Absdigest Digest, Vol 16, Issue 22
James Ha
jcha at u.washington.edu
Tue Aug 5 20:34:49 EDT 2008
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A B S n e t - Electronic Newsletter
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Maintained in association with the Animal Behavior Society
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Editors: * James C. Ha Internet: jcha at u.washington.edu
** Shan D. Duncan Internet: sdduncan at abs.animalbehavior.org
Today's Topics:
1. Field assistant wanted, Falkland Islands, late Sept 2008 to
late Dec 2009 (Steve Ramey)
2. Job Posting (Francys Subiaul)
3. Job ad (Renee Ha)
-->4. Auction 2008 (Renee Ha)
-->5. Animal Behavior Society Book List (Laura Sirot)
6. Digital Video Recorders question (Fripp, Deborah)
7. Two tenure-track positions at Macquarie University ~ Sydney
(James Ha)
8. Info request: Class to take in VCE: Ethology (Spence, Tracy)
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Message: 1
From: Steve Ramey <aboffice at indiana.edu>
Subject: Field assistant wanted ? Falkland Islands ? late Sept 2008 to
late Dec 2009
/Can you:/
/Mist-net small birds?/
/Work long hours unsupervised in harsh natural conditions?/
/Contribute to your own expenses?/
/The project/
We are investigating the behaviour and breeding ecology of two species
of plover in the Falkland Islands by monitoring colour-ringed
individuals through time. This will be the fourth year of tracking
breeding and survival of these populations.
We are interested in the effects of predation and genetic divergence on
behaviour and survival of several different Falkland Islands bird
species; working at a site which has no introduced mammals, we will
investigate the importance of avian predation on different prey species,
and also collect DNA samples from different species for comparison with
related populations in mainland South America.
Lastly, we are designing and trialling a protocol for monitoring the
abundance of several different species of landbird at a given site –
monitoring which is vitally important for the persistence of vulnerable
island populations.
See my webpage here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/biodiversity-lab/stclair.html for a brief
(and only slightly out-of-date) description of my project.
/The place/
The study site is on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands
(http://www.sealionisland.com/index.php/uk/38/) which is a Ramsar
wetland of international importance, an Important Bird Area, an
Important Plant Area, and an incipient National Park. Accommodation on
the islands is in a Portakabin, with intermittent heating and hot water.
The only buildings on the island belong to Sea Lion Lodge, which is a
hotel visited mainly by birders and wildlife photographers. The island
has colonies of three penguin species, southern giant petrel and other
seabirds, a healthy population of striated caracara and large breeding
populations of elephant seals; it is a beautiful and inspiring place to
work. However, weather can be harsh and a great deal of walking is
required to cover the study site.
/The job/
The job run from mid to late September 2008 to late December 2008. It
will consist of a short period of training with me, and then up to three
months of independent work with minimal supervision, as I will be
working elsewhere in the islands for much of this time. You will be
searching for nests (all species) and individual plovers/families and
monitoring survival until outcome using re-visits and nest cameras. You
will make focal observations on some nests to determine incubation
routines and the effects of extreme weather on cooperation between
parent birds.
A number of different landbird species will be captured by mist-netting
for blood sampling and biometric measurement.
Lastly, a monitoring protocol for land-bird abundance will be trialled
to quantify repeatability and usefulness. The monitoring is planned to
be continued by community participation and will involve marking out a
transect route and encouraging visitors to collect data.
/The candidate/
This is a volunteer post – applicants must be willing to pay for their
own transport to the study site, and to contribute to their expenses
once there.
You will be a keen birder with sharp eyes and plenty of experience of
mist-netting small passerines. You must be personable and happy to
engage with visitors to the island, to explain the project and encourage
participation in bird monitoring. You must be physically fit,
hard-working and meticulous and have a proven ability to work
independently. As you will appreciate from the project description, this
is a very diverse project which will involve many different challenges.
A proven ability to collect high-quality data is essential (i.e. a good
degree in a biological subject or equivalent experience) and you should
be prepared to type up your data in the evenings and during stormy
weather! You must have a positive attitude and an ability to look after
yourself – this means cooking your own meals and being capable of
working alone for a substantial period of time, including Thanksgiving
and Christmas. There is a payphone and slow internet access at the
Lodge, so you will be able to make and receive calls and emails to/from
loved ones.
/Costs/
I fly from the UK via the RAF airbridge, which at the reduced rate for
researchers costs £1275, although it may be possible to fly through
South America on the LanChile airline for less money. I expect that a
budget of *£2000* would cover your flights and expenses for the whole
field season; in reality, expenses should be considerably less. To put
this in context, a tourist flying from the UK to Sea Lion Island will
pay ~£2,200 for return flights, and £133 per night for accommodation!
/Interested?/
Please send a current CV with an email stating why you feel you are a
strong candidate to me at jjhsc20 at bath.ac.uk <mailto:jjhsc20 at bath.ac.uk>
I will also need the contact details of two referees.
If you have any questions, please direct them to me at the same email
address or give me a bell on UK 01225 385 437.
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Message: 2
From: Francys Subiaul <subiaul at aol.com>
Subject: Job Posting
NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION POST-DOCTORAL
FELLOWSHIP IN PRIMATE COGNITION
The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park (SI/NZP) in collaboration with
The George Washington University (GWU), Ape Mind Initiate (AMI) is
soliciting applications from qualified candidates with a doctoral degree
and a specialization in Primate Cognition. The primary focus of the
research is to support a National Science Foundation funded program, “The
Evolution of Cultural Learning” directed by Dr. Francys Subiaul. This
comparative research program focuses on studying different types of
imitation learning (e.g., motor-spatial and cognitive imitation) in human
children and apes (subiaul.com/ ami.html). This position is part of the
Think Tank and Great Ape House research program, which are home to 6
orangutans and 6 gorillas. Emphasis will be placed on a new
education/research direction that will involve the public as well as high
school and university students in the AMI, SI/NZP research program.
The position is for 2 years with the possibility of renewal. Salary will
be competitive but limited by NSF funding constraints. Applications should
be sent electronically and include: a letter of interest and a letter of
research stating how the applicant’s own interests and experiences are
compatible with the funded research program, a CV, and the names of three
referees including emails and current affiliation. Applicants should
submit all application materials to Dr. F. Subiaul subiaul at gwu.edu.
Questions about the zoo program may be directed to Lisa Stevens, Curator,
Primates and Giant Pandas (stevenslm at si.edu). Only complete applications
and candidates with doctoral degrees (or those who anticipate a Ph.D. by
the start of the appointment) will be considered. The review of
applications will begin on July 1 and continue until the position has been
filled.
**************************************
Francys Subiaul, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Mind, Brain & Evolution Center
Speech & Hearing Science
The George Washington University
2115 G Street, N.W. # 204
Washington, D.C. 20052
202-994-7208 (Office)
202-994-1344 (Lab)
202-994-2589 (Fax)
subiaul at gwu.edu (Email)
subiaul.com (Web)
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Message: 3
From: Renee Ha <robinet at u.washington.edu>
Subject: Job ad
Avian Biologist/Ecologist
Avian Ecology Research Opportunity
Institutional Affiliation: University of Washington, Animal Behavior
Program
Funding: Division of Fish and Wildlife, Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands
Location: Rota, Northern Mariana Islands
Job Description: Looking for postdoctoral-level individual to conduct
research on the Mariana crow and Rota bridled white-eye on the island of
Rota in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Nearly
all forest bird species on this small 86 sq km island located in the
Pacific are experiencing declines. There is funding through the CNMI
Division of Fish and Wildlife to continue Mariana crow and Rota bridled
white-eye population ecology research, and similar research on associated
native forest birds. The research is located on the island of Rota, near
Guam and part of the CNMI. The Mariana Crow is endemic to Rota and Guam.
It has been almost extirpated from Guam due to the Brown Tree Snake.
Qualifications: Must have a Ph.D. in relevant field (Biology, Wildlife,
etc). This research will require spending approximately 9 months/year on
the island catching, banding, radio-tracking, and monitoring birds, and
supervising students (undergraduate and graduate). The postdoctoral
candidate will also be expected to contribute to reports to US FWS, data
analyses, grant-writing and publication in collaboration with the PI and
Co-PI. This is a physically challenging position on a remote island and
will require a highly motivated individual. Housing conditions are good
on the island, but the fieldwork conditions are rough. Thus, candidates
must have good physical ability to tolerate the rough terrain and
temperature/humidity. Individuals with allergies to wasps/bees should be
aware that they are prevalent in some areas of the island and medical care
on the island is limited. This position requires that you be a team
player as research will be coordinated through the Principal
Investigators, the US FWS and the CNMI DFW. The candidate must possess a
valid driver's license.
Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities include a working knowledge of
crows or similar species, radio-tracking experience, experience with avian
field techniques, background in conservation biology, public outreach
experience, and experience with supervision, training and coordination of
field staff, students and volunteers.
This project has tremendous long-term research potential, as most of the
native bird species are endemic to either Rota or the immediate
archipelago. The initial funding is available through the local CNMI DFW
from now-September 30, 2009, and there is a strong potential for continued
funding. The start date is dependent on logistical arrangements. Shared
housing will be provided if desired. A vehicle will be provided for the
project, so it will not be necessary to ship a vehicle to the island.
To Apply: Send your C.V., letter of application stating your
qualifications and interests, and three letters of recommendation to the
e-mail or snail-mail address below.
Salary: based on experience
Last Date to Apply: July 31, 2008
Contact: Renee Robinette Ha, Ph.D.
University of Washington
Animal Behavior Program
Box 351525
Seattle, WA 98195
E-mail: robinet at u.washington.edu (Preferred)
Phone: 206-685-2380 (checked infrequently)
Website for project (in progress):
http://depts.washington.edu/rabep/index.html
The University of Washington is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.
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Message: 4
From: Renee Ha <robinet at u.washington.edu>
Subject: Auction 2008
*** ABS Snowbird Meeting Silent Auction Reminder ***
Bring Items to SNOWBIRD to Donate!!
Bring Items from Home, Pick up Items in your Travels or from your Field
Sites, or Obtain Donations from Supportive Colleagues and
Organizations. The more items we have, the more likely the auction will
be as successful as it was last year!
What kind of items or services seem to be desirable?
* Books on Animal Behavior, Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Applied
Animal Behavior, etc.
* Autographed books from ABS authors
* Items with animal themes (t-shirts, jewelry, calendars, decor,
greeting cards, posters, etc.)
* Software useful for members (statistics, data collection, etc.)
* Videotapes for teaching or entertainment with behavior themes.
* Donations from zoo gift shops
* Memorabilia from past ABS meetings and members (vintage
artifacts)
* Animal Photography
* Animal Artwork
* Statistical consulting, behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo, etc.
* Items from the Oaxaca region or meeting
* Anything legal that appeals to ABS Members!!
Items that you donate for the auction will be placed at the meeting on
tables next to bidding forms, or described if the item is not present.
During the meeting, members will visit the tables and bid on items by
entering their bid on the bidding form. The auction will continue for
several days while members bid against one another. The member with the
highest bid at the deadline wins the item and takes it home with them.
Drop your items at the Registration Desk!
Funds raised will support Graduate Student Research or Latin American
Affairs (the donor chooses)!
Contact Us About Your Donations
James Ha ( jcha at u.washington.edu )
Renee R. Ha ( robinet at u.washington.edu )
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Message: 5
From: "Laura Sirot" <ls286 at cornell.edu>
Subject: Animal Behavior Society Book List
Is your book on the Animal Behavior Society Member Book Site? Please check
at http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSBooks/abs-books. By posting your book
title on the Animal Behavior Society Member Book Site, you will gain more
publicity for your book. In addition, if someone purchases your book
through the ABS web site, this benefits the Animal Behavior Society
because the society will earn a percentage of the purchase.
To add your book to the list, please email the author(s) and title to
Laura Sirot: Ls286 at cornell.edu
********************************************
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Cornell University
421 Biotechnology Building
Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone: 607-254-4826
Fax: 607-255-6249
******************************************
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Message: 6
From: "Fripp, Deborah" <deborah.fripp at dallascityhall.com>
Subject: Digital Video Recorders question
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone could help me with an equipment problem.
I am looking for a standalone digital video recorder to replace my old
VCR-based recording systems (standalone so it can go into the field). I'd
like it to be able to do all the things I can do with my VCR-based
version: multiplexing, time-lapse, scheduling whenever I want, etc. I'd
also like it to be able to copy the video to an external hard-drive
(preferably USB) that I could look at on any computer. And, of course, it
needs to be reasonably priced.
I've been having a very hard time finding something that meets these
requirements (especially flexible scheduling and data removal). Has
anyone found a good digital system to replace their analog recording
systems? Contact me at deborah.fripp at dallascityhall.com if you have any
suggestions.
Thanks so much,
Deborah Fripp, Ph.D.
Zoologist, Dallas Zoo
deborah.fripp at dallascityhall.com
phone: 214-671-0994
fax: 214-670-6717
650 S. RL Thornton Fwy
Dallas, TX 75007
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Message: 7
From: Chris Evans <chris at galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au>
Subject: Two tenure-track positions at Macquarie University ~ Sydney
[Editor's note: Chris will be at Snowbird and would like to take
advantage of the meeting to chat with people who might be interested
in applying.]
Two tenure-track positions at Macquarie University ~ Sydney
* Low teaching load
* Generous startup funding
Ref. 21359 / 21360 Animal Behaviour
Macquarie's Concentration of Research Excellence in Animal Behaviour
builds on established strength in the analysis of mechanism and
function (http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~cisab/). We wish to add
breadth to our research program by making additional appointments in
two of four target areas. This is an ideal opportunity for
imaginative scientists who are prepared to challenge existing
paradigms and wish to work in a stimulating collaborative environment.
Applications are invited from:
Neuroethologists interested in examining topics such as sensory
processes or the way patterns of natural behaviour develop or are
encoded in an organism
Sensory Ecologists examining how perceptual abilities and
computational processing shape social behaviour
Performance Physiologists investigating the capacity of individuals
for functionally critical behaviour, with the goal of understanding
constraints and processes
Quantitative Geneticists studying the heritability of behaviour
and/or experimentally driving evolution in model systems.
Essential criteria
Applicants must have:
* PhD or equivalent
* International scientific reputation
* Outstanding record of peer-reviewed publication with high impact
* History of success in attracting external research funding
* Ability to recruit and supervise postgraduate students
* Research interests that complement those of existing staff
Desirable criteria
Preference will be given to applicants with:
* Ability to communicate and interact effectively with students,
staff and the community
* Excellence in teaching, particularly in upper-level courses
designed to expose undergraduates to new research findings
* Proposed research program that can be accommodated within existing
infrastructure.
Base salary range $(Aus) 84,413 - $(Aus) 111,773, plus 17% employer
superannuation contribution.
Enquiries: Chris Evans on +61 (0)2 9850 9230 or email
chris at galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au
Chris will be at ABS in Snowbird and would be delighted to discuss
this opportunity with potential applicants.
Closing date: August 31, 2008.
Macquarie University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a
commitment to diversity and social inclusion. We encourage
applications from Indigenous Australians; people with a disability;
those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and
women (particularly for senior and non-traditional vacancies).
N.B. only those applications submitted via the Macquarie University
Online Recruitment System will be accepted:
http://www.jobs.mq.edu.au
For further information about the CORE recruitment program visit
http://www.research.mq.edu.au/excellence
Explanatory notes
The Australian academic scale has five levels (A-E). The usual
starting appointment for a recent PhD is Level A. Staff with some
years of postdoctoral experience typically begin at Level B. Level C
is hence roughly analogous to the North American rank of Associate
Professor, while Level D corresponds approximately to the lower steps
in the full Professor scale.
As of 23 July, the $(Aus) is worth $0.97 (Real Money).
--
_____________________________________________________________________
Christopher S. Evans, PhD
Director, CISAB and Animal Behaviour CORE
Macquarie University
Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
phone: +61 2 9850 9230 fax: +61 2 9850 9231
Lab web page: http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au
Centre: http://galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au/~cisab/
_____________________________________________________________________
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Message: 8
From: "Spence, Tracy" <Tracy.Spence at police.vic.gov.au>
Subject: Class to take in VCE: Ethology
I am trying to get information for my daughter, who is requesting
information on subjects for VCE next year in Ethology. This information
is required urgently and I am running out of time. It would be
appreciated if you could email any information that might assist. I do
not want information on Zooloist as I have that information already.
Ethology is the only information I am after, if you could email me back
on tracy.spence at police.vic.gov.au
This information is required ASAP as it needs to be handed in by next
Friday 8th August. See my emails below
Many thanks
Tracy Spence
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Contact Addresses:
James Ha
Department of Psychology and National Primate Research Center
University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
Shan D. Duncan
Animal Behavior Society Central Office at Indiana University
2611 East 10th Street #170, Bloomington, IN 47405
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End of Absdigest Digest, Vol 16, Issue 22
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