jeudi 3 juin 2010

Post-doctoral Position: Courtship Behaviour of the Ruffed Grouse

A post-doctoral position is available to assist in research on the courtship behaviour of the Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus). Male Ruffed Grouse produce a unique display known as drumming in which males beat their wings repeatedly. Our lab is interested in understanding this unique behaviour. The prospective post-doc will have the opportunity to work on several projects related to the structure, function and production of the drumming display. For example, there are no detailed analyses of the spectrographic structure of the drumming and there are numerous reports of how far the drumming sound carries. Similarly, we have mixed evidence regarding how Ruffed Grouse respond to drumming playbacks. A variety of experiments are needed to better understand the function of drumming and how males respond to drumming. These experiments will include playback to drumming males, playbacks following male removal, playback in conjunction with a stuffed model and modulating the spectrographic features of the drumming (e.g., frequency shifted, altered tempo, altered sound pressure level, etc.). The drumming itself is a reflection of environmental stimuli and the intrinsic physiology of the males. We are therefore also interested in examining the endocrine profile of drumming males by collecting fecal samples from drumming males and relating testosterone and corticosterone levels with drumming behaviour, as recorded from automated digital recorders. Finally, at an anatomical level, we are interested in examining the morphology and biochemistry of the pectoral muscles and the central nervous system.

Applicants with a record of peer-reviewed publications and a PhD in ecophysiology, behavioural endocrinology or bioacoustics will be considered. A salary will be provided for two years with a possibility of renewal for a third year. The successful candidate should be independent and self-motivated with an enthusiasm for developing new scientific ideas, training students and manuscript writing. Individuals will also be encouraged to develop their own ideas and projects complementary to the project. To apply, send: 1) a c.v.; 2) a brief description of how you see yourself fitting into the lab’s research program; 3) your research interests and goals; and 4) the contact details of at least two references to Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk (andrew.iwaniuk@uleth.ca). Review of applications will begin immediately with an anticipated start date no later than January 2011, but the start date is flexible. Further details on the lab’s research can be found at: http://web.me.com/aniwaniuk/Bird_Brains_Lab/Welcome.html

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Isabelle CHARRIER
Equipe Communications Acoustiques, CNPS-CNRS UMR 8195
Université Paris Sud, Bat.446, 91405 Orsay, FRANCE
Tel:(33-1).69.15.68.26 Fax:(33-1).69.15.77.26
Email: isabelle.charrier@u-psud.fr

new Isabelle's website: http://pinniped.free.fr/
Bioacoustics Team website: http://www.cb.u-psud.fr/