January 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

phd research training class in aquatic animals
by Magnus Wahlberg 03 Jan '08

03 Jan '08

A Ph.D. Class on Research Training of Aquatic Animals Many branches of biological research relies on trained animals under human care. Animal training thus fulfills a very important role in biological research, and appropriate training methodologies are crucial for obtaining and adequately interpreting data. This class is inteded for graduate students and trainers specializing in research training of aquatic animals. The first part of the class contains lectures and practical trials on basic training paradigms, such as classical conditioning and positive reinforcement. The second part deals with special training techniques for marine mammal and fish training. The students are exposed to lectures by some of the foremost experts in the world on animal training, as well as on very highly esteemed scientists whose research methods involve animal training. Lectures are combined with practical trials where the students train and try out various training methods under the supervision of the teachers. When: Monday 2nd to Wednesday 11th of June, 2008 Where: Fjord&Bælt, Kerteminde, Denmark. Funded by: The Nordic Marine Academy from the Nordic Research Council, and the Research Graduate School SNAK, University of Southern Denmark Organized by: Magnus Wahlberg, Fjord&Bælt and University of Southern Denmark Workload: 5 ECTS Maximum number of students: 24 Fee: Students from Nordic countries free of charge including room and board, students outside this region will be charged 3.000 DKK for participation, including room and board. Applications consisting of a maximum 1-page letter motivating why you want to be enrolled in this class, and a maximium 1-page C.V., should be emailed or posted to Magnus Wahlberg, Fjord&Bælt, Margrethes Plads 1, DK-5300 Kerteminde, Denmark, magnus(a)fjord-baelt.dk or magnus.wahlberg(a)biology.au.dk no later than 1st of March, 2008. Successful candidates will be notified by 15th of March, 2008. Teachers Björn Mauck (BM), Ph.D. and Professor, University of Southern Denmark Colleen Reichmuth (CR), Ph. D. and Associate Professor, Long Marine Lab, Santa Cruz, USA Ken Ramirez (KR), vice president, John G Shedd Aquarium, USA Kirsten Andersen (KA), animal curator, Odense Zoo, Denmark Mats Amundin (MA), Ph.D., chief Biologist, Kolmården, Sweden Marie-Anne Blanchet (MAB), M.Sc., senior trainer, Fjord&Bælt, Denmark Marlee Breese (MB), senior trainer, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, USA Paul Nacthigall (PN), Professor, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, USA Richard Fay (RF), Professor, Parmly Sensory Sciences Institute, USA Schedule (still subject to major changes) Students share rooms in hostel, where breakfast is served. Lunch and dinner is served on at the marine station. Monday 2nd of June 9-10 MW -Welcome and general introduction 10-12 KR - Introduction to Training & Basic Conditioning 14-15 MB - Chicken Training Intro 15-17 KR - Basic Operant Conditioning Continued 20-21 MW - Tour around Fjord&Bælt Tuesday 3rd of June 9-10 KR - Non-Formal interactions 10-11 MB - Chicken Training 11-12 KR - Cooperative Behavior Introduction 14-15 MB - Chicken Training 15-16 KR - Husbandry Training 16-17 MB - Chicken Training 20-21 Bertel Møhl and Søren Andersen: Origins of research training of marine mammals in Denmark Wednesday 4th of June 9-11 KR - Advanced Operant Conditioning 11-12 MB- Chicken Training 14-16 KR - Advanced Operant Conditioning Continued 16-17 MB - Chicken Training 20-21 KA + MB: Harbour porpoise training at F&B Thursday 5th of June 9-10 MB - Chicken Training 10-12 KR - Problem Solving 14-15 MB - Chicken Training 15-16 KR - Aggression 16-17 MB - Chicken Training Friday 6th of June 9-10 MB - Chicken Training 10-12 KR - Research Training (tied to previous lectures) 14-16 RF - Research Training 16-17 MB - Chicken Training Saturday 7th of June 9-12 RF - Training fish for psychophysical studies 14-18 KA - Tour to Odense Zoo 20- Dining at Skovbakken, Odense Sunday 8th of June 9-10 MB + PN - Research training of dolphins 10-11 PN - Food deprivation and other controversial techniques 11-12 PN - Trainer and scientists team work, a historical perspective of do's and don'ts 14-17 MB - Chicken trainining BM + MAB + MB: Harbour porpoise and harbour seal training demo 20-21 MAB + Kristian Beedholm: Porpoise hearing studies at F&B using ABR Monday 9th of June 9-12 CR + BM - Research training of seals 14-16 Desensitization in marine mammal training 16-18 Training projects wrap-up 20-21 MA - Training Cetaceans for sound production studies Tuesday 10th of June Group evaluations including video observations of training sessions Wednesday 11th of June 9-11 Sum-up discussion around training projects 11-12 MW + KA - Where do we go from here: a Nordic network on research training 12-13 Class evaluation and farewell

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SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS – SUMMER 2008
by laura-joan fire 03 Jan '08

03 Jan '08

SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS – SUMMER 2008 Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along Canada's coastal rainforest through SEACR's Marine Research Intern Program! The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research - SEACR - is a non-profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research on the ecology of nearshore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several long term ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology and resource use of marbled murrelets in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by the Whale Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/) MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns live and work at a remote research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia. Interns assist experienced and dedicated marine ecologists with ongoing field research and analysis related to coastal and marine ecology. Internships are offered on a competitive basis, *at cost* and provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, marine mammal and bird research, the Pacific coastal ocean environment, mentoring with established researchers in marine ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard! We have a limited number of 3 or 4-week Marine Research Internship available for the 2008 Summer. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. If you are interested in applying for a position, please see the details of our application process on our website http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html Questions regarding the MRIP application or internships can be directed by email to: whalelab(a)mail.geog.uvic.ca **************************** Laura Joan Feyrer Director Society for Ecological and Coastal Research P.O. Box 35052 Victoria, British Columbia CANADA V8T 5G2 whalelab(a)mail.geog.uvic.ca

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Foundation Marybio
by els＠marybio.org 02 Jan '08

02 Jan '08

Dear all,We are proud to announce the official start of Foundation Marybio, an organization dedicated to the scientific research of marine mammals in Patagonia, born as the result of an excellent cooperation between Belgian and Argentine scientists!Marine mammals speak to the human imagination for centuries now. They are symbol of wisdom, elegance and mystery and form an important part in their ecosystem. Nevertheless, still too many factors form a threat towards these animals and their wellbeing. Therefore, with Marybio we want to dedicate us to the achievement of a better knowledge and understanding of these animals and their environment in the unique area of Patagonia. Besides research, we also strive for an improvement of the public awareness through educational and informative programs as we are convinced that they are crucial factors for the conservation and preservation of wildlife!With kind regards,Foundation Marybio Kladdenbergstraat 34 - 2650 Edegem - Belgium

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MARVET California 2008
by Raymond Tarpley 02 Jan '08

02 Jan '08

We would like to announce a MARVET workshop (Marine Veterinary Medicine) for graduate veterinarians to be conducted at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA from July 7-10, 2008. Please visit www.marvet.org for further information or email Raymond Tarpley (info(a)marvet.org) MARVET California 2008 [TAKING APPLICATIONS] (Sausalito, California, July 7-10, 2008 ~ based at The Marine Mammal Center) offers graduate veterinarians an intense lecture and hands-on workshop, directed toward critical veterinary care and rehabilitation of stranded pinnipeds - primarily California sea lions, harbor seals and elephant seals. Students will have the opportunity to perform traditional diagnostic workups and develop therapies for actual cases at the Center, and perform necropsies with a Board-Certified pathologist. The contribution that rehabilitation facilities make to species conservation and ecosystem health will be examined. The Marine Mammal Center (www.tmmc.org) is a state-of-the-art veterinary treatment and holding facility, reflecting emerging societal concerns for environmental responsibility through energy efficient architectural design – new construction for the Center and its veterinary hospital is currently in progress with completion planned in late 2007. Tuition includes lodging and all course activities.

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Job: Lab manager, Southwest Fisheries, NOAA, La Jolla, CA
by Phillip Morin 02 Jan '08

02 Jan '08

The Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) in La Jolla, CA, seeks a lab manager for its Molecular Ecology Laboratory. Responsibilities include production of high quality genetic data for phylogenetic and population structure studies primarily of marine mammals and sea turtles by: · overseeing daily operations of the genetics laboratory and its systems, · training laboratory personnel and students in basic laboratory techniques, · serving as liaison between project investigators and laboratory staff, · supervising laboratory technicians, · tracking status of all projects moving through the lab, · providing technical guidance, problem solving, and troubleshooting of laboratory methods · procurement of laboratory supplies and equipment, · ensuring maintenance of laboratory equipment and environment · providing fiscal oversight of laboratory budget and maintenance of a cost effective research environment He/she must communicate with and report to principle investigators and collaborators on a regular basis, and be familiar with relational databases for laboratory data input, quality control, and tracking of projects. Additionally, she/he will: Oversee development and testing of new technologies and protocols to improve our data quality and efficiency; Introduce and evaluate new technology to improve our research capacity; Track and manage the laboratory budget using MS Access and Oracle databases; Assist in the development, monitoring, and maintenance of project budget and schedules; Produce and provide data to other laboratories within NMFS, to international organizations such as the International Whaling Commission, and to collaborators; Coordinate lab activities with members of other programs and divisions within the SWFSC Required Qualifications: Ability to effectively communicate and interact with staff in a team-based environment. Requires a high degree of autonomy, flexibility, independent judgment, and leadership skills. Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology or related field, at least 3 years experience with molecular genetics research methods including DNA extraction, microsatellite genotyping, SNP genotyping, and DNA sequencing, and experience with overseeing the operation of a lab, including procurement, training of new personnel, data quality control and assurance, and project management. Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates who pay attention to detail, have good organizational skills, and can work collaboratively with others. This is a full-time position with a two year term limit, but with potential for extension. Salary commensurate with experience and will include benefits. Candidates must be U.S. Citizens. The job is currently open for applications through January 23, through the web site www.usajobs.com. Please contact Phil Morin for details (phillip.morin(a)noaa.gov ). http://swfsc.noaa.gov/prd.aspx Announcement Number: NMF-SWC-2008-0008 Position: Supervisory Research Biologist (Lab Manager), ZP-401-III Location: La Jolla, CA Open: January 2, 2008 Close: January 23, 2008

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Positions Vacant - Research Biologist
by McDonald, Kate 01 Jan '08

01 Jan '08

Research Biologist (Marine Mammals) Permanent Full Time The Zoological Parks Board of NSW (ZPB) has an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual with suitable experience, to join our team as a Research Biologist on a permanent full time basis. As part of the Scientific Research and Wildlife Conservation Division based at Taronga Zoo, the Research Biologist will be required to grow the research capacity within the ZPB by ensuring research is relevant, economical and productive, with a focus on programs encompassed by the Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre (AMMRC). The successful applicant will possess: * PhD or post doctorate experience in population management, reproductive physiology and/or acoustics in marine mammals. * Excellent academic track record measured by the number of publications in high impact factor scientific journals. * Experience with conducting research on in-situ populations. * Working knowledge of research related legislation and the conduct of Animal Ethics Committees. * Demonstrated experience, confidence and effectiveness in communicating research and science to the broader community. * Demonstrated success in obtaining research grants, fundraising and sponsorship. * Demonstrated leadership and ability to effectively supervise research staff/students including undergraduate and postgraduate (PhD) students. * Effective administrative, planning, organizational and time management skills. * Demonstrated ability to monitor, maintain and report on budgets. * Well developed verbal, interpersonal and written communications skills. To obtain an information package including the position description, application form and selection criteria, please visit www.zoo.nsw.gov.au (About Us) or contact Rebecca Spindler on 02 9978 4608, or email rspindler(a)zoo.nsw.gov.au Applications addressing the selection criteria should be sent to HR Officer, ZPB, PO Box 20, Mosman 2088 by Thursday 31 January 2007 quoting reference. no. 2007/581. Taronga and Western Plains Zoos - Contributing to Conservation Kate McDonald Human Resources Officer Zoological Parks Board of NSW Ph: (02) 9978 4626 Fax: (02) 9978 4582 Email: kmcdonald(a)zoo.nsw.gov.au ____________________________________________________________________ This message is intended for the addressee named only and may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of the Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales. ____________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been scanned for viruses for the Zoological Parks Board of NSW by MCI's Internet Managed Scanning Services - powered by MessageLabs. For further information visit http://www.mci.com

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