mercredi 7 mars 2012

PhD Positions Available in Orangutan Behavioral Ecology

Application deadline 31 March, 2012

Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic has openings for several students to conduct research on orangutan parasitic infections. This is the first research project to investigate special behaviours and ecological conditions necessary to maintain health in wild orangutans. In addition, it is the only on-going and long-term orangutan health research project being conducted in the world at this time. This is partly due to the complexity of self-medicating behaviours of the orangutan and the astonishing variety of flora in the rainforest, as well as geographical and seasonal variations.

The primary focus of this research investigates how wild orangutans combat parasitic infections by the use of specific rainforest plant species.

Main topics of research are:
1. Orangutan parasite infections, including the effects of certain ecological factors
2. Diversity and host specificity of the Orangutan malaria parasite
3. Anti-parasitic properties of extracts isolated from Indonesian plants and their effect on selected parasitoses.

Possible field work may include sampling and data collection from several sites in Sumatra (Langkat and Aceh Tengara) and Kalimantan (Sebangau and Mawas area). The PhD program usually consists of four years of coursework and supervised dissertation research. In addition, the faculty encourages students to conduct part of their dissertation research at partner institutions in other countries or to participate in collaborative research projects. All doctoral study programs at the Faculty of Science are accredited in both Czech and English languages; prospective students may thus apply in either language.

Candidate Requirements

Candidates are expected to have strong backgrounds in the fields of parasitology and animal population ecology, as well as sufficient English language skills (both spoken and written) to fully understand the study materials. Applicants are required to hold a corresponding degree from a university, and be capable of working both independently and as part of a team. Candidates are expected to have:
o Experience with coprological methods
o Experience with molecular methods of isolation and PCR
Furthermore, the following skills are advantageous:
o Experience with parasite culturing techniques
o Experience with data analysis in community ecology, statistical analysis of biological data and multivariate statistical methods
Applications Please enclose a cover letter expressing motivation, Curriculum Vitae, and contact information for 3 references by 31 March, 2012 For more information or for questions, please contact Dr. Ivona Foitova at: foitova@sci.muni.cz.

Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic has two post-doc positions available for three year contracts.
Position 1: Self-medicating behaviour in orangutans and natural antiparasite compounds found in orangutan diets.
Research objectives include:
o Evaluating the hypothesis that the eating of specific plants or their parts by orangutans corresponds to a decrease in parasite load.
o Identifying biologically active plant extracts, and to isolate compounds with potential anti- inflammatory and antiparasitic properties in the orangutan diet.

Position 2: Relationship between medicinal plants and parasites; development of in vitro and in vivo systems suitable for investigating antiparasitological, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of selected plant extracts on known orangutan parasites, including malaria. Research objectives include: o Developing comparable in vitro and in vivo systems suitable for studies on selected parasites. o Testing selected compounds for antiparasitic activity on selected parasite cultures through application of biologically active compounds (to both in vitro and in vivo systems), and subsequent evaluation of the parasite’s pathogenic impact and host immunological status.

Candidate Requirements

Candidates are expected to have strong backgrounds in the fields of parasitology, animal population ecology, molecular biology, and immunohistochemistry, as well as sufficient English language skills (both spoken and written) to fully understand the study materials. Applicants are required to hold a corresponding degree from a university, and be capable of working both independently and in a team. Candidates should posses:
1. Knowledge of techniques for parasite assays and identification in faecal samples (preferably with orangutan and or primates faecal samples)
2. Experience with molecular methods of isolation and PCR
3. Experience with parasite culturing technique
4. Experience with data analysis in community ecology and statistical analysis of biological data and multivariate statistical methods
5. Knowledge of automatic sequencing (Sanger), and ability work with phylogenetic programmes

Applications and Terms of Employment
To apply, please enclose a cover letter expressing motivation, Curriculum Vitae, a list of publications, and contact information for 3 references. The contract is for 3 years, with a salary of 55,000 CZK per month. For more information or for questions, please contact Dr. Ivona Foitova at: foitova@sci.muni.cz.