Hiring Organization:
University of Roehampton (PhD student)
Date Posted:
2013-07-11
Position Description:
I am looking for 3 research assistants to work on a PhD project examining personality in wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) in the Ifrane National Park, Morocco. Participation in the research offers the opportunity to learn a range of techniques and protocols, including:
- Behaviour data collection
- Playback experiments
- Novel-item experiments
- Non-invasive hormone sample collection
Work at the field site is physically and mentally demanding. The field site is between 1,400 and 2,000 m a.s.l. and weather conditions can vary dramatically across the year, with temperature ranging between 35ºC in summer to -5ºC and snow in the winter months. Hence, interested individuals should be physically fit. The field site is in the beautiful cedar and oak forest of the Atlas Mountains and it is close to the Moroccan imperial cities of Fez and Meknes.
The successful applicants will live in the town of Azrou in an apartment block with basic amenities including wireless internet access and hot water. The accommodation will be shared with me and the other assistants, which would make a total of 4 people.
For more information about the field site and work in Morocco, visit the Barbary Macaque Project’s website/blog: http://barbarymacaque.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk.
Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field experience (not necessarily with primates) is essential.
Applicants should:
- Have a background and strong interest in primatology, behavioural ecology or related fields.
- Have a sound knowledge of behavioural (e.g. scan and focal sampling techniques) data collection methods.
- Be prepared for long days in the field in a challenging environment.
- Be open-minded and independent, prepared to adapt to living in a foreign culture, and able to work as part of a team.
- Being able to speak French/Arabic would be an advantage; being able to speak English is essential.
- A valid driving license would be useful, but is not essential.
Salary/funding:
This is an unsalaried post, and in order to help cover the basic living costs involved with the successful applicants will be required to contribute up to £200/€230 per month (price for accommodation is currently being finalized). This will cover rent, internet and utility bills, and should be sufficient to cover food costs also.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The research assistants will be responsible for their own flight costs and health insurance. All transport within Morocco will be provided.
Term of Appointment:
Field work is set to commence in early September 2013 and will last for 6 months. Applicants must be able to work for the whole study period.
Application Deadline:
Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.
Comments:
To apply please send a cover letter discussing your suitability for this position (one side A4 maximum), your CV, and the contact details of two academic referees to tkaczynp1@roehampton.ac.uk. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, and I shall get back to you as soon as possible, via email or Skype if you prefer.
Contact Information:
Whitelands College, Holybourne Avenue
London SW15 4JD
United Kingdom
Telephone Number:
+44 (0) 20 8392 3532
E-mail Address: