PhD position at the University of Zürich

 We are seeking a PhD student to join us (Prof. Anna Lindholm & Dr. Andri Manser) in a research project at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies at the university of Zurich assessing the potential of a naturally occurring selfish genetic element (called t haplotype) as a tool to control invasive mouse pests on islands where they harm endemic wildlife. The t haplotype is a supergene in house mice with two seemingly ideal characteristics for pest control. First, males that carry two copies of the gene (t/t homozygotes) are completely sterile. Second, males that carry only one copy of the t (+/t heterozygotes) pass the gene on to 95% of their offspring rather than the 50% expected under Mendelian inheritance (gene drive), allowing the genetic propagation of the sterile t in a population. Preliminary work suggests that sterile t releases could offer a powerful, versatile, and humane tool to eradicate target populations due to a lack of fertile males. The aim of the project is to assess the potential of the sterile t as a pest control tool from a wide range of methodological angles. 

                                                 

What will you be doing?                          

 

The applicant will study the impact of sterile males on offspring production in settings of increasing complexity, from a laboratory experiment, to enclosure populations, to releases into a semi-natural population where sterile males have to integrate into a preexisting complex social environment. Additionally, the applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to analysis of relevant large datasets, and/or modelling.  

 

What are we looking for? 

 

You are passionate about evolutionary biology and keen to explore how evolutionary concepts could be applied to solve a major practical problem. You enjoy working with animals as well as designing and implementing experiments to test your ideas. You are highly motivated, collaborative and an excellent communicator, and have a demonstrable desire to learn new skills. Experience with animal experiments, data analysis, and modelling will be viewed as a bonus. You bring a relevant MSc degree or equivalent.  

 

What we offer  

 

The great majority of your time will be spent on research. We offer excellent experimental facilities, great collaborators, and strong support in developing your scientific skills and abilities. Participation in teaching activities, and taking classes, is part of your training. The project has four years of funding, with a generous salary. We provide a highly international largely English speaking environment. 

 

How to apply 

 

Please submit applications as a single pdf file, including a letter of motivation that highlights your interest in and suitability for the project, your CV, and recommendation letters or contact details of 2 references, by email to Dr Anna Lindholm (anna.lindholm@ieu.uzh.ch). Screening of applicants is ongoing and continues until the end of July 2022. Starting date: Autumn 2022 (to be negotiated) 

Primate rehabilitation assistant

 Volunteer position ‘Born to be Wild’ project – primate rehabilitation assistant

Background

The IUCN classified the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) as an endangered species in 2008. It is the only surviving primate in Africa north of the Saharan desert. Whilst being a former inhabitant of all Europe and northern Africa, this species is now limited to isolated areas in Algeria and Morocco. Population estimates have shown an overall decline of this species in the last 30 to 40 years. As a result, the population of Barbary macaques in areas where the species was historically abundant, is currently significantly reduced, resulting in fragmentated populations and areas where the species has completely disappeared.

In 2017 AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) initiated the Born to be Wild project in Morocco. This project follows a holistic approach by addressing the different threats to Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), aiming to ensure sustainable conservation of this species and its habitats within Morocco. The project’s actions are in line with the existing Conservation Action Plan and focus on the following areas: 1) Control of poaching and illegal trade, 2) Protection of the Barbary macaque habitats and facilitate its restoration, 3) Decrease of human pressure on the habitat by providing sustainable alternatives. For this project AAP works closely together with the Moroccan Department of Waters and Forest (DEF) and other stakeholders to protect the Barbary macaque and its habitats. For more information see also: https://en.aap.eu/born-to-be-wild/.

Since the start of the project, there have been many positive results. The decline of the Barbary macaque population in Ifrane National Park has brought to a stop, and recent surveys have shown there is actually an increase in population size. Another positive result is that through training and support, local departments have been given the tools and knowledge to conduct law enforcement with respect to illegal trade. As a result, more than 40 Barbary macaques have been confiscated in the last few years. Enabling to deal with an increase in confiscated animals, one of the aims of the Born to be Wild project has been to develop a Confiscated Animals Strategy. One aspect of this strategy focusses on finding the most suitable option to deal with the confiscated Barbary macaques.

In 2019 the DEF, AAP and other partners started to investigate the option to set up a conservation translocation program for the Barbary macaque. Now, almost 3 years later, we are very happy that this option is very close to becoming reality. The DEF has identified Tazekka NP as a suitable area for such a release. Tazekka NP, situated in the north-east of the Middle Atlas, used to be populated by Barbary macaques until at least the 1930’s. Forest degradation was one of the main reasons why the Barbary macaque completely disappeared from this area. Current management of the park endeavours to conserve and restore natural ecosystem functions within the park, and with success. A comprehensive habitat survey in 2019 showed that the current habitat is very well suited for the Barbary macaque with a carrying capacity which could potentially support more than 40 groups.

Within the last 12 months, much works has been done to build a rehabilitation facility in the middle of Tazekka NP. Currently the facility is almost finished and consists of twelve rehabilitation units and a 1-hectare large pre-release enclosure. If all goes well the animals will move to their new facility in May this year.

To support the work in Morocco, AAP is looking for volunteers who can support the rehabilitation of the Barbary macaques in Tazekka.

Volunteer tasks

Currently there are about 35 Barbary macaques which have potential to be released in Tazekka NP. Many of these animals are kept in small groups, and individuals have varying degrees of social experience. The aim of the rehabilitation process is to create relatively stable groups of Barbary macaques which have the potential to be released. This will be conducted according to a structured approach which will be developed by a rehabilitation consultant from AAP. As a volunteer your main task will be to:

1)     Train and support local staff to provide high quality daily care to the Barbary macaques

The local staff has already been trained to work with the macaques, but our aim is to continuously increase their knowledge and skills and so build up their capacity to run this and similar programs by themselves in the future

 

2)     Conduct behavioural observations and facilitate and monitor the resocialisation process.

The main focus of your observations will be on social relationships, group stability and other behavioural indicators which determine the potential suitability of the animals for release. All these works will be conducted in collaboration with the rehabilitation consultant.   

 

3)     Conduct the necessary administrative tasks to run and monitor the program

Your stay

During your stay you will be housed in a small village called Bab Boudir. This village is ca. 8 km from the rehabilitation facilities in Tazekka NP. Every morning we will drive with the project car to the rehabilitation and release facilities, and we return late afternoon. You will stay in one of the Portacabins which is available for student and volunteer housing for this project. The cabins are basically furnished and have each a shower and toilet. Each cabin can house up to two people. Besides that, there is a separate cabin with a communal kitchen and living space. Once or twice a week you will be taken to the nearest town (Taza) for food shopping and anything else you need.

Please be aware that the circumstance you will be working and living in are relatively basic. The rehabilitation enclosures are in a remote area of the park, and electricity is limited (solar). There is however a small office and kitchen which you can make use of during the day. Most local staff only speak Arabic, and some speak French. For your work you will receive all necessary support from the AAP consultant who oversees the rehabilitation process. This will be partly in person, and partly on a distance by phone and email. When the AAP consultant is not present in Tazekka, you will also be supported by the Director of AAP Maroc and the park manager of Tazekka NP.

Your profile

For this role we look for candidates with the following profile:

·        You have extensive experience working with primates in captivity, preferably in a rehabilitation setting

·        You have a good understanding of primate behaviour and their needs

·        You are capable and happy to work on your own with minimum supervision

·        You do not mind living and working under basic conditions in a different culture

·        You are physically fit and able to work in a warm climate

·        You are able to work independently and with minimal supervision

·        You speak English, French is desirable

·        You are available for a period of at least 2 months or longer

We provide:

·        Free housing as described

·        Daily transport to and from the rehabilitation site

·        A contribution to your flight costs, depending on the time you stay

·        Substantive and practical support during your stay

·        A great opportunity to gain experience working for a primate conservation translocation project

We are currently looking for candidates who are available from the 1st of September or later and until spring 2023.

When you are interested, please send an email with cover letter to Jasper Iepema: jasper.iepema@AAP.nl. Please note that this vacation doesn’t have a closing date, but new applications will not longer be considered once all available positions have been filled.

 

PhD position: Development of vocal communication

 PhD position:

ONTOGENETIC DEVELOPMENT OF VOCALISATIONS IN WILD CHIMPANZEES

Apply here (before 13 July 2022):

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UMR5229-CATCRO-006/Default.aspx?lang=EN

General information

Reference : UMR5229-CATCRO-006

Workplace : BRON

Date of publication : Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Scientific Responsible name : Catherine Crockford

Type of Contract : PhD Student contract / Thesis offer

Contract Period : 36 months

Start date of the thesis : 1 November 2022

Proportion of work : Full time

Remuneration : 2 135,00 € gross monthly

Description of the thesis topic

We are looking for a bright and highly motivated prospective PhD student to join The Ape Social Mind Lab. We are an energetic lab with broad interests around the topic of the evolution of sociality, communication, cognition and cooperation. We combine behavioural observations, non-invasive sample collection for endocrinological measures, video and audio recordings, field experiments and collaborate with neuroscientists in imaging of postmortem brains of naturally deceased primates, to investigate the evolutionary roots of human behavior, communication and cognition.

This PhD should address the ontogenetic development of vocal complexity in chimpanzees and ask questions like: Why did we become social and communicative? What socio-ecological pressures select for complex communication systems? How complex is the communication of our closest living relatives? Do structural differences in primate brains equate to functional differences? Our philosophy is one of collaboration, teamwork and data sharing. The successful candidate needs to thrive both under remote jungle conditions requiring physical endurance and stress resilience, and when engaging in precision tasks of following strict data collection protocols, data organization, R programming and statistical modelling. Self-reliance, emotional maturity and the flexibility to live in close quarters with others are key.

Requirements

Excellent grade in relevant Bachelors (eg Biology, psychology, anthropology, neuroscience)

Excellent grade in relevant Masters (eg Biology, psychology, anthropology, neuroscience)

Experience in collection of social or vocal behaviour of wild primates

Experience conducting statistics using R

Languages: Fluent in English and French

Applications

Interested candidates should apply by emailing me at: catherine.crockford@isc.cnrs.fr with the subject header: 'PhD Application-YOUR NAME'. Please provide the following:

1. CV

2. Cover letter indicating how you meet the specified requirements and why you would be suitable for this position.

3. Research proposal assessing the development of vocalization sequences in three primate species. State the research question you would ask, how you would address this (methods) and what this would tell us about the evolution of language (Max. 600 words)

The top candidates will be invited for interview (initially via zoom) in late July/early August.

Work Context

In The Ape Social Mind Lab (Director of Research: Catherine Crockford and Roman Wittig), we are recruiting a PhD candidate to study the topic of the evolution of language, cognition and sociality, with a particular focus on the ontogenetic development of vocalisations in wild chimpanzees. The research forms part of the Evolution of Brain Connectivity Project, an exciting collaboration between CNRS, Lyon and Max Planck Institutes, Leipzig. The chosen candidate will collect data from wild chimpanzees in the Tai National Park, Ivory Coast for one year.

Associations: CNRS Institute of Cognitive Sciences, University of Lyon Neurosciences and Cognition Doctoral School, and the Tai Chimpanzee Project, Ivory Coast.

http://www.isc.cnrs.fr/

https://nsco.universite-lyon.fr/the-neurosciences-and-cognition-doctoral-school-ed-476-nsco--148506.kjsp

https://www.taichimps.org

Constraints and risks

Some tasks is a remote field site are required.

Field assistant - Kokolopori - University of Zürich

 We are looking for a field assistant to work at the Kokolopori Bonobo Research Project (KBRP), Democratic Republic of Congo. The successful candidate will assist a post-doc to collect vocal data on 3 groups of wild bonobos. Typical duties include conducting focal and ad libitum recording of bonobo vocalizations, assisting the postdoc in their own data collection, and data processing (call extraction and dataset management).

Kokolopori’s field site is in an extremely remote location: it is only accessible by motorbike, several hours from a small city comprising a small airfield and a basic medical facility. There is no running water or electricity at camp. There is no access to phone or internet coverage, but assistants are allowed to send/receive a few short text emails per week using the camp basic email system. Field camp members are housed in tents at the field site. Meals provided consist primarily of locally sourced foods (beans, manioc, rice).

Fieldwork is challenging, both physically and mentally: it involves hours of walk in a hot, humid and dense forest, with bonobos which are at times difficult to see and follow due to the dense vegetation.

Additional information about the Kokolopori area and field site is available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokolopori . 

QUALIFICATION EXPERIENCE

Essential requirements are

-Previous field experience with primates in a challenging environment

-Above average physical fitness: resistance to hot and humid conditions, capacity for walking fast during long hours in dense vegetation and on challenging grounds, no fear of snakes and insects, resistance to physical discomfort caused by stings and bites etc

-Above average resistance to social/psychological stress: feel comfortable being far away and with almost no contact from family and friends. Be emotionally mature, energetic, enthusiastic, and patient. It is necessary that applicants have good social skills, especially in small groups, and be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work. Team player attitude is key: There is little to no privacy at camp and collaboration with everybody is expected.

-Language skills in French and English,

-High open-mindedness and tolerance toward local traditions and beliefs, as the job involves permanent close contact with local staff.

-First aid training

SALARY

500 US Dollar/month

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

·       Food and camp fees 

·       Trip from/to hometown (international plane, charter plane, motorbike ride, hotel nights in Kinshasa)

·       Administration fees (visa, official documents…)

·       Scientific equipment is provided (GPS, recorder, notebooks etc.), but personal equipment is not (hiking shoes, filed clothes, backpack etc.). A detailed field list will be provided to the successful candidate.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT

The candidate is expected to begin in September 2022 and stay until at least April 2023.

APPLICATION

Please send an updated CV, a motivation letter, and two reference contacts (preferentially of former field supervisors), to Dr Mélissa Berthet (melissa.berthet.ac@gmail.com). Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Enseignant-es vacataires pour la faculté de psychologie

Je suis à la recherche d'enseignant-es vacataires pour la faculté de psychologie de Nantes Université. Il s'agit ici d'un besoin concernant des enseignements de conception et conduite de recherche à un niveau L3.

Pour plus d'informations : https://s.42l.fr/vacations-ccr-2022-2023

Offre de stage - 8 semaines Varroa destructor

 Test d’un prototype pour la lutte contre Varroa destructor Motivation du projet : Dans le contexte environnemental et climatique actuel, Apis mellifera, subit d’importantes réductions de sa population. Principal pollinisateur, son rôle, écologique, agronomique et économique est aujourd’hui reconnu de tous. Détecté pour la première fois en France dans les années 80, Varroa destructor est un acarien hématophage considéré aujourd’hui comme la principale menace pesant contre l’abeille occidentale. Bien que de nombreux traitements soient aujourd’hui disponibles sur le marché, tous ont déjà montrés leurs limites (résistances, toxicité, période d’application). Face à ce constat, le projet Lotapis a pour objectif de développer de nouvelles technologies plus adaptées aux besoins de la filière apicole. Financé en partie par l’ADEME, dans une optique de développer des solutions en faveur de l’abeille domestique, ses objectifs sont de mettre au point de nouvelles stratégies de lutte contre l’acarien Varroa destructor, mais aussi contre le frelon asiatique Vespa velutina. Objectifs du stage : Le (la) candidat(e) aura donc pour mission de réaliser les différentes phases de tests nécessaires au développement d’un nouveau prototype contre l’acarien Varroa destructor. Il (elle) devra : - Participer à l’entretien et au suivi de l’état sanitaire des deux colonies du rucher - Assurer la mise en place et la réalisation des protocoles d’essais - Assurer l’enregistrement et l’analyse des données récoltées Missions du stage: Le (la ) stagiaire devra : - Travailler en autonomie sur les colonies d’abeilles dans des conditions météorologiques pouvant être difficiles - Faire preuve de beaucoup d’autonomie et de rigueur afin de mener à bien les expériences qui lui seront confiées - Organiser et réaliser l’enregistrement des données - Aider à la coordination et la mise en place des protocoles avec les différents partenaires - Faire de la recherche bibliographique sur des sujets attachés aux projets : Varroa destructor, Vespa velutina, etc. Remarque : le/la stagiaire pourra être amené(e) à venir en soutien sur les autres aspects du projet (lutte contre le frelon asiatique) mais sur d’autres sujets, notamment l’impact de la confusion sexuelle sur les populations d’Eudémis et l’efficacité de la confusion sexuelle et du monitoring sur différentes populations de carpocapses. Offre de stage de 8 semaines L3 – M1 (H/F) Profil recherché : - Grande autonomie / Rigueur - Intérêt pour les problématiques écologiques actuelles et les moyens de lutte alternatifs - Intérêt pour la pratique de terrain (pouvant être difficile, conditions climatiques et environnement) - Aucune appréhension ni allergie connue contre les hyménoptères - Goût pour le travail d’équipe - Permis B (de plus de 2 ans) - Une connaissance des colonies d’abeilles et de leur gestion serait un plus Durée du stage : 8 semaines à partir de juillet 2022 Lieu : M2i Biocontrol (46140, Parnac), dans l’équipe d’expertise et accompagnement technique. Indemnité de stage : non rémunéré Superviseures : Nina Buffenoir (nina.buffenoir@m2i-group.fr) Envoyer par e-mail un CV et une lettre de motivation

Assistant.e de terrain, Kokolopori

 J’offre un poste rémunéré d’assistant.e de terrain pour m’assister dans la collecte de données sur le comportement vocal des bonobos à Kokolopori, RDC, pendant 7 mois minimum (Septembre 2022-Avril 2023). Plus de détails dans l’annonce ci-dessous, merci d’avance de transmettre ceci aux primatologues de votre entourage qui seraient intéréssé.e.s !

**

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

We are looking for a field assistant to work at the Kokolopori Bonobo Research Project (KBRP), Democratic Republic of Congo. The successful candidate will assist a post-doc to collect vocal data on 3 groups of wild bonobos. Typical duties include conducting focal and ad libitum recording of bonobo vocalizations, assisting the postdoc in their own data collection, and data processing (call extraction and dataset management).

Kokolopori’s field site is in an extremely remote location: it is only accessible by motorbike, several hours from a small city comprising a small airfield and a basic medical facility. There is no running water or electricity at camp. There is no access to phone or internet coverage, but assistants are allowed to send/receive a few short text emails per week using the camp basic email system. Field camp members are housed in tents at the field site. Meals provided consist primarily of locally sourced foods (beans, manioc, rice).

Fieldwork is challenging, both physically and mentally: it involves hours of walk in a hot, humid and dense forest, with bonobos which are at times difficult to see and follow due to the dense vegetation.

Additional information about the Kokolopori area and field site is available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokolopori .

 

QUALIFICATION EXPERIENCE

 

Essential requirements are

-Previous field experience with primates in a challenging environment

-Above average physical fitness: resistance to hot and humid conditions, capacity for walking fast during long hours in dense vegetation and on challenging grounds, no fear of snakes and insects, resistance to physical discomfort caused by stings and bites etc

-Above average resistance to social/psychological stress: feel comfortable being far away and with almost no contact from family and friends. Be emotionally mature, energetic, enthusiastic, and patient. It is necessary that applicants have good social skills, especially in small groups, and be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work. Team player attitude is key: There is little to no privacy at camp and collaboration with everybody is expected.

-Language skills in French and English,

-High open-mindedness and tolerance toward local traditions and beliefs, as the job involves permanent close contact with local staff.

-First aid training

 

SALARY

 

500 US Dollar/month

 

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

 

•            Food and camp fees

•            Trip from/to hometown (international plane, charter plane, motorbike ride, hotel nights in Kinshasa)

•            Administration fees (visa, official documents…)

•            Scientific equipment is provided (GPS, recorder, notebooks etc.), but personal equipment is not (hiking shoes, filed clothes, backpack etc.). A detailed field list will be provided to the successful candidate.

 

TERM OF APPOINTMENT

 

The candidate is expected to begin in September 2022 and stay until at least April 2023.

 

APPLICATION

 

Please send an updated CV, a motivation letter, and two reference contacts (preferentially of former field supervisors), to Dr Mélissa Berthet (melissa.berthet.ac@gmail.com). Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Offre de stage / assistanat de terrain en éthologie

 Intitulé : Stage / assistanat de terrain en éthologie sur le chant des rouges-gorges en milieu urbain.

Lieu : Le travail de terrain aura lieu sur le campus de l'Université Paris Nanterre et dans des parcs à proximité.

Unité de Recherche : Laboratoire Éthologie Cognition Développement, Université Paris Nanterre

Encadrement : Julie BOSCA (doctorante), Nicole GEBERZAHN (MCF), Laurent NAGLE (Professeur)

Durée du stage : 2 mois, entre Septembre et Décembre 2022 (à définir avec le/la candidat.e)

Rémunération : stage non rémunéré

Cadre scientifique de l'étude : Lorsque les oiseaux chantent, ils doivent faire face à différents types de contraintes liées à la transmission des signaux acoustiques. Pour les espèces vivant en zone urbaine, le bruit lié aux activités humaines a un impact négatif, particulièrement sur la communication à longue distance. Les oiseaux utilisent différentes stratégies pour contrecarrer le masquage acoustique provoqué par ce bruit. Nous allons étudier les stratégies développées chez le rouge-gorge (Erithacus rubecula) car cet oiseau colonise très fréquemment le milieu urbain.

Le (la) stagiaire recruté(e) sera initié(e) en particulier

- aux observations d'oiseaux en milieu urbain (permettant de se familiariser avec le comportement et les vocalisations des rouges gorges),

- à des contrôles visuels (identifications individuelles des rouges gorges à l'aide des bagues),

- à l'enregistrement sonore sur le terrain,

- à l'analyse des signaux acoustiques.

Profil et compétences attendues : Étudiant.e en cours de formation Licence 3, Master 1 (ou césure) en éthologie / biologie du comportement / écologie. Nous recherchons une personne hautement motivée, désirant mener des travaux sur le terrain (si la météo le permet pendant chaque jour de la semaine tout au long de la durée de stage) et avec une bonne capacité d'organisation et de travail autonome. Une expérience préalable avec des oiseaux et la bioacoustique est un plus.

Merci d'envoyer CV, lettre de motivation (mentionnant la période dans laquelle vous serez disponible) et relevés de notes jusqu'au 8 Juillet 2022 à : Julie BOSCA julie.bosca@parisnanterre.fr, Nicole GEBERZAHN nicole.geberzahn@parisnanterre.fr et Laurent NAGLE lnagle@parisnanterre.fr

Field Research Assistant LuiKotale Bonobo Project

 The LuiKotale Bonobo Project (LKBP) is looking for field assistants to join an international team of senior researchers, PhD students, and research assistants at the LuiKotale field site in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Candidates will collecting ranging, behavioral and ecological data for the site’s long term data. Duties include focal follows of individual bonobos (nest-to-nest follows); collecting and processing vegetation samples; reviewing camera trap footage; and transcribing and securing field data. Candidates will be trained by senior staff and PhD students and are expected to jointly work with assistants of different nationalities. Data are collected from focal individuals belonging to different habituated bonobo communities using a combination of hand-held Cyber tracker devices, Dictaphones, and long-hand notes.

The Luikotale research site is very remote, and can only be accessed by taking a small charter plane from Kinshasa and a subsequent hike of 25 km across dense and swampy forest. There is no running water, phone coverage or internet access. Electricity is limited to power supplied by solar panels. Daily communication is restricted to text-only emails transferred via the camp’s short wave radio. Satellite phones are available in the event of an emergency. Assistants sleep in sheltered tents and mostly eat simple, local foods (e.g., beans, manioc and rice). Both French and English are spoken in the camp.

Field conditions are physically and mentally challenging; work hours can be very long, and assistants are sometimes exposed to severe weather and tropical diseases. Team members live in close proximity to one another and have to adjust to changes in the team composition. Please carefully consider whether you will be able to cope with these conditions for an extended period of time before applying for this position.

Candidates express an interest in animal behavior, behavioral ecology and/or anthropology. Due to the remoteness of the field site and its challenging physical and social environment, all candidates must be (a) physically fit; (b) resistant to mental stress; (c) self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision while out in the field; and (d) tolerant of different social customs and beliefs. Good social skills and the willingness to work as part of a team are essential. Previous tropical field experience and experience navigating with a compass and GPS unit are assets, but not required. Note that the LKBP adheres strictly to gender equality and will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. 

Candidates need a health insurance covering expenses in case of a health emergency by charter plane. Expenses for the initial entrance visa, the health insurance, and the costs for the stay in Kinshasa are not reimbursed. The project will cover costs for the long-term visa in DRC, the domestic return flight upfront, and a contribution of up to 800 Euro to the international return ticket AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE APPOINTMENT.

Salary: 300 Euro/month for the initial three months of training; 500 Euro thereafter 

Term of appointment: 9-12 months, starting in September 2022

Applications include an updated CV, a letter of motivation that shows how the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above, references of three people (or their contact information). Applications should go to Dr. Gottfried Hohmann (hohmann@eva.mpg.de) and Dr. Barbara Fruth (bfruth@ab.mpg.de)  

Information about the research and conservation activities at LuiKotale is available at

https://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/research-groups/bonobos/luikotale-study-site.html

https://www.eva.mpg.de/ecology/staff/fruth.html#c20572

https://www.bonobo-alive.org/index.html

Deux offres de stage de niveau M2

Pour l'année 2022-2023 ,deux offres de stage de M2 (ou césure) en Psychologie du développement / Ethologie humaine / Cognition, au sein du Laboratoire Ethologie Cognition Développement de l'Université Paris Nanterre. 

Psychologie du développement, Cognition, Ethologie Humaine, Psychophysiologie Laboratoire Ethologie Cognition Développement Université Paris Nanterre Thème : Apprentissage social en contexte humoristique chez les bébés humains : mesures de données physiologiques et comportementales L'humour est un type de jeu présent dans toutes les cultures humaines (Apte, 1985 ; Lefcourt, 2001). Il peut être défini comme le fait de ressentir ou d'exprimer quelque chose de surprenant et de drôle, accompagné d'une réponse émotionnelle positive telle que la joie, elle-même exprimée par des comportements spécifiques tels que le rire, le gloussement ou le sourire (Booth-Butterfield & Booth-Butterfield, 1991 ; Martin, 2007). On sait que l'humour peut avoir une influence positive sur l'apprentissage chez l’adulte et chez les enfants d'âge scolaire (Banas et al., 2011), cependant peu d’études ont porté sur ses effets les apprentissages des tout-petits. Ce projet est basé sur l’étude d’Esseily et al. (2015), qui a mis en évidence un effet massif de l’humour sur l’apprentissage social de l’utilisation d’un outil chez le bébé de 18 mois. Il fait partie du projet ANR EmoLearn, qui évalue l'influence de l'humour, du rire et des émotions positives sur l'apprentissage social des bébés au cours de la seconde année de vie. Plus spécifiquement, il s'agit de mesurer, lors d’une tâche d’apprentissage social, les émotions des bébés (joie, surprise, neutralité...) au travers de données comportementales (performance à une tâche d’imitation, suivi de regard, vocalises), de mesures physiologiques et d’analyses des expressions faciales. Deux sujets de stage niveau M2 (rémunérés) sont proposés : Stage A : ce sujet porte sur la décomposition des différents constituants de l’humour. Est-ce l’humour en soi qui améliore l'apprentissage chez le bébé ? Les différents constituants de l’humour, tels que la surprise, le rire ou plus généralement les émotions positives et/ou l’affiliation avec le démonstrateur sont-ils suffisants pour générer un tel effet ? Pour répondre à ces questions, nous réaliserons une série de conditions qui ferons varier la nature et le moment où aura lieu le contexte social/émotionnel. Début du stage à définir entre octobre 2022 et janvier 2023 inclus. Stage B : ce sujet vise à identifier les mécanismes psychologiques impliqués dans l'amélioration de l’apprentissage social des bébés en contexte humoristiques. Nous réaliserons une étude utilisant le suivi du regard des bébés (à l’aide d’un eye-tracker) dans des contextes neutres ou positifs afin d’identifier les processus cognitifs impliqués sur les processus attentionnels et d’anticipation des bébés pendant les différents types de démonstrations. Début du stage : janvier 2023. Nature de la mission : Passations d’expériences avec des bébés âgés entre 14 et 20 mois. Recueil et analyses de données multi-dimensionnelles (comportementales, physiologiques). Dans le cadre de nos expériences nous utilisons notamment des bracelets électroniques qui mesurent différentes constantes physiologiques telle que la conductance et la température cutanée, la variation de la fréquence cardiaque et l'accélérométrie. Ce stage inclut ainsi la mesure et l’analyse d’un gros volume de données. Plusieurs logiciels devront être pris en main tels que The Observer XT (Noldus ©, pour le répertoire comportemental et l’analyse simultanée de données multi- factorielles), BabyFace Reader (Noldus ©, pour la mesure des expressions faciales) et l’analyse du suivi regard. Les analyses statistiques seront réalisées à l’aide du logiciel R Studio. Le stage implique de travailler certains samedis pour les passations d’expériences. Les passations pourront avoir lieu au BabyLab de Nanterre, au domicile des participants, et/ou à la cité des bébés (partenariat avec la Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie), à définir en fonction du protocole final retenu. Prévoir des déplacements (en transports en commun) sur Nanterre, Paris et petite couronne. Profils recherchés : étudiant.e en M2 ou année de césure entre le M1 et le M2 avec statut étudiant, en psychologie, éthologie, biologie du comportement, neurosciences, sciences cognitives. Sens de la communication et bon relationnel pour les passations d’expériences (jeunes enfants et parents). Une expérience avec des logiciels d’analyses comportementales et statistiques seront valorisées (The Observer, Boris et équivalent ; R ou R Studio ; FaceReader (Noldus), logiciels d’analyse de suivi de regard…). Une expérience dans l’analyse des émotions, des données physiologiques et/ou de suivi de regard (eye-tracking) est fortement appréciée. Lieu : Laboratoire Ethologie Cognition Développement, Université Paris Nanterre, Nanterre (France) Encadrement : Lauriane Rat-Fischer (MCF) et Rana Esseily (MCF IUF HDR) Durée de la mission : 5 à 6 mois à temps complet Rémunération : gratification de stage sur la base légale (convention de stage obligatoire) Personne à contacter : Envoyer un CV et une lettre de motivation, en indiquant le sujet de stage préféré, dans un mail commun adressé à : Dr. Lauriane Rat-Fischer (l.ratfischer@parisnanterre.fr), Dr. Rana Esseily (resseily@parisnanterre.fr) et Romain Di Stasi (r.distasi@parisnanterre.fr)

Enseignant-e contractuel-le en méthodologie/statistiques

 La Faculté de Psychologie de Nantes Université recrute un·e enseignant·e contractuel·e en Méthodologie et Statistiques pour une durée d'un an (à partir du 1er septembre 2022) à temps plein (384 h).

Fiche de poste détaillée : https://www.univ-nantes.fr/medias/fichier/contractuel-2nd-degre-2022-2023-refsante-04_1652714557551-pdf?ID_FICHE=605463&INLINE=FALSE

une offre de stage et de bénévolat

 une offre de stage et de bénévolat .

AKATIA recrute des stagiaires ou bénévoles pour travailler avec les chimpanzés du centre de conservation.

english version below

FRANCAIS

Les chimpanzés d'Afrique de l'Ouest (Pan troglodytes verus) sont en danger critique d'extinction en raison de la disparition alarmante de leur habitat, du trafic illégal de leur viande et de leurs bébés. En Côte d'Ivoire, les chimpanzés sont victimes de l'expansion humaine mais aussi d'un trafic criminel organisé de bébés chimpanzés qui sont vendus principalement à l'étranger.

Les chimpanzés sont entièrement protégés par les lois internationales et ivoiriennes.

Akatia est une organisation ivoirienne visant à protéger les chimpanzés et les primates et en train de créer un sanctuaire pour les orphelins confisqués. Akatia est actuellement à la recherche de volontaires enthousiastes et motivés pour acquérir une expérience unique dans une organisation de conservation in situ tout en apportant leurs compétences au projet.

Nos missions de base de bénévolat comprennent:

  1 . Aide à la réhabilitation des chimpanzés:

 Etre dans la forêt avec les chimpanzés toute la journée, nourrir, soigner

 Nettoyez les cages de nuit et lavez les doudous des plus jeunes chimpanzés 

 Aide à la prise en charge des bébés nouvellement arrivés

  2. Participation à la vie quotidienne du projet:

 Préparation des repas pour l'équipe de bénévoles, nettoyage des parties communes, entretien du camp, etc.

 Sorties shopping pour les chimpanzés et les volontaires

 Participation si nécessaire à l'entretien des structures et au développement des infrastructures pour les chimpanzés et le camp

 Participation à tout autre projet particulier en cours en cours selon les compétences telles que la création du nouveau site du sanctuaire et la supervision des projets de construction

 Profil requis   :

   Disponible immédiatement

   Être motivé et enthousiaste pour découvrir et participer à un projet unique de conservation d'une espèce en voie de disparition

 Idéalement entre 24 et 50 ans

 Être en excellente forme physique et mentale

 Avoir un niveau de conversation en français parlé (et lu) afin de travailler avec l'équipe et la communauté locale

 Diplôme et / ou expérience dans les domaines suivants:

Experience avec les primates, en captivité ou à l'état sauvage

Experience avec la faune, en captivité ou à l'état sauvage

Gestion de la nature, conservation

Éthologie

Compétences manuelles spécifiques maçonnerie, électricité, soudure, connaissance des enceintes électrifiées, constructions ... un plus

 Etre aventureux et ne pas avoir peur d'une vie au milieu de la brousse et loin de la civilisation, sans contact avec le monde, au sein d'une micro-société

 Être ouvert à une nouvelle culture, patient, curieux, mais respectueux des habitudes et du projet locaux

 Un voyage de plusieurs mois et / ou une expérience de travail en Afrique est un gros plus

  Termes de la mission des volontaires:

 Mission de 6 mois minimum

 Les hébergements à Abidjan et sur place (camping) sont fournis

 Transport d'Abidjan au site

Aux frais du volontaire:

 Voyage de l'aéroport à notre hébergement à Abidjan (aller-retour)

 Billet d'avion pour la Côte d'Ivoire, Visa, assurance et vaccination

 A Abidjan, les frais de nourriture sont a la charge du benevole

Sur le site une allocation alimentaire de 10000 CFA / semaineTous les frais personnels supplémentaires pendant le séjour (boissons, cigarettes, nourriture supplémentaire, communication)

Conditions de rendez-vous: ASAP

Contact: akatiavolontaires@gmail.com

Plus d'informations: www.akatia.org et sur le réseau social (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

(Possibilité de prise en charge sous le statut de volontaire service civique sous condition d'avoir 25 ans ou moins le jour de la signature du contrat  et de ne pas avoir déjà fait de volontariat en service civique .)

ENGLISH

West African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus ) are critically endangered due to the alarming disappearance of their habitat, the illegal trafficking of their meat and babies. In Cote d'Ivoire, chimpanzees are victims of human expansion but also of an organized criminal trafficking of baby chimpanzees that are sold mostly abroad.

 Chimpanzees are fully protected by international and Ivoirian laws.

 Akatia is an Ivoirian organization aiming to protect chimpanzees and primates and in the process of creating a sanctuary for confiscated orphans. 

Akatia is currently looking for enthusiastic and motivated volunteers to gain unique experience in an in-situ conservation organization while bringing their skills to the project.

Our basic Volunteer missions   Include :

  1 . Help with the rehabilitation of chimpanzees :

        Bush walks in the forest with the chimpanzees all day

      Clean the night cages and wash the youngest chimpanzees doudous

        Help in the care of newly arrived babies

  2 . Participation in the daily life of the project :

        Preparing meals for the volunteer team, cleaning communal areas, camp maintenance, etc.

       Shopping trips for the chimps and volunteers

        Participation if necessary in the maintenance of structures and development of the infrastructures for the chimpanzees and the camp

        Participation in any other particular on-going project in progress according to the skills such as the creation of the new sanctuary site and supervising construction projects

 Required profile   :

         Available immediately

          Be motivated and enthusiastic to discover and participate in a unique project to conserve an endangered species

      Ideally between 24 and 50 years

        Being in excellent physical and mental shape

        Have a conversation level of French spoken (and read) in order to work with the team and the local community 

        Diploma and / or experience in the following fields   :

• Working with primates, in captivity or in the wild

• Working with wildlife, in captivity or in the wild

• Nature management, conservation

• Ethology

• Specific manual skills   masonry, electricity, welding, electrified enclosure knowledge, constructions ...

        Being adventurous and not scared by a life in the middle of the bush and far from civilization, without contact with the world, within a micro-society

        Being open to a new culture, patient, curious, but respectful of local habits and project

        A multi-month travel and / or work experience in Africa is a big plus

  Terms of volunteers mission   :

        Mission of 6 months minimum

        Accommodations in Abidjan and on site (camping) are provided

        Transportation from Abidjan to Site

At the volunteer’s expenses :

        Travel from the airport to our accommodation in Abidjan (round trip)

        Airfare to Cote d'Ivoire, Visa, insurance and vaccination

        In Abidjan , At the site  food allowance of 10,000 CFA/weeks

Any extra personal costs during the stay (drinks, cigarettes, extra food, communication)

Terms of Appointment: ASAP

Contact: akatiavolontaires@gmail.com

More information: www.akatia.org and on social network (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)