Opportunities for ornithologists (OSNA bird jobs)

Osnabirds.org  
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PHD STUDENT POSITION at Zurich University. Location: Zurich, Switzerland. Job Type: Student. Application deadline: 12 November 2012. Job description: 1 PhD position in Evolutionary Biology is available at the Institute of Anthropology, University Zurich (Switzerland) under the supervision of Michael Griesser and Carel van Schaik as co-supervisor to study the effect of proximate factors on family living in birds. The full time position is funded for up to 3.5 years, starting January 2013. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to work on the effect of proximate factors leading to family formation in Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus). This bird species is well investigated and earlier studies focused on the role of parental investment for family living (Ekman & Griesser 2002, Griesser et al 2006, Griesser 2008). We will use a combination of field experiments, long-term data and physiological analyses (e.g. testosterone & corticosteroid levels) to investigate the proximate factors that drive within brood competition and dispersal, as well as cooperation among group members. The candidate will benefit from a strong interest in social evolution and behavioural ecology. The Anthropological Institute & Museum at the University Zurich offers a stimulating, international work environment with researchers working in related, relevant topics (cooperative breeding and social evolution in primates, birds and dolphins). The working language at the Institute is English. The fieldwork for the project will take place in Swedish Lapland between late winter and early summer, and is at times physically very demanding. Thus the candidates must be able to cross-country ski and able to cope with temperatures down to -30C. Required qualifications: 1) MSc (or equivalent) in evolutionary biology, ecology, behavioral ecology or similar, 2) A strong interest in evolution of sociality and cooperation, 3) Field experience of behavioral observations and experimental work, 4) Bird handling and banding experience (including mist-netting), 5) Basic knowledge of molecular and/or physiological lab work, 6) Experience of climbing trees, 7) Highly motivated and sociable personality, 8) Project management skills and ability to work independently, 9) Drivers licence, 10) Excellent spoken and written English, 11) Conversational Swedish is a plus. If you wish to apply, send a motivation letter, CV, publication list, two contacts for references and short summary of your current research (preferable as a single PDF) to (EM: michael.griesser AT uzh.ch).

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN at Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics. Website: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/CCEG/default.cfm Location: Washington, DC. Duration: 1 year. Job Type: Temporary. Number of Openings: 1-2. Application Deadline: 9 Nov 2012. Job Description: Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoo We are recruiting at least one technician to conduct DNA analyses in the Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Laboratory. The position will involve basic DNA skills (DNA extraction, PCR and standard DNA sequencing), next-generation sequencing (454 and Illumina) library preparation, ancient DNA, and other molecular methods as required. The position is available initially for one year and will begin as soon as possible following the deadline, but no later than January 2013. Qualifications: Minimum qualification is a bachelor's degree in biology or similar field, or an equivalent combination of education or experience. Demonstrated laboratory experience in one or more of the above areas is required. To apply, email (1) a brief letter of application detailing your interests and experience in the methods listed above, (2) a current curriculum vitae or resume, and (3) names, addresses and phone numbers of at least three references to ROBERT FLEISCHER (EM: fleischerr AT si.edu). Please contact Dr. Fleischer if you have any questions concerning the position. Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute National Zoological Park PO BOX 37012 MRC 5503 Washington, DC 20013-7012 USA.

UMBC's POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP FOR FACULTY DIVERSITY at UMBC - Univ Maryland, Baltimore County (Omland, Lohr labs). Website: http://www.umbc.edu/facultydiversity/pdf/2013-2015Cohort_App.pdf Location: Baltimore, MD. Duration: 2 years. Job Type: Post-doc. Application Deadline: 15 Nov 2012. Job Description: The University of Maryland Baltimore County invites nominations and applications for the UMBC Postdoctoral Fellows Program for Faculty Diversity. UMBC is dedicated to ensuring a diverse, scholarly environment and encouraging outstanding individuals to enter the academic profession. The purpose of the Program is to support promising scholars who are committed to diversity in the academy and to prepare those scholars for possible tenure track appointments at UMBC. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who are members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in the professoriate. Qualifications: Applicants who have recently completed a PhD working on birds or are interested in research on birds are encouraged to look up research interests of and then contact KEVIN OMLAND (species trees, character evolution – EM: omland AT umbc.edu) or BERNIE LOHR (vocal communication, Grasshopper sparrow conservation -- EM: blohr AT umbc.edu) To Apply: Guidelines Fields Applications for study in any discipline represented on the campus are welcome. Please specify your discipline of interest. Stipend $40,000 a year. Eligibility Applicants who will have completed the doctoral degree no later than July 1, 2013 and no earlier than July 1, 2010 are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Application material: **Cover letter addressed to Ms. Autumn Reed, Program Coordinator for Faculty Diversity Initiatives ? Current curriculum vitae **Writing samples (e.g., publications and/or dissertation chapters) **Names and contact information for three references **A statement of research agenda (2-3 pages) **A personal statement that includes why you should be selected for this program and which department/programs should review your application (1–3 pages) **A list of UMBC department(s)/program(s) of interest Deadline Full consideration will be given to those applicants that submit all materials to MS. AUTUMN REED (EM: autumn2 AT umbc.edu) by 16 November 2012. A complete submission will consist of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing samples, names of three references, a statement of research plans, and a personal statement. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Review and Selection Applications will be reviewed by the appropriate department(s)/program(s), Dean(s) and the Provost’s Selection Committee. Semi-finalists will be announced in mid-January and finalists will be invited to campus for interviews in mid-February. Awardees will be notified by the first week of March. Contact Information Questions regarding the program may be addressed to: Ms. Autumn Reed, Program Coordinator for Faculty Diversity Office of the Provost University of Maryland Baltimore County Baltimore, MD 21250 (PH:  410-455-1099, EM: autumn2 AT umbc.edu URL: http://www.umbc.edu/facultydiversity).

SEASONAL AVIAN RESEARCH ASSISTANT Agency: Texas A&M University. Location: Texas. Job Description: Seasonal Avian Field Biologists (15-20 needed), late February or early March through August for multiple research projects focusing on ecology and management of songbirds, primarily the federally endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler, across several regions of Texas, on public and private lands. Duties may include presence-absence bird surveys, point counts, nest searching, behavioral observation, territory mapping, vegetation sampling, arthropod sampling, deploying nest cameras, mist netting, banding birds, maintenance of field equipment, data entry, and others, depending on the project and region. Project and region assignments to be determined based on qualifications and skills. Some positions may require regular travel among field sites across Texas. Requirements: experience or coursework in wildlife biology or closely related field; ability to collect data with strong attention to detail; ability to work 6+ days per week doing physically demanding work, with early mornings (0500); a positive attitude in adverse environmental conditions such as fire ants, chiggers, rattlesnakes, feral pigs, mountain lions, cows, poison ivy, normal daily temperatures of over 90°F, intense sun, thick and thorny brush, and steep and rocky terrain; ability to operate 4X4 trucks; patience and focus to quietly observe and follow birds; good eyesight and hearing; ability to work independently and in groups; must be comfortable working on public or private land and interacting with landowners; flexibility to changes in protocol or job assignments; must supply your own binoculars. Preference will be given to applicants with experience: identifying birds by sight and sound, nest searching, mist-netting and handling birds, identifying plants, navigating using handheld GPS unit, using Microsoft Access, Excel, ArcMap; possess a B.S. or B.A. in wildlife biology or closely related field. Positions will be filled as suitable applicants are identified. Pay: $700–800 every 2 weeks, depending on experience. Housing will be provided; facilities will vary depending on project and region. Some camping may be required during the term of employment. Please visit http://irnr.tamu.edu/RAMSES/ for more information about the variety of projects for which we are filling positions. Please write “RAMSES job application” in the subject line of your email. Submit cover letter detailing your qualifications, resume (including GPA), and contacts for 3 references (preferably email address) in 1 attachment to: (EM: ramsesirnr AT gmail.com). Please submit application materials as a single PDF document and include your last name in the file attachment.

CALIFORNIA CONDOR RESTORATION INTERNSHIP: Ventana Wildlife Society is seeking a qualified candidate to fill this position starting in December. This position offers hands-on field experience monitoring free-flying Condors in Big Sur, CA. Duties include radio telemetry tracking, food placement, nest observations and ecological interpretation to the public. This 6 month internship includes shared housing, a work vehicle and a food stipend of $293 every two weeks. Previous raptor handling experience, birding, behavioral data collection, remote outdoor experience and a commitment to active involvement in ecological conservation are preferred, but not required. Applicants must have the ability to hike in steep rugged terrain, lift loads in excess of 50 pounds, work outdoors in inclement weather and posses a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Applicants must also have an updated First Aid and CPR certifications before starting. Interested applicants please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to (EM: davidmoen AT ventanaws.org) For more information about the VWS Condor project go to: http://ventanaws.org/species_condors.