Dear Ecologers,
Two research assistant positions to participate in a frog captivity breeding project in the Amazonian cloud forest of Oxapampa in Peru are open. We are collaborating with a team of researchers from the <http://hokelab.weebly.com/> Hoke lab at Colorado State University to study the development of hearing structures in frogs. We are comparing the hearing ability and differences in morphology in the ear structures of 12 species of toads in the genera Rhinella and Atelopus that are found in different regions Peru and Ecuador. In the coming years we will study the developmental processes that might lead to species differences in ear structures and hearing ability, and also the differences in gene expression that would guide those developmental differences using transcriptomics techniques in the laboratory at Colorado State University. CDS <http://www.cds-peru.org/#!frog-project/ehxxp> is the main home base for this project in Perú. In the study we are learning about the reproductive ecology of four important species. Because very little is known about these species, in addition to contributing to the overall study of hearing structures in toads, we are documenting important behaviors and species characteristics of these endemic amphibians. The findings of this project will aid in the conservation of these very understudied species, and will also contribute to our overall understanding of the development of hearing and ears across all animals. The research team is also implementing exhibits at international museums focused on educating the public about the crisis of global amphibian declines and contributing to efforts to breed and reintroduce critically threatened frog species that are on the IUCN Red List. Position 1. Native insect breeding development The training involves developing/modifying and following protocols for local insect breeding. Experiments and field trips are included in the training. Activities include collecting insects, establishing optimal breeding conditions and taking care of the insects under this project. You will be working in our lab in Oxapampa, Peru and will share other intercultural activities with interns, assistants and volunteers in our center. All collected data from the captivity breeding project will be entered into a database. Possible participation in peer review papers. Minimum stay: two months of training. Position 2. Frog captivity breeding development The training involves developing/modifying and following protocols for frog captivity breeding activities. Experiments and field trips are included in the training. Activities include collecting frogs/tadpoles, establishing optimal breeding conditions and taking care of adults, tadpoles and metamorphous. All collected data from the captivity breeding project will be entered into a database. Possible participation in peer review papers. Minimum stay: two months of training. Interest in amphibious and/or insects research is preferred. Assistants must be motivated, self directed and prepared for working during the day and some nights looking for frogs. Start date: to arrange with the assistant Cost of the program: $650 per month. It includes housing in a tent or shared room (depending availability), 3 meals and snacks, local transportation from Oxapampa-CDS-Oxapampa, supervision, training, field equipment, materials and the possibility of participation in peer review articles. Taxes and wire fees not included. TO APPLY please contact Florencia Trama at infocds.p...@gmail.com or ftr...@centroneotropical.org We look forward to hear from you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ph.D. Florencia Trama Centro de Capacitación en Conservación y Desarrollo Sostenible (CDS) http://www.cds-peru.org/ <http://www.centroneotropicalperu.org/CECACDS-EN.htm#s7> http://www.centroneotropicalperu.org/CDSmain.htm https://www.facebook.com/ConservacionyDesarrolloSostenible Oxapampa, Peru. Phone +51989862698 or +51979771832 Skype: florenciatrama
