Research Assistant for Chimpanzee Field Work
We are seeking applicants for a research assistant position at a wild chimpanzee field project in Côte d’Ivoire. The research assistant will support data collection on chimpanzee tool use and learning, as part of a project with the Technological Primates research group at the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology.
Data collection will take place at the Djouroutou chimpanzee project from November 2026-August 2027.
Preferred start date: 01.11.2026
Application deadline: Until filled (ca. 01.10.2026)
About us:
The Technological Primates Research Group at the Max Planck Institute in Germany (https://www.eva.mpg.de/technological-primates/) works in close collaboration with Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire (https://www.csrs.ch/fr). We are interested in the evolution of tool use and culture in humans and our primate relatives. Together we compare the tool selection patterns and material record of tool using primates across several species, including early hominins, apes and monkeys.
Field site:
The Djouroutou chimpanzee project is located in the Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. The Taï forest, a UNESCO world heritage forest, is home to various threatened mammal species, including several monkey species and western chimpanzees (for more info see https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/195/). The Djouroutou research project collaborates closely with the eco-tourism camp operating there.
The research camp in the forest is small and isolated, only hosting a couple researchers or research assistants at a time. Living conditions are very basic. Researchers sleep in tents, food options are basic and limited, network connection is limited and unstable. Researchers rarely leave the forest.
Position:
We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented observer who will collect observational behavioural data on wild chimpanzees. Observational data is collected through daily focal follows: We follow one individual chimpanzee throughout the day and collect detailed behavioural data. This type of data collection requires the ability to stay focused for many hours in harsh, unpredictable environments. Aside from collecting data, the applicant will clean, sort, label, and store the collected data. Work in the forest is highly demanding. We follow chimpanzees from early morning until the evening, typically over 12h, while covering long distances in the forest. The forest is hilly, includes swampy areas, and is home to a variety of wildlife.
This requires excellent physical fitness and constant attention.
Outline :
Field stay of ca. 8 months from November 2026 to August 2027
Costs covered: One round trip (including flights, other means of transport, hotel stays), visa and permit fees
The position comes with a monthly living stipend
An associated option of master project topics can potentially be discussed, given that the student is enrolled and officially supervised at a University. The topic would fall within the scope of the research project, but could be selected and adjusted according to the background, interests, and preferences of a student.
Requirements :
French AND English fluency
Previous field work experience, preferably with apes or primates
Ability to stay focused, motivated, and attentive to details over long periods of time and for repetitive tasks
Physical fitness
Resilience to psychological stress, isolated living, little private space
Awareness and acceptance of cultural differences
Strong ability to work autonomously, while communicating with and adjusting to a team and supervision
Application :
Please send your applications (short motivation letter and CV in English; field work reference where available) until October 1st, 2026, to nora_slania@eva.mpg.de
Since we will work and live together closely, you could tell me something about yourself (apart from primate-related things), too.
We will start to evaluate the applications as they come in and until the position is filled.
mardi 22 septembre 2026
Poste assistant.e de terrain
Adaptations à l’aridité chez les Lacertidae via l’évolution des écailles et des pertes hydriques
Adaptations à l’aridité chez les Lacertidae via l’évolution des écailles et des pertes hydriques
Niveau du stage : Stage de master 2 ou équivalent
Période du stage : Janvier 2027 – Juin 2027
Laboratoire d’accueil : iEES Paris, Sorbonne Université, équipe Variabilité Phénotypique et
Adaptation (VPA), Campus de Jussieu
Responsables du stage :
Nom : Jean-François LE GALLIARD ; Email : galliard@bio.ens.psl.eu
Nom : Nicolas PROUST ; Email : ndenizeproust@sun.ac.za
Résumé
Notre équipe de recherche étudie les adaptations et la sensibilité d’espèces de reptiles aux changements environnementaux par des approches comparatives et expérimentales. Au cours d’un projet doctoral, nous avons développé une base de données concernant les pertes hydriques et la morphologie des écailles de plusieurs dizaines d’espèces de lézards de la famille des Lacertidae. Ces recherches impliquent notamment la caractérisation de la topographie des écailles pour déterminer l’association aux pertes hydriques cutanées et totales chez les lézards en fonction de leur écologie (aridité) et de leur histoire phylogénétique. Nous proposons un stage de M2 au sein du laboratoire iEES Paris pour étudier le lien entre topographie des écailles et les pertes hydriques cutanées le long des gradients climatiques d’aridité chez les Lacertidae.
Problématique générale
Chez les ectothermes terrestres, la balance hydrique dépend de l'équilibre entre l'apport d'eau par l'alimentation et la consommation d'eau de pluie, d'eau stagnante ou d'humidité, la production d'eau métabolique d’une part et les pertes d'eau par la respiration ainsi que par évaporation cutanée, oculaire ou cloacale d’autre part (Le Galliard et al., 2021). La perte d'eau cutanée est un élément prépondérant dans la perte évaporative totale. Ainsi, les adaptations à l’aridité chez ces organismes devraient impliquer principalement des mécanismes de réduction des pertes cutanées (Chown et al., 2011; Cox and Cox, 2015; Mautz, 1982). Des adaptations structurelles du tégument peuvent modifier les propriétés visuelles, les propriétés mécaniques et le rôle de barrière hydrique de la peau. Chez les reptiles, la résistance cutanée à la perte d'eau dépend de l'épaisseur de la peau, des lipides de la couche cornée, et de la couverture de la surface par les écailles (Lillywhite, 2006). À ce jour, il existe peu d’études liant la diversité interspécifique de forme et de couleur des écailles avec les pertes hydriques et l’environnement climatique chez les reptiles. De fait, nous proposons ici d'analyser la morphologie des écailles chez plusieurs espèces de lézards Lacertidae pour lesquelles nous avons déjà mesuré les pertes hydriques cutanées et totales. Notre hypothèse est que l’association entre morphologie et pertes hydriques cutanées varie le long de gradients d’aridité, prenant en compte l’histoire phylogénétique et des autres facteurs confondants (Wegener et al., 2014 ; Cox & Cox, 2015 ; Hluben et al., 2021).
Objectifs et méthodes
Ce stage portera sur l’étude de la structure 2D et 3D des écailles chez plusieurs dizaines espèces de lézards Lacertidae à partir de photographies et de moulages réalisés sur différentes régions du corps de plusieurs centaines d’individus. Pour ces mêmes espèces, des mesures de pertes hydriques cutanées ainsi que plusieurs caractéristiques de l’écaillure sont déjà disponibles. Le candidat retenu devra au cours du stage :
• Développer une méthode innovante permettant de caractériser en 3D la morphologie et la topographie des écailles ;
• Acquérir des mesures morphologiques, de coloration et de mélanisme à partir d’images 2D afin de compléter un jeu de données préexistant ;
• Constituer une base de données associant les traits analysés avec les données récoltées au préalable par l’équipe d’accueil et la phylogénie du groupe.
L’objectif principal sera d’étudier conjointement les relations entre la coloration, la morphologie et la topographie des écailles, les pertes hydriques cutanées et le niveau d’aridité rencontré par les espèces. Ces relations seront examinées dans un cadre comparatif phylogénétique afin de prendre en compte l’histoire évolutive des Lacertidae et d’étudier l’évolution de ces différents traits le long des gradients d’aridité. Le travail de modélisation statistique phylogénétique sera effectué en collaboration avec Tom van Dooren, chercheur de l’équipe VPA.
Candidat
Nous recherchons un(e) étudiant(e) sérieux et autonome, motivé(e) et appréciant de développer et d’utiliser des méthodes d’analyse d’images et des outils statistiques dédiées aux analyses comparatives. Le stage est idéal pour un(e) étudiant(e) en biologie évolutive, écologie évolutive et zoologie avec des bonnes compétences en analyse morphométrique et de fortes appétence pour apprendre de nouvelles méthodes statistiques.
Conditions du stage
De janvier à juin 2027 sur une période de 6 mois. L’étudiant(e) sera basé(e) au laboratoire iEES Paris sur le campus de Jussieu. Merci de transmettre votre candidature à galliard@bio.ens.psl.eu ndenizeproust@sun.ac.za et en joignant CV et lettre de motivation et le rapport de stage de M1 ainsi
que des références.
Références
Chown, S.L., Sørensen, J.G., Terblanche, J.S., 2011. Water loss in insects: An environmental change perspective. Journal of Insect Physiology, 1070–1084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.05.004
Cox, C.L., Cox, R.M., 2015. Evolutionary shifts in habitat aridity predict evaporative water loss across squamate reptiles. Evolution 69, 2507–2516. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.12742
Hluben, M., Kratochvíl, L., Gvoždík, L., & Starostová, Z. (2021). Ontogeny, phylogeny, and mechanisms of adaptive changes in evaporative water loss in geckos. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 34(8), 1290–1301.
Le Galliard, J.-F., Chabaud, C., de Andrade, D.O.V., Brischoux, F., Carretero, M.A., Dupoué, A., Gavira, R.S.B., Lourdais, O., Sannolo, M., Van Dooren, T.J.M., 2021. A worldwide and annotated database of evaporative water loss rates in squamate reptiles. Global Ecology and Biogeography 30, 1938–1950.
https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13355
Lillywhite, H.B., 2006. Water relations of tetrapod integument. Journal of Experimental Biology 209, 202–226. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.02007
Mautz, W., 1982. Patterns of evaporative water loss. In C. Gans & F.H. Pough (Eds.), Biology of the Reptilia (pp. 443-484). Academic Press.
Johanna E. Wegener, Gabriel E. A. Gartner, Jonathan B. Losos, Lizard scales in an adaptive radiation: variation in scale number follows climatic and structural habitat diversity in Anolis lizards, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 113(2) : 570–579, https://doi.org/10.1111/bij.12380
Camp & Operations Coordinator
Position: Camp & Operations Coordinator
Department: Marketing, Tourism & Partnerships Department
Reports to: Manager of MTP Department
Location: Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust, Zambia
Employment: Full-time
Salary: Depending on qualifications and experience
Benefits in kind: Accommodation, water and solar electricity
Key relationships: Executive Director and Administration & Finance Department
Start date: As soon as possible
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust (CWOT)
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust (CWOT) is a Zambian conservation organisation managing more than 10,000 hectares of Miombo woodland, wetlands and riverine habitat in the Copperbelt Province. CWOT operates one of Africa’s oldest and largest chimpanzee sanctuaries, caring for more than 150 chimpanzees, while also protecting native wildlife and supporting conservation, education and community development.
The site includes the wildlife sanctuary, Twampane Community School, visitor and volunteer accommodation, research facilities and several staff and community compounds. Throughout the year, CWOT welcomes visitors, school groups, volunteers, researchers, interns and conservation partners.
Position Objective
The Camp Manager is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the Chimfunshi Education Centre and Camp, including visitor and VRI (Volunteer, Researcher and Intern) services, accommodation, hospitality, logistics, security coordination and workshop operations.
The position ensures that guests and programme participants receive a professional and welcoming experience while ensuring that camp facilities, staff, vehicles, supplies and operational services are efficiently coordinated.
KEY DUTIES
1. Camp Operations and Guest Experience
1.1 - Camp Operations
Ensure the day-to-day running of the Education Centre and Camp is well organised, clean, functional and welcoming, with the support of the hospitality team.
1.2 - Supervision of Camp Staff
Supervise cleaners and general workers, allocate daily tasks, monitor completion and performance, ensure agreed standards are maintained, and address or report staff-related concerns when necessary.
1.3 - Camp Cleanliness and Maintenance
Monitor the cleanliness, organisation and general condition of camp accommodation and common areas, identify maintenance needs and coordinate or report issues to the relevant team and the MTP Manager.
1.4 - Guest Welcome and Orientation
Welcome volunteers, researchers, interns and visitors upon arrival, provide relevant practical information and orientation, and ensure that they receive a professional and well-organised welcome.
1.5 - Guest Support and Problem Solving
Act as the day-to-day point of contact for guests at camp, respond promptly to questions and concerns, resolve operational issues where possible, and escalate significant or sensitive matters to the MTP Manager.
2. Bookings and Guest Administration
2.1 - Booking Management
Manage and maintain accurate bookings for volunteers, researchers, interns and visitors, ensuring that accommodation and Education Centre resources are available and properly allocated.
2.2 - Arrival and Departure Coordination
Coordinate arrival and departure logistics, including accommodation readiness, transport requirements, meal arrangements and communication of schedules to relevant departments. Ensure that all concerned managers receive the necessary information in advance.
2.3 - Records and Information
Maintain accurate records relating to bookings, occupancy, guest arrivals and departures, and other relevant camp activities, and provide regular updates to management.
2.4 - Guest Feedback
Collect feedback from volunteers, researchers, interns and visitors and communicate relevant suggestions to support continuous improvement.
3. Volunteer, Researcher and Intern (VRI) Coordination
3.1 - VRI Orientation
Provide volunteers, researchers and interns with practical orientation on camp facilities, daily arrangements, relevant CWOT procedures, and an introduction to Chimfunshi’s mission, programmes and expectations.
3.2 - Interdepartmental Coordination
Coordinate with relevant Department Managers to ensure that activities involving volunteers, researchers and interns are properly planned, that staff are informed in advance, and that required equipment, transport and other resources are available on time.
4. Food, Events, Supplies and Gift Shop
4.1 - Food and Beverage Services
Coordinate food and beverage services for guests, VRI and events, ensuring agreed standards of quality, hygiene, food safety and stock availability.
4.2 - Events and Activities
Assist with the practical organisation and setup of events, activities and other guest-related arrangements taking place at the camp.
4.3 - Camp Supplies and Gift Shop
Monitor camp supplies, consumables and equipment and submit requisitions in a timely manner to maintain adequate stock levels. Monitor Gift Shop stock and coordinate replenishment as required.
5. Communication, Reporting and Continuous Improvement
5.1 - Management Communication
Maintain regular communication with the Manager of MTP Department regarding bookings, guest experience, staffing, camp operations, maintenance needs, security, logistics and any significant operational issues.
5.2 - Reporting
• Prepare a concise monthly operational report.
• Maintain accurate statistics on visitors, VRI, accommodation occupancy and relevant camp activities.
• Maintain appropriate operational and financial records related to camp activities.
• Report incidents, operational challenges and follow-up actions.
• Provide relevant updates and recommendations to management.
5.3 - Continuous Improvement
Use operational experience and guest feedback to identify practical improvements to camp services, facilities and procedures and support implementation of agreed actions.
6. Logistics, Security and Workshop Management
6.1 - Logistics and Vehicles
Coordinate day-to-day camp logistics, including driver schedules, authorised vehicle movements and vehicle availability. Plan transport requirements for visitors, VRI, staff activities and operational needs in coordination with other departments.
Maintain appropriate vehicle movement records and monitor fuel consumption, reporting unusual consumption or operational concerns to management.
6.2 - Security Coordination
Organise security staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage of the project areas, particularly during nights and periods of high occupancy.
Work closely with anti-poaching teams when necessary, while respecting the responsibilities and chain of command of each department.
Ensure that emergency procedures are understood by security staff and that they are prepared to respond appropriately to security incidents, emergencies and bushfires.
Keep records of incidents and follow up on corrective actions.
6.3 - Workshop Coordination
Coordinate the day-to-day organisation and use of the workshop, ensuring that the area remains clean, safe and properly organised.
Maintain an inventory of workshop tools and equipment and monitor their condition, allocation and return.
Coordinate repair and maintenance requests with the maintenance team and relevant departments, helping prioritise operational needs and follow up on outstanding work.
Maintain basic records of repairs, materials used and workshop activities and report significant equipment or maintenance needs to management.
Qualifications and Experience
• Degree or diploma in Hospitality, Tourism, Business Administration, Logistics or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Previous experience in hospitality, tourism, camp operations, logistics or a comparable operational role
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating multiple operational activities
• Experience working in a multicultural environment is an advantage
• Experience in an NGO, conservation or remote-site environment is an advantage
Required Skills
• Strong organisational, administrative and coordination skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to supervise teams and coordinate across departments
• Practical problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing priorities
• Basic financial tracking and record-keeping skills
• Computer literacy, including Excel, Word and email
• Good written and spoken English
• Knowledge of Bemba is an advantage
• Knowledge of or interest in wildlife conservation and environmental issues is an advantage
• Basic mechanical knowledge is an advantage
• Driving Licence
Personal Attributes
• Organised and detail-oriented
• Friendly and approachable
• Proactive and solution-focused
• Flexible and adaptable
• Professional and welcoming
• Able to work effectively in a remote environment
• Reliable and able to take responsibility for day-to-day operational decisions
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
CV
Cover letter
2 References
Applications should be sent to: chimfunshi@chimfunshiwildlife.org and peggy.motsch@chimfunhsiwildlife.org
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Proposition de stage 2026-2027
Evaluation et actualisation des pratiques de nourrissage des oiseaux frugivores du zoo d’Amiens en intégrant les dernières avancées en nutrition et en éthologie en vue d'augmenter le bien-être animal.
Descriptif du service et contexte
Le zoo d’Amiens Métropole, situé en plein centre-ville, compte 700 animaux de 100 espèces différentes allant de la girafe au ouistiti sur une superficie de 7 hectares. Environ 250 000 visiteurs sont accueillis chaque année et l’équipe du zoo dénombre 60 agents.
Le zoo d’Amiens doit remplir trois missions distinctes : la conservation d’espèces menacées (participer aux plans de conservation in et ex-situ), la recherche (œuvrer pour l’avancée des connaissances scientifiques) et l’éducation (informer, éduquer et sensibiliser) et est depuis toujours soucieux de la qualité de vie de ses pensionnaires. Cette qualité de vie fait l’objet d’une évaluation continue et, dans le cadre de la stratégie « BEA » (Bien-Être Animal) du zoo, il s’agit aujourd’hui de remettre en question les pratiques de distribution alimentaire.
Missions principales du stagiaire
Ce stage s’inscrit dans une approche multidisciplinaire croisant la nutrition, la biologie et l'éthologie des espèces d’oiseaux frugivores présentes au zoo d’Amiens. L’objectif est de repenser les pratiques de nourrissage en captivité afin de transformer les enrichissements alimentaires, souvent ponctuels, en modalités quotidiennes de présentation des repas, tout en respectant strictement les normes sanitaires et les pratiques professionnelles en vigueur.
Le projet vise à améliorer le bien-être animal (BEA) par l’optimisation du contenu et des modalités de distribution des items alimentaires, sur la base de données scientifiques et d’une collaboration étroite avec les équipes du zoo.
Les missions seront:
- bibliographie en nutrition, biologie digestive et en éthologie des espèces ciblées (milieu naturel et captivité)
- analyse et évaluation des méthodes actuelles de nourrissage et impact sur le BEA
- proposition d'évolutions dans le contenu alimentaire et les modalités de distribution dans l'optique d'augmenter le BEA
- co-construction d’un protocole de nourrissage en collaboration avec l’équipe animalière (soigneurs, encadrants, vétérinaire) en fonction des contraintes du site
- validation scientifique des modifications proposées
- intégration des règles sanitaires fournies par le zoo et des pratiques professionnelles actuelles
- évaluation des nouvelles méthodes de distribution avec comparaison statistique aux pratiques antérieures
- rédaction d’un travail scientifique final, avec publication (a minima dans la littérature professionnelle) attendue en fin de stage
Profil recherché
- Etudiant(e) en éthologie, Ecole ingénieur Agronomie, Ecole vétérinaire.
- Dynamisme, organisation et force de proposition
- Méthode et rigueur scientifique
- Capacité de synthèse
- Autonomie, adaptation, flexibilité et capacité à la prise d’initiative du candidat indispensable
- Connaissances en biologie digestive, nutrition, éthologie
- Intérêt accru pour les espèces, leur environnement et leur mode de vie
- Connaissance des animaux sauvages appréciée, une première expérience en zoo bienvenue
Conditions du stage
- Le stage se déroulera au zoo d’Amiens (1, rue du faubourg de Hem) et comprend des périodes sur le terrain.
- Dates à définir (possible tout au long de l’année)
- Période de stage possible de 4 à 6 mois (gratifié), de manière fractionnée ou non selon le candidat
- 35h / semaine du lundi au vendredi. Horaires variables selon l’activité du service animalier (plage horaire possible de 8 à 19h) mais 7h/jour.
- Contact avec animaux sauvages captifs
- Travail en équipe
- Pas de logement sur place
Encadrement
Pour postuler, envoyer CV et lettre de motivation par email à :
pl.fiszman@amiens-metropole.com et l.garrigues@amiens-metropole.com
mercredi 16 septembre 2026
Field assistant position
Join the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project Team!
Field Assistant Positions Available
The Ozouga Chimpanzee Project (https://www.ozouga.org/) is seeking a passionate and dedicated field assistant to join our team to help in collecting behavioural data on wild central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes). Together with an international and local team, the candidates will be responsible for the collection and management of research data, as well as for the day-to-day maintenance and running of the research site.
About Us
The Ozouga Chimpanzee Project is a research initiative committed to the conservation and study of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Nestled in the Loango National Park, our project aims to unravel the complexities of chimpanzee behavior, social dynamics, and ecological interactions.
The Loango National Park is located along the Atlantic coast of Gabon and consists of several ecosystems including primary and secondary forests, coastal forests, swamps and mangroves. The Ozouga field sites is roughly 40 km from the nearest village, Iguela, on an open savannah surrounded by forest.
Living conditions are extremely basic. There is no running water, very limited phone coverage and internet access, and basic solar power for electricity. Team members live in wooden huts and food is mainly rice and other basic food items.
Position: Field Assistant
We are looking for an enthusiastic, disciplined, positive and patient person that is eager to spend a one-year period in observing and documenting the lives of the Rekambo chimpanzee community. This is a unique opportunity to gain field experience and contribute to cutting-edge research in one of the most beautiful African rainforests.
The work is physically and mentally demanding, with typical day consisting of approximately 10 hours walking in the forest, often through swamps, with an average of 10-15 km per day, including rain and sunshine. We conduct field work from dusk till dawn given the safety protocol in respect to forest elephants. Field assistants will always be accompanied by an experience eco-guides who will assure safety during work.
Responsibilities
As a field assistant, you will be responsible for:
· Following and observing chimpanzee groups daily in their natural habitat
· Record behavioral data, social interactions, and ecological observations
· Assist in the collection and storage of samples mostly for genetic and endocrinological studies
· Save and store behavioural data on electronic devices
· Monthly check of the camera traps placed in the research area
· Preliminary analyses of camera trap videos
· Collaborate with the research team to ensure the smooth operation of the project
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in biology, primatology, veterinary medicine, or related field (or equivalent experience)
2. Previous field experience with primates or other animal species in tropical or remote environments
3. Proficiency in written and spoken English; basic knowledge of French
4. Physical and mental fitness, ability to work in remote and ecologically challenging locations
5. Capacity to live and work collaboratively with an international and local team
6. Excellent communication skills with other team members, project manager and (remotely) with project directors
7. Excellent communication skills and motivation to manage multiple responsibilities
8. Demonstrate tolerance to customs and practices of local communities
Beneficial qualifications (please indicate these clearly in your application, if present):
(1) Experience with equipment such as GPS, video cameras and camera traps.
(2) Experience with animal behavioral observation and data collection
(3) Familiarity with sample collection and storage methods.
(4) Proficiency in MS Excel, Cybertracker, GIS, BaseCamp and/or MapSource4
(5) Experience driving a quad bike and a Jeep.
Support provided:
- Small monthly stipend and reimburse of expenses (see details below)
- Training for data collection and work in challenging environment
- Opportunity to gain in-depth field experience on chimpanzee behaviour
- Data collection equipment (waterproof phones, GPS and video cameras) and binoculars. We can also offer advice about what items are necessary for daily life in a tropical dry forest. However, the candidates will need to provide their own backpack, field clothing, and footwear.
Funding and Compensation:
This is a volunteer position, so there is no formal salary, but there is an extra monthly stipend of 200 EUR, in addition to 50 EUR for health insurance reimburse.
One round-trip airfare* from your home city to Libreville and living support while conducting fieldwork will be provided (e.g., travel, meals, lodging, visa* trips every 6 months).
The project will provide emergency travel health insurance, but the assistant needs to have their own basic healthcare plan.
The assistants will be responsible for covering expenses during vacations (3 weeks of vacation after 6 months’ time). Gabon requires specific vaccination against yellow fever to enter the country, but the assistant will be responsible for securing any recommended vaccinations by the Ozoga Chimpanzee Project to ensure safety of both chimpanzees and human observers.
* Reimbursement only after successful completion of a 12-month term of appointment
Term of Appointment:
Minimum 12 months starting in November 2026 (to be discussed at the interview stage). Possibility to extend stay with the project is available, pending performance.
How to Apply:
Please apply by sending a motivation letter, a CV (including your experience with behavioural data collection), and contact information for two references to Dr. Tobias Deschner (tdeschner@uni-osnabrueck.de) and Prof. Simone Pika (simone.pika@uni-osnabrueck.de). We will start evaluating the applications on September 21st, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Field research
The LuiKotale Bonobo Project invites applications for a research assistantship at the field site of LuiKotale in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Candidates will work together with field assistants, PhD candidates and senior researchers. The position offers the opportunity to gain practical experience with systematic behavioral observations of wild bonobos, applying techniques that represent the state of art in primate field research. Candidates will also gain insight into applied conservation programs.
Applicants are expected to have:
- strong interest in animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and/or anthropology
- field experience
- proficient with MS Excel and Word
- ability to live and work in an isolated environment without phone or internet
- resilience to physical and mental stress
- interpersonal and communication skills and tolerance for cultural diversity
- ability to work in a team and respect needs of others
Note that the LKBP is firmly committed to gender equality and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment.
Work hours can be long, and assistants are exposed to severe weather conditions and tropical diseases. Team members live in close quarters and must adapt to different personalities, social customs, and belief systems. The research site is located in a remote forest area. Access involves a 25 km hike through dense and swampy forest. Assistants have access to email, and short text messages can be send and received almost daily. Satellite phones and InReach devices are available and primarily used for communication between field teams and camp.
Term of appointment: 9 -12 months starting November 2026
Compensation: 500 Euro/month
The project covers the costs of the long-term visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the domestic charter flights, and a contribution of up to EUR 800 toward the international return flight upon successful completion of the appointment. Costs for the health insurance and for the stay in Kinshasa are not covered. Candidates possess a valid passport, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and health insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation by charter plane. Applications include an updated CV, a letter of motivation that shows how the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above, references of three people (or their contact information). Applications should go to Dr. Gottfried Hohmann (hoh...@eva.mpg.de) and Prof. Barbara Fruth (bfr...@ab.mpg.de).
For information about the research and conservation activities at LuiKotale see