Job opening: Acoustic monitoring of forest elephants

[Dave Mellinger <>]

[This is forwarded from Russ Charif <>, but please don't respond to him.]

Please direct responses to Katy Payne, 


Job posting:
Acoustic monitoring of forest elephants
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY

Location: Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York; various field sites in West and Central Africa, initially Gabon

The Bioacoustics Research Program is seeking a conservation scientist at the Research Associate level to serve as Project Leader of the Elephant Listening Project (ELP). This is an established project which, in its first five years, has developed acoustic protocols for monitoring African forest elephants for purposes of ecosystem and species conservation. The work so far has taken the form of a) baseline studies of the acoustic behavior of a visible forest elephant population, b) development and partial testing of a model using elephant call rates and call types as indicators of population size and composition, and c) collaboration with other projects in the Bioacoustics Research program in the development of hardware and software for gathering and rapidly analyzing long acoustic recordings. ELP's mission is comprised of two objectives: 1) to establish acoustic monitoring as a practical method for gathering information on endangered terrestrial species, with elephants as a case in point; and 2) to produce reliable information about forest elephant populations in West and Central Africa, and see that information used to promote their long-term conservation. The accomplishment of this mission will reflect the Lab of Ornithology's and Bioacoustic's overall commitment to species and ecosystem conservation.

Qualifications for candidates: PhD is required in a relevant field (e.g., conservation biology, population biology, animal behavior, bioacoustics). Candidate should have previous international field experience, previous success in fund-raising, proficiency in statistical analysis, interest in elephants, bioacoustics, and conservation. Working knowledge of French and demonstrated supervisory skills are desirable.

Timing: This initially 3-year position could begin as early as August 2005. Salary will be based on experience.

To apply: Please send C.V., a letter of application stating your qualifications and interests, a writing sample of your choice, and the names and addresses of three recommenders to Jennifer Harris, Human Resource Associate, Cornell University, 265 Roberts Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853; or Email: 

Closing date: July 15, 2005, or until position has been filled.

Contact: Katy Payne
Bioacoustics Research Program
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Email: 
Phone: (607) 539-6538 or 254-2468

Cornell University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.