dimanche 24 novembre 2013

SENIOR RESEARCHER in Biological Conservation of Vertebrates


Tour du Valat is a private research foundation dedicated to research and conservation of Mediterranean wetlands. It was founded in the Camargue in 1954 by Dr Luc Hoffmann and has been a pioneer in a range of fields: multidisciplinary research, building bridges between science, management and public policies, management plans,… It has developed a level of scientific expertise internationally recognised and which provides practical responses to conservation issues. It has catalysed the formation of partnerships at the local, national and international levels. Based on a 2600 ha estate it provides extensive laboratory and office facilities in the heart of a rich variety of wetland and other Mediterranean habitats. Tour du Valat research team works in close cooperation with several national and international research centres notably neighbouring teams at Montpellier, and Marseille universities and CNRS, with the Edward Grey Institute (Oxford), the Donana Biological Station (CSIC, Sevilla), etc.
Further details of the Tour du Valat can be found at: http://www.tourduvalat.org/ The Tour du Valat comprises approximately 60 staff including 10 senior research fellows and 10
graduate students.
Tour du Valat is looking for a senior scientist for developing its research and conservation programme.
The primary duties will be to develop a research programme in an area that covers and/or complements the current research interests of the Species Department at the Tour du Valat foundation.
The objective of this department is to find solutions to conservation problems involving Mediterranean wetland species, including both threatened and problem species. Its conservation objectives are based first and foremost on scientific knowledges, involving both the direct running of entire research projects and the transfer and application of information produced by the scientific world in general.
In particular, applications from individuals with research interests in the following areas are welcomed:
1. Population ecology of birds, with a particular emphasis on long-term studies of individually marked birds in a meta-population context. Tour du Valat has a tradition of research in population biology of birds, and maintains large data sets relating to individual life-histories in several species of land and waterbirds.
2. Ecological health:
Zoonoses and the role of Mediterranean wetland species in their epidemiology. Effect of treatments (antiparasitics, antibiotics, antivectors, etc.) on the wildlife of Mediterranean wetlands. Impact of pathogens on the dynamics of Mediterranean Wetlands species


The successful candidate will possess:

A doctoral degree in an appropriate subject. A strong track-record of research and fund raising for research. At least 7 years experience in research and team management. A clear interest in applied research and conservation.
Expertise in modelling and experience in Mediterranean countries will be a plus.
Salary:depending on experience and starting date to be agreed (the position is available immediately).
Duty station: Tour du Valat, Camargue, France. Starting date: as soon as possible after 1 February 2014.
How to apply:
Please send application to daubigney@tourduvalat.org (ref: TdV-2013-SR) by 31 December 2013: · a covering letter; · a curriculum vitae; · a list of publications;
· an outline of the proposed programme of research (2 pages max); · the names and contact details, including email addresses, of three referees, including one recent
employer.
Short-listed candidates will be invited for interview in January 2014. They will be invited to give a short presentation on their research and research plans to the selection committee. Interview expenses will be reimbursed.
Any queries about the application process may be addressed to Florence Daubigney daubigney@tourduvalat.org.