Maryjka Blaszczyk (Ph.D. candidate, New York University)
Date Posted:
2012-01-24
Position Description:
Seeking a volunteer field assistant to participate in a study of personality and social behaviour in wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) in South Africa. This position involves the collection of behavioural data during all day follows of vervet groups between dawn and dusk 5-6 days per week, and data organization on parts of off-days as needed. The study site is Soetdoring Nature Reserve, which is a 40 min drive from Bloemfontein, a city with hospitals, malls and other facilities. Accommodation will be in a room shared with another field assistant in a small town 15km from the reserve.
Successful applicants will be trained in all of the specific field methods to be employed in this study, and the position provides a good opportunity to gain experience in fieldwork and animal behavior research.
Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants should have had coursework in animal behavior, behavioural ecology, zoology, primatology or other relevant fields. Expertise in behavioral observation methods is not required, as successful applicants will receive training in the data collection methods used in this project. Some experience in field biology, is, however, preferred. The applicant should have experience in scientific research, and be able to follow protocols closely and collect data in a systematic fashion.
Applicants must be comfortable spending whole days in the field, sometimes alone, and must be both physically and mentally fit for long and challenging workdays. Critical personal characteristics for this position are being a hard worker, being reliable and self-motivated, being able to follow instructions carefully, and being able to work independently. Applicants should be fluent in English.
Applicants with a driver’s license are preferred, and experience driving a manual transmission vehicle is an advantage.
Salary/funding:
Living expenses will be partially subsidized in the form of a stipend of $150/month after completing a 1 month trial period on the project. Applicants will be responsible for all living expenses for the first month. Equipment needed to work on the project will be provided.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Successful applicants will be responsible for the following expenses associated with the position: flights to and from the field site ($1200 - $1700), visas, health and travel insurance, and part of monthly food and accommodation costs. Accommodation and food costs should come to around $400-$450/month, and applicants will be responsible for the total cost minus the $150 subsidy (i.e. around $250-$300/month).
Term of Appointment:
May/June to mid-December 2012.
Application Deadline:
Until position is filled.
Comments:
To apply:
Please email the following to mbb348@nyu.edu:
(1) A cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and why you are suitable, including your previous experience, qualifications, and future career goals. Please also state your availability (available start and end dates).
(2) Your CV.
(3) Contact details of at least two references. Your references should preferably be people who have supervised you in a research capacity (professors or research supervisors) and who will be able to provide information about your experience, training, and suitability for fieldwork.
Contact Information:
Maryjka Blaszczyk
Department of Anthropology, 25 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10003
USA
E-mail Address:
mbb348@nyu.edu