Job Ad - FIELD ASSISTANT - Needed for long-term Florida Scrub-Jay research

FIELD ASSISTANT -
Needed for long-term Florida Scrub-Jay research project with Dr. Steve Schoech's Lab at the University of Memphis. Study involves investigation of interactions between developmental conditions and adult behavior as well as demographic research in this free-living species. Research will be conducted at Archbold Biological Station near Lake Placid, Florida. Successful applicant(s) will have an interest in animal behavior, physiology, and/or ecology and will have completed, or will be close to completing, a Bachelor's degree in a related field. The successful applicant will have full color vision and be physically capable of working long hours in adverse conditions, including extreme heat and sun exposure, loose sand, and dense woody vegetation. Assistant will be allowed the opportunity to pursue an individual research project provided it does not deviate too far from the main research program. Nest searching experience and/or experience with birds is desirable but not required.
Preference will be given to applicants who show an interest in advanced studies in biology, such as graduate school. The position will run from early February to late May with exact start and end dates relatively flexible. Position(s) and compensation dependent upon availability of funding, which will be determined in December. The application should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three (3) references. Send all inquiries and applications to TRAVIS E. WILCOXEN,
twilcoxn@memphis.edu or via mail TRAVIS E. WILCOXEN, UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS, LIFE SCIENCE BUILDING, 3774 WALKER AVE., MEMPHIS, TN 38152 by NOVEMBER 22, 2008. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stephan J. Schoech, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
University of Memphis
Office: Life Sciences Room 335
3774 Walker Avenue
Memphis, TN 38152-3560

E-mail: sschoech@memphis.edu
Department of Biology WebPage: http://biology.memphis.edu
Personal WebPage: http://umpeople.memphis.edu/sschoech
Mechanisms, Evolution, and Behavior
Group<https://umdrive.memphis.edu/dfreemn1/www/index.MEB?uniq=-vma6z6>
Telephone: 901.678.2327 (office)
901.678.2661 (lab)
Facsimile: 901.678.4457

PhD opportunity in post-copulatory sexual selection

Expressions of interest are invited for a PhD opportunity to study post-copulatory sexual selection in the Behavioural Biology Research Group (BBRG) at Macquarie University's Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour (CISAB) (Sydney, Australia). The project would be supervised by Dr Phil Taylor and is open to Australian and overseas students.

The overall theme of the project is to explore factors influencing mating and reproductive decisions of female Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni; Tephritidae) (Q-flies), and the consequences of such decisions for both males and females. Within this overall theme, there is ample scope to tailor this project toward specific research interests of the student. For example, microsatellite DNA might be used to assess multiple paternity in wild or lab populations, and to identify male traits associated with paternity advantages. Spatial separation of each male's sperm in the female storage organs and differential usage of ejaculates from different males might also be investigated. Strategic variation in sperm storage by females or ejaculate size of males might also be considered. These are just examples of the type of question that might be addressed in this system. We have been working on Q-fly mating and reproduction for several years now (see publications on the BBRG website) and have already resolved most of the basic and technical issues. This previous work provides an excellent platform for a motivated and imaginative student. Ample facilities and resources are available to support a wide diversity of projects.

Depending on the preferred project direction, experience in the following areas would be valuable: Behavioural Ecology, Entomology Ecology, Animal Behaviour, Molecular Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Histology or Physiology. Demonstrated experience in the conduct of laboratory or field experiments, a working understanding of hypothesis testing and statistics, and evidence of research capability through publications or presentations at scientific meetings, would be an advantage.

A Macquarie University MQRES scholarship is available for students of any nationality with a record of high academic / research performance. These scholarships include a stipend (currently
AU$20,007 p.a. tax exempt) for 3.5 years, as well as allowances for relocation and thesis costs, and for international students would also cover international tuition fees and overseas health cover. Australian PhDs do not include coursework, and 3.5 years is ample tenure within which to complete a PhD project. Students on scholarships are not obliged to contribute to teaching, but may do so to supplement their income if desired. An additional AU$6,000 p.a. is provided toward direct research expenses, and several generous internal schemes are available to fund travel to visit overseas laboratories, for field work, and to attend conferences.

For further information about this project and scholarships, and as an expression of interest, please contact Dr Phil Taylor (phil@galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au) before 14 November 2008. In your email, please include electronic copies of your CV, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate academic transcripts (including grades).

Additional Contact Details:

Tel: +61(0)2 9850 9463
Fax: +61(0)2 9850 9231

BBRG: http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~phil/
CISAB: http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~cisab/

Volunteer chimpanzee department Stichting AAP

Hiring Organization:
Stichting AAP

Date Posted:
2008-10-16

Position Description:
The chimpanzee department of Stichting AAP rely greatly on the help of volunteers to be able to offer dedicated and a high level of care for our chimpanzees. All chimpanzees in our care have been rescued from all around Europe, from circuses, illegal pet trade, ex-laboratories and bad zoos that were closed down.The chimpanzee department has grown in size in 2005 mostly due to the arriving of 28 ex-laboratory chimps. We now house a total of 47 chimpanzees and can still offer a home to others in need.
Working conditions; At present we are looking for volunteers to help prepare the food for the chimpanzees, make enrichments, and any other tasks that needs completing. Stichting AAP holds a strict hands-off policy, so volunteers have no direct contact with any of the animals, and feeding and other caregiver tasks are not done by volunteers. All volunteers do have the opportunity to learn more about chimpanzee care and behaviour.
Working hours; A normal workday starts at 8.30am and ends at 17.10pm. Breaks are taken throughout the day including two coffee breaks and lunch (13.00-13.45). Tea, coffee and lunch are free of charge during your volunteer period. You will be required to work a three or four day schedule, which will include working either a Saturday or a Sunday. We are looking for volunteers all year round for a minimum of three months.

Qualifications/Experience:
Experience working with animals/primates is desirable, but Stichting AAP is also a good place to gain experience. The chimpanzee department communicates in English, due to an international team, so a good level of spoken English is required. You will need to be physically fit to be able to complete the range of tasks in the chimpanzee department. Volunteers must be willing to learn and understand the ethics of Stichting AAP.

Health; Volunteer work in the chimpanzee department is physically demanding, so good physical health is required. A vaccination to protect you against tetanus is required, and vaccinations against Hep B are highly recommended as this will give you the opportunity to do additional tasks near the animals. A negative TB result is also required, either in the form of a mantoux test or an X-ray, before you can work around the chimpanzees. For our administration, we will need a copy of your vaccinations.

Salary/funding:
No salary or funding is available.

Accommodation in our AAP house is free of charge while you are a volunteer at Stichting AAP. Lunch is free of charge on your working days.
You will need to fund all other expenses yourself, such as flights, food during your stay, health and travelinsurance etc.
Stichting AAP will refund travel costs to and from work within the Netherlands, the full public transportation costs, and some help towards petrol costs.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accommodation is mostly available in the AAP house situated in Almere city. This could include a shared bunk bedroom. The kitchen , living space and bathroom are all communal areas. Wireless internet (own laptop required)and a phone line are available. If you require accommodation, please inform us as soon as possible as spaces are limited.

Term of Appointment:
All year round for a minimum of three months.

Comments:
How to apply;
If you're interested in a volunteer position within our chimpanzee department, please send your resume, letter of interest, vaccination status and the dates you're available to Mr. Adam Ally. adam.ally@aap. nl.
You can also visit our website www.aap.nl for general information.

Contact Information:
Adam Ally
Kemphaanweg 16
Almere 1305AH
Netherlands

Telephone Number:
+31 (0)36-5238762

Fax Number:
+31 (0)36-5384240

Website:
http://www.aap.nl

E-mail Address:
adam.ally@aap.nl

Orangutan Behaviour Field Manager

Hiring Organization:
Orangutan Tropical Peatland Research Project

Date Posted:
2008-10-18

Position Description:
Based at our Setia Alam Field Station, you will manage the orangutan behaviour research team as part of a larger multi-disciplinary research and conservation project. We have been studying 32 wild orangutans in the Sabangau Peat-swamp forest since 2003, making a major contribution to our understanding of this endangered species.

Tasks include field data collection; leading a team of Indonesian field assistants; planning schedules and logistics; data entry; ensuring that the projects scientific objectives are being met and collaborating with a number of external research projects.

Field days are typically 12 hours or longer, and can be extremely physically demanding, especially in the wet season.

Qualifications/Experience:
The successful applicant will have prior experience of undertaking field research, preferably in a tropical environment; have experience of leading a team; be physically fit and willing to learn Indonesian.

Salary/funding:
Unpaid

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
All in-country costs are covered by the project, including food and accommodation provided at our base camp in the jungle, plus monthly stipend of Rp 250,000 to cover incidental costs.

Term of Appointment:
One Year Fixed Term

Application Deadline:
1 November 2008

Comments:
The position starts January 2009 for a fixed term of one year. If you are interested in applying please send your CV and a covering letter to info@orangutantrop.com. We will be interviewing shortlisted candidates in Cambridge, UK or by telephone for overseas applicants.

Contact Information:
Simon Husson
United Kingdom

Website:
http://www.orangutantrop.com

E-mail Address:
info@orangutantrop.com

Field Assistants: Tufted Capuchin Monkey at Iguazú Falls Argentina

Hiring Organization:
Andrea Green

Date Posted:
2008-10-11

Position Description:
Field assistants are needed for a research project investigating fitness differences between color vision variants at Iguazú Falls, Argentina.
The work will include: basic maintenance of the existing trail system, basic botanical work, behavioral observations,conducting field experiments, and data entry. The work is in the forest both on and off trail in areas with dense undergrowth and bamboo stands. The field assistants will be trained in Argentina. Basic accommodations are available at the field station.

Qualifications/Experience:
Fieldwork is very demanding mentally and physically. Encounters with spiders, snakes, coatis, and other animals are common. The camp can be cramped at times and with the same people for a long period of time. The field worker must be comfortable working under demanding conditions, rising early, being in the field for long hours, have the ability to get along with others, and be self-reliant. The ability of speak Spanish is preferred. Applicants should have a BA or BS in a related field and previous fieldwork.

Salary/funding:
There is no salary

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Local travel is provided. Other expenses might be covered depending on grant status, but should not be expected. The living costs here are very reasonable. Write for more specifics on monthly costs.

Term of Appointment:
At least a 6 month commitment is required. Longer commitments will be preferred

Application Deadline:
Applications are on-going. Apply 3 months before your desired start date

Comments:
Applications should include an application letter (including relevant experience and time commitment), CV/résumé, as well as names, phone numbers and e-mails of 2 references. Applications by e-mail are preferred.

Contact Information:
Andrea Green
32 Campus Dr. DBS/HS104
Missoula, MT 59812
USA

Telephone Number:
(406) 243-6016

Fax Number:
(406) 243-4184

E-mail Address:
annie.green@mso.umt.edu

Volunteer field assistant needed immediately - White-faced capuchins, Costa Rica

Hiring Organization:
Valerie Schoof, Graduate student, Tulane University

Date Posted:
2008-10-10

Position Description:
I am looking for an independent and capable volunteer field assistant to participate in a study of male reproductive strategies in white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus). The field site is located in the dry tropical lowland forest of Santa Rosa National Park in northwestern Costa Rica.

While in the field, the assistant will be expected to collect full-day behavioral observations and fecal samples. Other responsibilities include (but are not limited to) data entry, field processing of fecal samples, and trail cutting and maintenance.

This position is ideal for someone interested in gaining field experience in preparation for graduate school. You will learn various field methods relevant for the study of animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and socioendocrinology.

Qualifications/Experience:
• Preference will be given to applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Physical Anthropology, or other related fields.
• Experience working with primates is not necessary, though experience with animals, camping and/or working outdoors is strongly preferred.
• The ideal applicant should have prior experience with living or working in a foreign country, with special preference for developing countries.
• Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not necessary; however, a willingness to learn is expected.
• Applicants must:
o Be in good physical and mental condition;
o Be comfortable away from family and friends;
o Be emotionally mature, energetic, dedicated, very patient and have very good social skills, especially in small groups;
o Be willing to put up with insects, scorpions, snakes and other pests; being alone in the forest;
o Be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging, tiring, and sometimes frustrating work;
o Have a strong interest in primate behavior and want to have fun learning and working with them!

Salary/funding:
Limited funding at this time. I will reimburse round-trip airfare to Costa Rica (up to $1000) upon completion of the arranged duration of the assistantship
You are responsible for your room fees while in the park (US$10/day), food, any expenses related to time off or visa renewal, health and travel insurance, immunizations, and your own personal field clothes, boots, and binoculars.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
See above.

Term of Appointment:
Minimum 6 month commitment; 10 month commitment preferred. Position begins immediately through September 2009 .

Application Deadline:
rolling

Comments:
Serious applicants please contact me at vschoof@tulane.edu. Applicants still interested in applying after initial contact should submit the following (via email):

1. Brief Curriculum Vitae including relevant coursework, previous field/outdoor/travel experience, and where/how you can be contacted;
2. Letter of interest (please include dates you are available);
3. Contact information for at least two persons willing to act as referees (preferably professors or research supervisors with whom you've worked closely).

Contact Information:
Valerie Schoof
USA

E-mail Address:
vschoof@tulane.edu