (ou équivalent)

- Grande autonomie, rigueur, organisation, calme et patience

- Intérêt pour le comportement animal

 

Pour candidater : envoyer CV et lettre de motivation à severine.henry@univ-rennes1.fr

Career Opportunities Priority One Services @ NIH

Priority One services is currently seeking qualified candidates with Non-Human Primate experience to fill positions at our contract on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. For more information and to apply click on the link below.

NIMH Research Support Specialist II

https://www.priorityoneservices.com/jobs/nimh-research-support-specialist-ii-nih49-bethesda-md/

Animal Health Technician

https://www.priorityoneservices.com/jobs/animal-health-technician-i-nih49-bethesda-md/

EOE/Drug Free Workplace

Position available: Resident Primate Caregiver

 Resident Primate Caregiver/Documentarian Internship at Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Maui, Hawaii

Position Description:

Pacific Primate Sanctuary (PPS) is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization, providing rehabilitation and permanent care for threatened, endangered, and distressed primates. Since 1984, the Sanctuary has maintained a federally authorized facility for New World monkeys, many of whom have been rescued from research laboratories, the exotic pet trade, and tourist attractions. 

The Primate Caregiver/Documentarian Internship is a unique immersion program facilitating learning about New World primates and animal sanctuary operations on an intimate, in depth, all-encompassing level. Training is tailored for each Intern and progress is evaluated at each stage of instruction. The Intern is awarded Primary Animal Caregiver Certification by senior personnel, after successfully acquiring a high level of competence, skill, and expertise in primate care, record keeping, and facility management. 

Interns are trained by experienced members of our staff in all aspects of New World primate care (Callithrix, Cebus, and Ateles). This is more than a full-time position and includes on-call duties as needed.

In the early stages, Interns learn how to provide daily care, enrichment, and nurturing to 40+/- monkeys, preparing food, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining the Sanctuary facility. Interns then receive Emergency Care training, becoming proficient in capture, transfer, restraint and handling, and specialized individual care. They then begin to acquire skills in Colony Management. 

Next, Interns get specialized medical training: calculating medication dosages and administering medication, checking vital signs (temperature, respiratory, and pulse rate), providing subcutaneous fluid therapy and intensive care (heat, fluids, special diet, wound care, etc.). They play an intimate part in veterinary consults, treatment plans, and follow up.

Interns also participate in Sanctuary Management: training new volunteers, keeping detailed records and reporting on the AM and PM status of the primates (in SOAP format), making updates and revisions to PPS Manuals and creating new protocol and procedure documents (Mac: Excel, Word). They read and review relevant texts and articles and present short summaries along with current primate status reports for our monthly staff meetings.

Please begin making application for the Internship by submitting the following, via e-mail: your Letter of Intent in making application, your Resume/CV, and three Letters of Reference (from instructors, employers etc.) For additional information and application documents, please contact: pps@pacificprimate.org

Qualifications/Experience:

The PPS Resident Internship Selection Committee invites qualified applicants with a background and interest in animal husbandry, welfare and conservation, exotic veterinary medicine, biology, and related fields to apply for this residency. 

This is an entry level position in primate care. Candidates should have received, or be working towards, a university degree in biology, zoology, primatology, ecology, etc. or have experience working with domestic or exotic animals in a professional setting. A one-year commitment and the practice of selfless service to the animals is required.  PPS does not offer any summer, or other short term Internships.

The committee would welcome a mature team player with respect for others, an articulate communicator (written and spoken English) and coordinator, who seeks mutual growth for all and is able to make a commitment to the primates and the staff. The position requires a self-starter and hard worker, someone who is humble, compassionate, self-reliant, organized, professional, computer literate, open to learning, capable of problem solving and completing a task. An applicant must be able to function independently as well as in a group. The Resident Intern should be physically fit, with no criminal record or communicable diseases (a current negative tuberculosis screening is required). Resident Interns must acquire and provide proof of health insurance for the duration of the residency. This position is suitable for someone who would enjoy a rural lifestyle with simple amenities. Citizens of foreign countries will need to secure their own visas and permits independently.

Salary/funding:

As no medical research is conducted at the Sanctuary, our organization is not eligible for funding from any governmental agencies, nor do we receive funds from admission, as public zoos do. Therefore, we must rely solely upon donations from compassionate individuals and organizations. Our operating budget is extremely small. Financial independence for personal expenses (i.e. travel and medical needs) is required of Sanctuary Interns.

Support provided for PPS Internship positions:

Pacific Primate Sanctuary provides fully furnished and equipped Yurts, traditional round structures designed specifically for tropical living, with wireless internet service. The Yurts and bathroom accommodations are adjacent to the facility. Utilities, paper goods, and cleaning supplies are also supplied. Resident Interns and local PPS Volunteers maintain an on-site organic garden and fruit orchard, supporting the Sanctuary’s sustainability goals. The verdant 4-acre site is landscaped with tropical ornamentals, flowers, and trees. This position is ideal for someone who would enjoy a rural lifestyle with simple amenities, in a subtropical climate.

Term of Appointment:

One Year minimum

Position Start Date:

This is an ongoing position, with new openings throughout the year. 

April 1st application deadline for May 15th Start Date

August 1st application deadline for September 15th Start Date

December 1st application deadline for January 15th Start Date

Comments:

Everyone involved with Pacific Primate Sanctuary is unsalaried and the organization operates with a volunteer staff, funded solely by money donated by compassionate individuals and organizations. Our small community is made up of 5-10 local Volunteer Caregivers (who volunteer one or more shifts each week), 1-3 Animal Caregiver/Documentarian Interns, 2-3 Administrators, and an off-site support system of veterinary and other professionals.  

At PPS, the needs of the primates are first and foremost. Each primate receives the best care possible for his or her physical, psychological and social well-being. The monkeys are treated with respect, compassion and empathy. They are provided the housing, social grouping, nutrition and care that best benefit their age and physical condition, and facilitate their innate, natural behavior. Since the well-being of the monkeys is our primary focus, they are not on exhibit and the facility is not open to the public. The Sanctuary is a beautiful place for people with a deep appreciation of the natural world and the Beings we share it with.  

Please visit the PPS website: http://www.pacificprimate.org 

and Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/PacificPrimateSanctuary

Behavior technician for Oregon National Primate

 We are looking for a full-time behavior technician, responsible for overseeing the wellbeing of non-human primates, mostly rhesus macaques. Tasks include managing socialization, positive reinforcement training, and making and providing enrichment. Data collection and entry will be required.  For more information don't hesitate to contact Adriane Maier at maiera@ohsu.edu. 

Field research assistant positions

 Position: Two positions as field research assistants for Yale PhD student at the Lomas Barbudal Monkey Project (capuchins, Costa Rica)

Hiring Organization: Yale University, United States

Project Description: What are white-faced capuchin nutritional goals? How does achieving (or not achieving) these goals relate to lifetime fitness? How does achieving these goals relate to survival during an extreme drought in 2015? We are looking for passionate and hands-on field assistants to complete our team to address these questions! Together, we will collect data, contribute to the Lomas Barbudal Monkey Project’s long-term database, develop invaluable professional (and personal) skills and build a connection with the natural world. This is a perfect steppingstone and opportunity for a future career in ecology or conservation.

Responsibilities: Assistants are on a three-day rotational schedule. We spend two days in the field and one day at home. Field days are generally 12-14 hours, during which time we follow monkeys through the forest. This can be challenging, because it involves hiking and pushing through undergrowth, while also collecting behavioral data, food samples and occasionally collecting fecal samples. It is important that we support each other and remain optimistic when we have the capacity to do so. Every third day, responsibilities involve editing behavioral data, processing food and fecal samples (i.e., weighing, drying, labelling and sealing into bags), completing one daily chore and cooking dinner (and lunch for the following day) for the field team. These are not days off, but they offer the opportunity to recharge and catch up on sleep. Each month, two days are spent conducting phenology surveys (2 days/month), and these field days will be ~8 hours.

*We have and enforce a strict anti-harassment policy, including sexual harrassment.*

Applicants are required to read the field guide for the Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Project to get a sense of the terrain and typical work schedule.

Qualifications/Experience: We are open to different backgrounds and experiences! It’s most important to have a positive attitude, high tolerance for stress and not be afraid of/have an aversion to: insects, heat, humidity, rain and, to be honest, being generally uncomfortable. You must be able to carry a heavy backpack (3-6 liters of water, project equipment, etc.) and hike for long days (but this is something that will also improve with time). Previous field/backpacking/outdoor experience, Spanish language skills, and an interest in primatology, wildlife, ecology or conservation are all a plus but not necessary.

Term of Appointment: A 15-month commitment (June 1, 2022 - August 27, 2023) is necessary.

Compensation: This is a volunteer position. Assistants will receive $520.00/month as a stipend, specifically for the laboratory component of the position (drying and weighing food and fecal samples), because this is generally not a field assistant task. An additional $500.00 bonus will be granted if you arrive at the field site trained on: code tests, speed tests and plant tests (interobserver reliability tests, which I will train you on beforehand). Your flights will be reimbursed if you stay the duration of your contract, which is 15 months (and they will not be reimbursed if you leave before the end-date stated in your contract). Assistants receive room and board with the other project personnel in the town of Pijije near the Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve. Rent and food is 100% covered, except during vacation and Visa renewal trips (I will explain this in the interview process), during which times, assistants must support themselves. You will also receive essentials, such as snake leggings, bug spray, and sunscreen. If you cannot begin on the start or end date, this is something that we can probably accommodate, and please indicate this in your letter of interest. Everyone receives five days of vacation at the end of the month and ten days of vacation at the end of December. We work on weekends. If there is something that you need to leave for (not during vacation), then please indicate so in your letter of interest. This is something that we can probably accommodate as well. You will receive training in behavioral data collection, laboratory methodologies, population monitoring, ecological monitoring, climate monitoring, and working in a collaborative environment. Assistants have the opportunity to undertake their own ecology research projects under my mentorship. Please indicate if this is something you would like to take advantage of in your letter of interest. This is an opportunity for your development, so share any other ideas that you have, and let’s see what we can do!

You will be responsible for paying for your vaccinations and health insurance. You will also be responsible to purchase your own field clothes, backpack and binoculars and support yourself on vacation and Visa renewal trips. If you are a Yale affiliate then you may be covered by Yale iSOS, and there may be other fellowship stipends available.

COVID restrictions: At this time, the applicant must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including the booster) before the start of the position and must wear a face mask when it is required.

Application materials: To apply, please send the following to alexa.duchesneau@yale.edu with an email header: “Application for field assistant position”:

1.    Letter of interest: Describe your career goals, why you are interested, and your suitability for the project

2.    CV/resume

3.   Unofficial/Official College Transcript: for institutions outside of the US, please include a summary of coursework and grades

4.    References:  Please send the contact information (including email addresses) for 3 or more people who would be willing to write letters of support. We prefer that this list include 

a.    one academic reference

b.    one person who has supervised the applicant’s research or work in the past

c.     one person who has lived with the applicant in a cooperative living situation

If you do not hear back within three days acknowledging the receipt of your application, please send me another email, so I can check my junk mail. If the application looks promising, then a Zoom interview will be conducted. If the interview goes well, then a second interview with the founder of the field site will be required.

Application Deadline: I will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue until the assistant position is filled.

Contact Information: Alexa Duchesneau, Department of Anthropology, Yale University, 10 Sachem St, New Haven, CT 06511

Telephone Number: (978) 587-1025

Email Address: alexa.duchesneau@yale.edu

Offre de stage céphalopodes / 6 mois gratifiés

 

Offre de stage en éthologie

Étude comparative des modalités de la mémoire de type épisodique chez la seiche et le poulpe communs

 

Description

Les voyages mentaux dans le temps (MTT) sont la capacité à revivre des évènements de notre passé (mémoire épisodique) et à imaginer notre futur (planification). Chez les animaux, l’étude des MTT a principalement été réalisée via l’étude de la mémoire de type épisodique de type « quoi-où-quand », observée lorsqu’un animal est capable de se souvenir de ce qu’il a fait ou mangé (quoi), à quel endroit (où) et à quel moment (quand). La mémoire de la source est un autre aspect important de la mémoire épisodique car elle permet de différencier les évènements les uns des autres, en mémorisant des éléments contextuels et perceptifs. Par ailleurs, les hypothèses actuelles considèrent que la mémoire épisodique se serait développée pour permettre des comportements flexibles d’anticipation et de planification de besoins futurs. Des analogues des MTT ont été observés chez certains vertébrés, et la volonté de mieux comprendre l’émergence et l’évolution des capacités cognitives complexes a conduit à étudier la cognition d’espèces éloignées phylogénétiquement, notamment les céphalopodes.

Les seiches (Sepia officinalis) ont ainsi montré des capacités cognitives correspondant à la mémoire de type épisodique (Jozet-Alves et al., 2013), à l’anticipation du futur (Billard et al., 2020a), et à certaines modalités de la mémoire de la source (Billard et al., 2020b). Les poulpes (Octopus vulgaris) semblent également posséder des bases de mémoire de type épisodique, bien qu’ils semblent en avoir un usage moindre que les seiches (Poncet et al., en cours de révision). L’étude des MTT chez les céphalopodes n’en étant qu’à ses débuts, de nombreux domaines restent inexplorés. Il est donc nécessaire de poursuivre les travaux sur la mémoire de la source et la planification chez la seiche, ainsi que de développer des études sur la mémoire de la source chez le poulpe.

 

Profil recherché

-          Etudiant en master d’éthologie, école d’agronomie, ENS, école vétérinaire (une convention est obligatoire)

-          Grande autonomie, rigueur, capacité à assumer des responsabilités

-          Capacité à gérer plusieurs expériences en parallèle et à entretenir les animaux

-          Intérêt pour le comportement animal, la cognition, les céphalopodes

-          Calme, délicatesse et patience seront indispensables pour travailler avec tout céphalopode !

 

Dates et localisation

Stage de 6 mois gratifié, débutant dans l’idéal dès avril 2022 (dates flexibles).

Le stage s’intègre dans le projet ANR COMETT (Comparative Mental Time Travel: Insights from Cephalopods), au sein de l’équipe NECC (Neuro-Ethologie Cognitive des Céphalopodes) du laboratoire EthoS (Ethologie animale et humaine) à l’université de Caen Normandie. L’ensemble des expériences se déroulera à la station marine du CREC à Luc-sur-Mer (accessible en bus depuis Caen), avec éventuellement 2-3 semaines d’expériences délocalisées au SMEL de Blainville-sur-Mer.

 

Responsables du stage

Christelle Jozet-Alves et Lisa Poncet (UMR 6552, Laboratoire EthoS, équipe NECC, Université de Caen Normandie)

 

Modalités de candidature

Merci d’envoyer un CV et une lettre de motivation, ou pour toute demande d’informations : lisa.poncet@unicaen.fr

 

Research Assistant Wanted, white-faced capuchins

 Overview: We are recruiting one field assistant for a study of white-faced capuchin physiology and ecology in Costa Rica. This research is conducted through the Capuchins at Taboga Project, a long-term study of the behavior and endocrinology of wild white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus). All research is conducted at a tropical dry forest field station located in the Taboga Forest Reserve in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The assistant will work closely with Jordan Lucore, a Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan advised by Dr. Jacinta Beehner, a director of the project, and Dr. Andy Marshall.

The assistant will be responsible for the following: (1) locating and following monkey groups; (2) collecting fecal and urine samples (3) recognizing individual monkeys, and monkey food items (to detail the context in samples are collected); (4) processing samples (5) contributing to other aspects of the larger Capuchins at Taboga project as needed. All tools and training required to conduct this work will be provided by the Ph.D. student and experienced project assistants.

The project field station is part of a field campus of the Universidad Técnica Nacional of Costa Rica at Taboga. You can read more about the location here. We have a multiple 4-bedroom houses that sleep at least 7 people comfortably, however, this assistant is expected to share a room as bedroom space is limited. The houses have potable running water, reliable electricity and internet, full kitchens, two bathrooms with showers, and laundry facilities. The house is shared by our Costa Rican staff assistants, volunteer assistants, and graduate students conducting research. Capuchins at Taboga is a relatively new research project, but the directors have considerable experience running primate field stations (see one of their other projects here).

Qualified applicants will have a B.S. or B.A in Biology, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, Psychology, or a related field. Applicants must be fluent/highly proficient in English and conversational in Spanish (or at least willing to learn Spanish!), both of which are necessary to communicate with others at the field station. Prior travel and/or field experience in tropical regions is preferred. Due to the nature of working with monkeys, good hearing and attention to detail are essential. An ability to work full days (~ 8 to 10 hours) outdoors in hot, humid conditions, on sometimes steep terrain, and through sometimes brushy forest is also required. We think the beauty of the forest and the wildlife is well worth it! Assistants must also be comfortable living and working closely with others.

COVID Precautions: Full vaccination is required. Upon arrival to the field site, the assistant will quarantine for 7 days, at which point we will administer a saliva-based COVID-19 test. Following a negative test result, the assistant will then move into group housing. Assistants take turns going to town for groceries, are required to wear a mask in public at all times, and are expected to participate in regular follow-up COVID testing throughout their time at the field site. Extended time away from the field site must be approved, and quarantine will be required again upon return. When in the forest, assistants must wear a mask and stay at least six meters away from the monkeys.

Funding & Compensation: This is a volunteer position, so there is no salary. However, round-trip airfare and all living support will be provided (e.g., travel, meals, lodging). The project will provide emergency travel health insurance, but the assistant will be responsible for their own basic healthcare needs (which tend to be affordable in Costa Rica). The assistant will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred while traveling on their own in Costa Rica (during breaks from work). Costa Rica does not require specific vaccinations to enter the country, but the assistant will be responsible for securing any recommended vaccinations they wish to have. The volunteer will need to provide their own backpack, field clothing and footwear. We will offer advice about what items are necessary for daily life in a tropical dry forest.

The project is also committed to including assistants as authors on scientific publications made possible by their contributions in the field.

Appointment: A 10-month commitment is preferred. We are looking for someone who can start their appointment in September of 2022 and finish in June of 2022

Deadline: The position will remain open until filled, and priority will be given to those who apply earlier. We hope to fill the position by the end of June, 2022.

Application: Please email the following materials to Ph.D. student Jordan Lucore at this email address jlucore@umich.edu : (1) a letter of interest stating how and why this position satisfies your interest and future career goals, explaining your suitability for this project, plus a time frame during which you are available to work (when you are free to travel), (2) a CV or resume detailing relevant experience, including relevant college courses taken, and (3) contact information for two references, preferably one academic reference and one work-related reference. The subject heading of the email message should read: “Application for field research position."

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment at this research site. We encourage applications from members of groups underrepresented in field sciences, including members of visible minorities, racialized groups, and LGBTQ+ communities. We also encourage applications from nationals of primate habitat countries, and especially from Costa Ricans.

Offre de stage éthologie

 Le Parc d’Isle (Saint-Quentin, 02) recherche un.e stagiaire en éthologie

Fin des candidatures : dimanche 10 avril 2022

 

Thème

Etude des choix alimentaires des agoutis dans une volière mixte avec des tamarins empereurs.

Encadrement

Kévin Schlax, docteur vétérinaire faune zoologique/ NAC exclusif

Flore Viallard, ingénieur en nutrition animale

Durée

7 semaines entre mai et juin 2022

Lieu

Parc d’Isle

Avenue Léo Lagrange, 02100 Saint-Quentin

Description

Au sein de l’Isle sauvage (secteur non domestique du parc animalier au Parc d’Isle), dans le cadre d’un travail sur la nutrition des espèces de la structure, vous interviendrez en tant qu’observateur auprès d’une volière présentant des agoutis et des tamarins empereurs. L’objectif est de savoir si les choix alimentaires des agoutis sont conditionnés par les restes des tamarins et s’ils ont accès à une ration équilibrée et quantitative à travers ces restes. Pour cela vous observerez le comportement alimentaire des agoutis et serez responsable de la prise de données telles que la quantité de reste, les choix alimentaires et la comparaison selon la ration mise en place.

Vous devrez également effectuer une synthèse bibliographique.

Profil requis

Avoir une formation en lien avec le monde animal, une première expérience en observation/éthologie serait un avantage.

Être observateur, rigoureux, patient.

Apprécier le travail en extérieur

Conditions de travail

Temps plein, 35h, du lundi au vendredi

Pas d’indemnité mensuelle

Convention de stage obligatoire

Contacts

Envoyer CV et lettre de motivation à Madame Sandrine MONDOT – sandrine.mondot@casq.fr

PhD opportunity to study brains of food-hoarding birds

 DEADLINE: April 7 2022

A fully funded 3-year PhD studentship has been advertised in my research group to study how neural activity relates to seasonal plasticity in the hippocampus of food-hoarding birds. For all the details of the project and how to apply see here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/does-neural-activity-drive-seasonal-plasticity-in-the-brains-of-food-hoarding-birds/?p142884__;!!LIr3w8kk_Xxm!4hcRQ7lPD8QpFNLjr1Dt_-w58VdHqsFSKkHXg9E589GJ-IprIwbaxYuexuQ21HP7LQ$

Offre de stage recherche pour étudiant·e en Master 2 de Psychologie

 Condition Être inscrit·e en Master 2 de psychologie au moment du démarrage du stage Durée Le stage commencera en septembre 2022 et se déroulera deux jours par semaine durant 10 mois. Structure d’accueil Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé (LPPS UR4057), 71 avenue Édouard Vaillant 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt Environnement du stage L·a·e stagiaire sera accueilli·e au LPPS qui conduit des recherches dans le champ de la psychopathologie et plus largement de la santé, dans des contextes cliniques diversifiés. L’objet d’étude est constitué par les processus d’adaptation et de régulation de la personne humaine confrontée à un trouble. La démarche de recherche privilégie l’objectivation et la démonstration scientifique, y compris dans les applications cliniques des recherches. Le LPPS (UR 4057) est dirigé par Isabelle Varescon. Il s’organise en 3 axes : Axe 1 : Psychopathologie du développement socio-émotionnel et cognitif Coordinatrice : Émilie Cappe (PR) Axe 2 : Santé physique et mentale : adaptation et vulnérabilité Coordinatrice : Cécile Flahault (MCF-HDR) Axe 3 : Interventions thérapeutiques et prévention Coordinatrice : Aurélie Untas (PR) Projet L·a·e stagiaire contribuera à la réalisation d’une étude sur l’inclusion scolaire des élèves autistes de la maternelle à l’université et le vécu des enseignants (responsables de l’étude : Émilie Cappe et Émilie Boujut) Missions confiées au stagiaire Encadré par le tuteur, l·a·e stagiaire devra : • Réaliser une revue de littérature systématique • Nettoyer la base de données • Retranscrire des entretiens • Participer à l’analyse des résultats (quantitatifs et qualitatifs) • Participer à la rédaction d’articles scientifiques Compétences requises • Connaissances en psychopathologie, psychologie du développement, psychologie de la santé : troubles neuro-développementaux, éducation inclusive, stress, coping, épuisement professionnel • Qualités rédactionnelles • Esprit d’analyse et de synthèse • Compétences en statistiques • Compétences en analyse de contenu thématique • Anglais (lu et écrit) • Autonomie Ressources Le LPPS mettra à disposition de la ou du stagiaire toutes les ressources matérielles utiles : bureau, équipement informatique, logiciels d’analyse, etc. Gratification Ce stage fera l’objet d’une gratification calculée sur une base journalière de 7 heures au taux de 3,90€/heure. Le taux indiqué est celui en vigueur actuellement et est susceptible d’être revalorisé. Contact / référent Merci d’adresser un CV et un lettre de motivation à Émilie Cappe / emilie.cappe@u-paris.fr

Stage Master 1 en IA/deep learning/bioinformatique

 Analyse du comportement d’un invertébré d’eau douce, la planaire, exposée à différents contaminants Encadrants : - Caroline Vignet, MCF en écotoxicologie à l’université d’Albi caroline.vignet@univ-jfc.fr - Thierry Montaut, PRAG en Maths et info à l’université d’Albi thierry.montaut@univ-jfc.fr - Lucia Rejo, doctorante en Biologie à l’université d’Albi lucia.rejo@univ-jfc.fr Laboratoire d’accueil : EA 7417 Biochimie et Toxicologie des Substances Bioactives, Albi Durée : 8 semaines - non rémunéré- entre mi-avril et mi-juillet à définir Contexte : Déjà utilisé comme modèle pour la régénération, la planaire émerge comme un modèle simplifié d’étude du système nerveux (SN), qui présente toutes les caractéristiques du système nerveux des vertébrés et invertébrés supérieurs. L’équipe BTSB étudie l’effet de différents neurotoxiques sur le comportement des planaires en étudiant les mécanismes sous-jacents. Les planaires répondent par des comportements stéréotypés qu’il faut caractériser manuellement. L’objectif de ce stage est donc de développer un programme d’analyse d’image afin de caractériser les réponses comportementales de la planaire à partir de photos d’une base de données. Dans un premier temps, le stage consistera à perfectionner la base de données, puis dans un deuxième temps, à développer le programme d’analyse. En effet, parmi les différents biomarqueurs utilisés en écotoxicologie, le comportement est un élément intégrateur qui permet de détecter de manière rapide et non invasive les effets de molécules sur le système locomoteur et/ou nerveux. Ce programme pourra donc être utilisé dans le futur pour de nombreux tests et sera coencadré par une biologiste et un informaticien. Objectifs et contenu du stage : - Développer un programme d’IA pour identifier de manière automatisée les stéréotypies chez la planaire. Compétences demandées : • Autonomie, rigueur et organisation. • Maîtrise autonome des méthodes et algorithmes classiques d'apprentissage automatique, notamment les méthodes de clustering, de réduction de dimension et l'apprentissage des réseaux de neurones artificiels. • Bonne connaissance d'une bibliothèque de machine learning (scikit-learn, tensorflow). Dossier de candidature : CV + lettre de motivation dans laquelle vous expliquerez en quoi vous êtes autonome et organisé dans votre travail ou dans vos expériences passées. Candidature souhaitée avant le 1 avril 2022 à envoyer à Thierry Montaut, Lucia Rejo et Caroline Vignet thierry.montaut@univ-jfc.fr et caroline.vignet@univ-jfc.fr et lucia.rejo@univ-jfc.fr

Field assistant position, white-faced capuchins

 Overview: We are recruiting one field assistant for a study of white-faced capuchin physiology and ecology in Costa Rica. This research is conducted through the Capuchins at Taboga Project, a long-term study of the behavior and endocrinology of wild white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus). All research is conducted at a tropical dry forest field station located in the Taboga Forest Reserve in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The assistant will work closely with Jordan Lucore, a Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan advised by Dr. Jacinta Beehner, a director of the project, and Dr. Andy Marshall.

The assistant will be responsible for the following: (1) locating and following monkey groups; (2) collecting fecal and urine samples (3) recognizing individual monkeys, and monkey food items (to detail the context in samples are collected); (4) processing samples (5) contributing to other aspects of the larger Capuchins at Taboga project as needed. All tools and training required to conduct this work will be provided by the Ph.D. student and experienced project assistants.

The project field station is part of a field campus of the Universidad Técnica Nacional of Costa Rica at Taboga. You can read more about the location here. We have a multiple 4-bedroom houses that sleep at least 7 people comfortably, however, this assistant is expected to share a room as bedroom space is limited. The houses have potable running water, reliable electricity and internet, full kitchens, two bathrooms with showers, and laundry facilities. The house is shared by our Costa Rican staff assistants, volunteer assistants, and graduate students conducting research. Capuchins at Taboga is a relatively new research project, but the directors have considerable experience running primate field stations (see one of their other projects here).

Qualified applicants will have a B.S. or B.A in Biology, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, Psychology, or a related field. Applicants must be fluent/highly proficient in English and conversational in Spanish (or at least willing to learn Spanish!), both of which are necessary to communicate with others at the field station. Prior travel and/or field experience in tropical regions is preferred but not required. Due to the nature of working with monkeys, good hearing and attention to detail are essential. An ability to work full days (~ 8 to 10 hours) outdoors in hot, humid conditions, on sometimes steep terrain, and through sometimes brushy forest is also required. We think the beauty of the forest and the wildlife is well worth it! Assistants must also be comfortable living and working closely with others.

COVID Precautions: Full vaccination is required. Upon arrival to the field site, the assistant will quarantine for 7 days, at which point we will administer a saliva-based COVID-19 test. Following a negative test result, the assistant will then move into group housing. Assistants take turns going to town for groceries, are required to wear a mask in public at all times, and are expected to participate in regular follow-up COVID testing throughout their time at the field site. Extended time away from the field site must be approved, and quarantine will be required again upon return. When in the forest, assistants must wear a mask and stay at least six meters away from the monkeys.

Funding & Compensation: This is a volunteer position, so there is no salary. However, round-trip airfare and all living support will be provided (e.g., travel, meals, lodging). The project will provide emergency travel health insurance, but the assistant will be responsible for their own basic healthcare needs (which tend to be affordable in Costa Rica). The assistant will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred while traveling on their own in Costa Rica (during breaks from work). Costa Rica does not require specific vaccinations to enter the country, but the assistant will be responsible for securing any recommended vaccinations they wish to have. The volunteer will need to provide their own backpack, field clothing and footwear. We will offer advice about what items are necessary for daily life in a tropical dry forest.

The project is also committed to including assistants as authors on scientific publications made possible by their contributions in the field.

Appointment: A 10-month commitment is preferred. We are looking for someone who can start their appointment in September of 2022 and finish in June of 2023.

Deadline: The position will remain open until filled, and priority will be given to those who apply earlier. We hope to fill the position by the end of June, 2022.

Application: Please email the following materials to Ph.D. student Jordan Lucore at this email address jlucore@umich.edu : (1) a letter of interest stating how and why this position satisfies your interest and future career goals, explaining your suitability for this project, plus a time frame during which you are available to work (when you are free to travel), (2) a CV or resume detailing relevant experience, including relevant college courses taken, and (3) contact information for two references, preferably one academic reference and one work-related reference. The subject heading of the email message should read: “Application for field research position."

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment at this research site. We encourage applications from members of groups underrepresented in field sciences, including members of visible minorities, racialized groups, and LGBTQ+ communities. We also encourage applications from nationals of primate habitat countries, and especially from Costa Ricans.