Hiring Organization:
University of Göttingen
Date Posted:
2011-07-26
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 will focus on coalition formation and male affiliative behaviour. The position will involve behavioural data collection on a group of habituated barbary macaques. The position is for a period of 4 months until the field data collection is concluded. The principle investigator for the project is Sabine Hähndel undertaking a Msc degree 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. and weather conditions can vary dramatically across the year, with temperature ranging between 35ºC to -5ºC and snow in the winter months. 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:
Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field experience is desirable but not essential. However, priority will be given to applicants who have experience of behavioural data collection on wild and/or free-ranging primates. Applicants should have prior experience working in physically demanding environmental conditions and also experience of living away from friends and family for a prolonged period. A strong interest in primatological 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 (German, French or 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.
• Experience using handheld computer behavioural data entry is desirable but training will be provided.
• Driving license is desirable.
Salary/funding:
unfortunately no funding or salary is available
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accommodation, flights and living expenses are to be covered by the applicant and should cost approximately £20 - £30 per week for living and £150 rent per month inclusive internet connection, water and electricity. The successful applicant should cover their own health and travel insurance.
Term of Appointment:
A commitment of 4 months is required for the position. The position is to begin middle of August to 1st September 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 previous 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:
Sabine Hähndel
Kellnerweg 16/25
Göttingen 37077
Germany
Telephone Number:
0176/23992277
Website:
http://barbarymacaque.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/
E-mail Address:
shaehndel@gmx.de