Hiring Organization:
Roehampton University
Date Posted:
2008-11-12
Position Description:
A position is available for a research assistant to help with a study of feeding behaviour in two troops of habituated olive baboons at Gashaka-Gumpti National Park, North East Nigeria. You will be required to assist with full-day observations of the troops which will include recording the activities of all group members as well as making detailed observations of the feeding behaviours of focal animals. Other activities will include collecting food, urine and faecal samples and assisting with setting up and observing food-baited platform scales in order to remotely weigh the study animals.
The study area is set in a mosaic habitat of woodland, grassland and lowland, gallery and montane forest. Due to the location of the two study troops, accommodation will be at two sites, one at a research station near Gashaka village and the other approximately 10km from the village at a field station in the forested Kwano area. More details about the study site, accommodation and the Gashaka Primate Project can be found here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/gashaka/park/
This position is ideal for someone interested in gaining field experience as preparation for post-graduate study. You will learn various field methods relevant for the study of behavioural ecology, animal nutrition and the remote monitoring of animal health and condition.
Qualifications/Experience:
Priority will be given to applicants with an undergraduate degree in biology, anthropology or a related discipline and to those with previous fieldwork experience, especially if this has involved work within the tropics and/ or at remote field sites.
The applicant should be:
- physically fit
- willing to work for long hours in difficult terrain
- interested in primate behaviour
- hardworking and conscientious
- comfortable working in isolated field conditions
- able to maintain a positive attitude under what can be difficult conditions
Salary/funding:
No salary.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Research assistants must pay for their own inoculations, prophylaxis, health insurance, field clothes, and personal expenses. A contribution will be made towards food and lodging at the field site and, depending on the outcome of several external grant applications, a contribution may also be made towards travel and visa costs.
Term of Appointment:
6 months
Application Deadline:
The project will start in February/ March 2009. Applications should be submitted by 3rd December 2008.
Comments:
If you are interested, please submit the following by email:
1) your CV
2) an application letter
3) names and email addresses of 2 referees
Contact Information:
Emily Lodge
School of Human and Life Sciences, Whitelands College, Roehampton University, Holybourne Avenue
London SW15 4JD
United Kingdom
Telephone Number:
+44 (0)20 8392 3549
E-mail Address:
e.lodge@roehampton.ac.uk