BABOON RESEARCH, SOUTH AFRICA
FIELD ASSISTANTS REQUIRED
For further information, please contact Gaelle Fehlmann (798266@swansea.ac.uk)
PROJECT
The research project is a collaboration between SHOAL group (www.shoalgroup.org) at Swansea University, UK, and the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Our focus for 2015 is to investigate (a) the energetic costs and consequences of baboon behaviour, and (b) the spatial-temporal distribution of baboon resources and risks.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
We are looking for volunteer field assistants for THREE months, from April to July 2015. Fieldwork will involve direct observation of wild, habituated baboons on foot, and some vegetation and wider environmental monitoring activities related to the baboons' space use. There will also be opportunity for volunteers to participate to the preparation of in-house designed collars containing various movement sensors, and assist with the capture and collaring of baboons. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate anyone wishing to collect data as part of MSc or BSc projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
Volunteers are generally expected to be graduates with a good degree in the biological sciences. This project is an excellent opportunity for graduate students to gain experience of field research before commencing a PhD. Applicants should be physically fit, enthusiastic and hard working. Previous experience of fieldwork is a bonus, but a good sense of organisation, personal skills and experience collecting behavioural data are essential. A full driving licence is needed.
CONDITIONS
Volunteers will be appointed as visiting researchers at SHOAL group, Swansea University, and will be issued University e-mail address, staff card, library access and full insurance for the fieldwork. The project will contribute a minimum of £500 towards the costs of your flight and living expenses in South Africa. Work-related travel costs in South Africa will be paid by the project. All data collected will be the property of the University of Swansea and the University of Cape Town.
APPLICATION
If you would like to apply for a volunteer position, please e-mail Gaelle Fehlmann (798266@swansea.ac.uk) and Andrew King (A.J.King@swansea.ac.uk) with your CV, a covering letter, and contact details (including e-mail) for two referees. Your e-mail application should have the subject header "volunteer application:" followed by your name. The deadline for applications is MONDAY 26TH JANUARY 2015.
Please make sure your covering letter includes: (i) the length of time you have held your driving license, (ii) why you would like to work on the Project and (iii) how your experiences make you a suitable applicant.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit us in Swansea the first week of February.
We will arrange telephone / Skype interviews for overseas applicants/those unable to attend in person.
For further information, please contact Gaelle Fehlmann (798266@swansea.ac.uk)