Hiring Organization:
University of Stirling
Date Posted:
2013-07-31
Position Description:
Research assistant for behavioural and endocrinological data collection for PhD research project on black-and-gold howlers on Isla Brasiliera, Chaco, Northern Argentina.
The candidate will assist with data collection for a research investigating the communicative role of sexually dichromatic colouration in male black-and-gold howlers inhabiting the island of Isla Brasiliera.
The major work consists of collecting behavioural data as well as faecal samples, which later will be used for hormonal and parasite analyses, assistance with conducting field experiments and obtaining calibrated digital images of selected individuals.
Isla Brasiliera is a 292 ha island, uninhabited by humans and located on the Parana River in Northern Argentina (Chaco Province). With its dense, periodically flooded central forest, it is a home to over 30 groups of free-ranging howlers (this research involves 12 of the groups).
Qualifications/Experience:
Essential requirements: BSc in biology, zoology or another related discipline, understanding of behavioural data collection methods (full training will be provided), very good level of physical fitness and ability to swim (long hours in the field require a lot of hiking), endurance of tropical conditions (high temperature, humidity, insects, mud), positive and mature attitude towards work and others (co-workers and local people, with perhaps different customs and traditions), strong motivation and ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
Language skills: fluent spoken and written English is required, spoken Spanish is an advantage
Salary/funding:
None. This is a volunteer position. Permits to work on the island are arranged. It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain Argentinean visa.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Food and accommodation are provided.
Accommodation during data collection is a flat shared by the researcher and all assistants, located in the village of Isla Cerrito (basic standard, without internet access). Daily travel from logging to fieldsite requires canoe crossing of the Parana River. Accommodation is also provided at the EBCO research station during days of rest (with free internet and close proximity to the city of Corrientes).
(http://ebco.blogspot.com.ar/ ,http://tropicalconservationscience.mongabay.com/content/v1/08-06-09-Zunino-Kowaleski.pdf)
Covering the costs of travel to Corrientes, Argentina will be the responsibility of the applicant. Costs of travel between the fieldsite and EBCO research station are covered.
Term of Appointment:
3 months or longer, starting in August 2013
Application Deadline:
open
Comments:
Applicants are requested to send an updated CV, a letter of interest and names of 2 referees
Contact Information:
116 Third Street
Peterlee SR8 4EH
United Kingdom
Telephone Number:
01915869235 (UK),
E-mail Address: