Hiring Organization:
Louise de Raad, PhD student, Durham University in collaboration with Lajuma Research Centre in South Africa
Date Posted:
2008-05-12
Position Description:
We are seeking one long term field assistant for a study of group decision-making in chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in South-Africa starting. This research is carried out by Louise de Raad (Durham University, UK) for her PhD. We are working in a team of three people on a very well habituated troop and amongst others, focal data is being collected on vocalizations, social monitoring and associations. Data is being collected with handheld computers and GPS. This project uses an experimental approach and feeding experiments are being conducted. This means that as a field assistant you will also be provisioning feeding sites and operating video equipment. If you have a suitable background and are interested then you can take responsibility over part of the research concerning the feeding experiments (producer-scrounger and giving-up-density theories). Training and equipment will be provided.
The study site is called Lajuma Environmental Research Centre (www.lajuma.com). Topography is rugged with deep valleys and high cliffs. Vegetation is mostly shrubland or Acacia thicket (be prepared to crawl through thorns!), but some areas are covered by forest or grassland. Lajuma has good populations of small and large herbivores, all five South African primate species, and predator species including several genet species, brown hyaena and leopard. There is shared accommodation available with electricity and hot running water. Vegetarian food is prepared and we all eat together. The site is rustic, but there are several possibilities to communicate to the outside world. There is the opportunity to send and receive emails weekly (although each team member will only go to town about once every 3 weeks him / her self) and there is mobile reception so mobile phones can be used.
Qualifications/Experience:
This project is an excellent opportunity for graduate students to gain experience in field research before commencing a PhD in a similar field (persons with a suitable background, BSc and MSc in a relevant field, will have the opportunity to apply for funding to start his / her own PhD at the end of this project). Applicants should have a high physical fitness, be hardworking, non-smoking, flexible and not be afraid of heights. Previous field experience (especially in Africa) and any behavioural observational studies on mammals (especially primates) is extremely desirable. However, enthusiasm, good sense of humour, easy-going and social, good (vegetarian) cooking skills and ability to work in a small team are most important! Applicants must be fluent in English.
Salary/funding:
none
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Field assistants have to pay their own international airfare, the transport from the airport to Lajuma (165 ZA Rand) and their accommodation (60 Rand per day: ~ 200 euro / 130 GBP per month). All foods will be paid for, but personal and luxury items (toiletries, alcohol, chocolate etc.) are for own costs.
Term of Appointment:
Preferred starting date from end May - mid June until mid-October
Application Deadline:
ongoing
Contact Information:
Louise de Raad
South Africa
Telephone Number:
0027 (0)795309265
Website:
http://www.dur.ac.uk/anthropology/postgraduate/current_pg/
E-mail Address:
a.l.de-raad@durham.ac.uk