Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany
The LuiKotale Bonobo Project (LKBP) is looking for research assistants for the
collection of long-term data. Duties include: (i) nest-to-nest follows of
habituated bonobos; (ii) collection of behavioral data from focal individuals,
and (iii) collection of biological samples. The field site is located in the
buffer zone of Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Working
conditions are physically and mentally challenging, the forest is often dense
and swampy and assistants are sometimes exposed to severe weather and tropical
diseases. The research camp is remote and has no running water, electricity,
phone coverage, or internet access. Daily communication is limited to short
emails sent via a short wave radio system. Assistants live in tents and mostly
eat local foods (e.g., beans, manioc and rice). Please carefully consider
whether you will able to cope with these conditions for an extended period of
time before applying for this position.
Candidates will express an interest in primate behavior and forest ecology, and
demonstrate strong organizational skills. Due to the challenging physical and
social environment at LuiKotale, candidates must be (a) physically fit; (b)
resistant to psychological stress; (c) self-motivated and able to work with
minimal supervision; and (d) tolerant of different social customs and beliefs. Good
social skills and the willingness to work as part of a team are essential. Previous
experience using Microsoft Excel and navigating with a compass and GPS unit are
assets, but not required. Please note that the LKBP adheres strictly to gender
equality and will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.
Salary/Funding:
300 Euro/month during the months of training and - 500 Euro/month thereafter
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel,
meals, lodging):
- food (mix of mainly local food and some western food items)
- lodging (in tents) at the field site
- airfare for one domestic flight from Kinshasa to the field site and back
- expenses for long-term visa
- contribution to an international return flight of up to 800 Euro*
*reimbursement ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE APPOINTMENT
Please note that people joining the research team in the field are required to
have a health insurance that covers expenses for evacuation by charter plane in
a case of emergency. Expenses for the health insurance and costs for the stay
in Kinshasa on the way in and out cannot be covered by the project.
Term of Appointment: 9 months starting in March/April 2025
Comments:
Applications include an updated CV, a letter of motivation that shows how the
candidate meets the qualifications outlined above, and references of three
people (or their contact information). Applications should be send to Dr.
Gottfried Hohmann (hohmann@eva.mpg.de) and to Barbara Fruth (bfruth@ab.mpg.de).
Information about the research and conservation activities at LuiKotale are
available at
https://www.ab.mpg.de/364649/fruth
https://www.bonobo-alive.org/index.html
Contact Information:
Dr.
Gottfried Hohmann
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04103
Germany
Telephone Number:
++49 341 3550 208
Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de