mardi 17 mai 2011

Field Assistant: Hormonal data collection in Barbary macaques in Morocco

Hiring Organization:
University of Göttingen

Date Posted:
2011-05-12

Position Description:
We are looking a research assistant to join a project investigating competition and cooperation in male wild Barbary macaques in the middle atlas mountains, Morocco. The project is in the final stages of data collection therefore this is a short term position of 6 weeks. We aim to collect hormonal samples in order to determine paternity of the new born infants. The principle investigator for the project is Chris Young a PhD student supervised by Prof. Julia Ostner of the University of Göttingen, Germany. The project is part of The Barbary Macaque Project, a longitudinal study into socio-ecology directed by Dr. Bonaventura Majolo of the University of Lincoln, UK and Professor Mohamed Qarro of Ecole Nationale Forestière d'Ingénieurs, Rabat, Morocco. For further details please see our website:

http://barbarymacaque.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/

The work at the field site is physically very demanding. The field site is between 1,400 and 1,900m a.s.l, in June/July temperatures are likely to be between 25 - 35ºC. Hence, interested individuals should be physically fit, have previous experience with field work in remote areas and be prepared to work long hours in challenging conditions. The successful applicant will live in the town of Azrou in an apartment block with basic amenities including internet access.

The Barbary Macaque Project has a fast growing reputation and many of our previous assistants have progressed into Post-graduate positions after completing their fieldwork so this is a great opportunity to gain fieldwork experience. We also have a blog which has various posts from past and present researchers which can give a good idea of the forest, town and research conducted by the project:

http://barbarymacaque.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/blog/

Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field experience is desirable but not essential. This is a short term position and could be ideal for an applicant wishing to gain further field experience in hormonal data collection perhaps before undertaking postgraduate studies or as an undergraduate student wishing to gain fieldwork experience during their summer break. Applicants should have some prior experience working in physically demanding conditions and also experience of living away from friends and family for a prolonged period. A strong interest in primatolgical research is a must.

In addition applicants should:
• Be mentally and physically fit for long days in the field in a challenging environment.
• Be prepared to adapt to living in a foreign culture.
• Be able to speak English (French/Arabic beneficial).
• Be adaptable and able to work both as part of a team and individually.
• Be reliable, patient, enthusiastic and committed to scientific research.
• Driving license is desirable.

Salary/funding:
No salary will be provided at this time.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The cost of accommodation will be covered by me.

Living expenses are to be covered by the applicant and should cost approximately £25 - £35 per week. The successful applicant should cover their own health and travel insurance.

Term of Appointment:
A commitment of 6 weeks is required for the position. The position is to begin approximately 15th June and a review of applicants will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. We do intend to fill the position as soon as possible.

Application Deadline:
Until position is filled.

Comments:
In order to apply please email a cover letter explaining pervious experience, interest and suitability to the position along with a CV (including details of 2 referees) and details of your availability. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Contact Information:
Chris Young
The Courant Research Center Evolution of Social Behavior, Göttingen University
Göttingen 37077
Germany

Telephone Number:
+447708526542 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +447708526542      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Website:
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/92425.html

E-mail Address:
chrisyoung1888@hotmail.co.uk