Research on semi-wild chimpanzees in Zambia

Organization: Department of Psychology, University  of Portsmouth (UK)

Position Description:
We  are  looking  for  2  conscientious  and  highly  motivated  volunteer  field  assistants  to  assist  with  data collection  in  semi -wild  chimpanzees  at  Chimfunshi  Wildlife  Orphanage  (CWO)  in  Zambia .  The project  uses observational  methods to study  personality in 3  large   semi -wild colonies of chimpanzees.  It is also possible to carry  out  Masters  study  instead  of  volunteering.   Training  on  the  job  for  volunteers,  no  additional  research experience is required.
The  assistants  will   work  under  the  supervision  of  a  PhD  student  on  the  field  for  4 months, scheduled from May 10th to September 10th 2017. 

Assistants’ responsibilities:

• Will  be  individually  assigned  to  a  chimpanzee  colony  and  learn  to recognize all the individuals in the group.
• Will  video-record  behaviours  following  a  specific  protocol  which  includes  using  continuous  focal animal  and ad libitum  sampling. 
• Will  be responsible in the data entry.

The  assistants  will  live  at  the  centre.  It  includes  basic  equipment  and  utilities  including   water,  electricity (except  at  night) and wireless internet.  Facilities (e.g.  bedrooms, kitchen,  showers, and toilets)  wi ll be   shared with other people (e.g. researchers, volunteers). 

Qualification / Experiences:

• Knowledge  of  behavioural  data  collection  methods  (e.g. focal and ad libitum sampling techniques)  is not essential as it is very straightforward and easy to learn.
• Be sensitive and open-minded  to other cultures.
• Be physically  fit  to walk to the chimpanzee enclosures each day.
• Be able to work both as part of a team and independently.
• Be reliable, patient,  enthusiastic, attentive to details   and committed  to scientific  research.
• Be hardworking, flexible   and respectful  towards any member of the team as well as staff .
• Show  a  positive  and  friendly  attitude,   and  be  comfortable  with spending time away from family and friends.
• Be comfortable and careful  with local wildlife  (e.g. snakes, spiders)

Salary / Funding:
There is no salary provided.
 

Support provided (travel, meals, lodging):
The assistants will be  expected to cover  all   travel s  to CWO (i.e. including international and local flights,  local transportation).  They  will  be   responsible  for  the  travel/international  health  insurance,  recommended vaccinations,  and  any  other  gears  (e.g.  field  clothes,  insect-repellent  products,  medicines).  All  expenses related to accommodation (£25/day) and food (estimated to  £20-25/week  accordi ng to preferences) will have to be covered by the assistants. Assistants  can join the  weekly trip to Chingola  (2hr drive) for shopping.
All research equipment (e.g., video cameras, hard drives) will be provided  by the PhD student. 
 

Term of appointment:
See above.
 

Application deadline:
Review of applications  will  begin  immediately  and the position  will  remain open until  filled.
 

Comment:
Please  submit  via  email:  (1)  a  statement  of  interest  (2)  a  CV  including  relevant  academic  and  research experience; (3) contact information of 2 academic or professional reference(s).
 

Contact information:
Hélène Chotard
PhD candidate
Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary  Psychology
Department of Psychology,  King Henry Building,  University of Portsmouth,
Portsmouth PO1 2DY,  UK
Email address:
helene.chotard@port.ac.uk