Position Description: Within the
framework of a large collaborative project between the universities of
Neuchatel (Drs. R. Bshary & K. Zuberbuehler), Zurich (Drs. C.P. van Schaik
& M. Krützen) and St. Andrews (Dr. A. Whiten) on the evolution of social
behaviour in vervet monkeys (Cholorocebus aethiops), the Inkawu Vervet Project
is currently looking for highly motivated field assistants. Applicants that
want to use this opportunity as a jumping board to help them pursue a post-grad
degree (MSc. or PhD) in Behavioural Ecology, Anthropology, Evolutionary
Psychology or any related field are especially encouraged to apply.
Assistants will help Postdoctoral
researchers, PhD-students and Master students with habituation data collection
on a targeted 10 groups of wild vervet monkeys at our field-site in
Kwazulu-Natal, South-Africa. Behavioural data (both observational and
experimental) and invasive genetic samples (ear-clips) are currently collected
on 7 groups (each equipped with GPS/VHF loggers).
Assistants are expected to spend a
minimum of 8 months (but 10 months would be better) in the field in order to
qualify for financial compensation of their on-site lodging in South Africa.
All applicants are responsible for their own field equipment (hiking shoes,
bush clothes, rain gear, etc.), as well as travel to South Africa, food costs,
vaccinations and travel insurance. Research equipment (handheld computers,
binoculars and VHF-receivers for telemetry) are provided.
Qualifications: Successful applicants
are proficient in English, have excellent social skills, and are able to work
within a large, interdisciplinary research team under field conditions.
Support provided for
internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging): Financial compensation
of on-site lodging is available (see above).
Term of Appointment: Positions are open
from now!
Comments: Applications consisting of a
motivation letter (1 page, file named: your name-motivation letter) and
curriculum vitae (up to 2 pages, file named: your name-CV) should be send
electronically to Erica van de Waal
Contact Information:
Erica van de Waal
E-mail Address:
erica.vandewaal@unine.ch