Field assistant

Hiring Organization: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Date Posted: 2009-03-09

Position Description:

For an ongoing study on the behavioural ecology of bonobos, we are searching for one field assistant. The work of the assistant will include collection of data on the ecology and behaviour of bonobos at Lui Kotale, Salonga Antional Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, field work is focussed on one habituated community. Candidates are expected to assist in an ongoing PhD project on social relations among males.

Qualifications/Experience:

Essential requirements are high resistance to psychological and physical stress, and basic skills in collecting behavioural and ecological data. Field work requires long-distance walking (up to 30 km per day) and working time often exceeds 10 hours per day. Given the difficult terrain and the extreme climate, work demands not only physical fitness but also high motivation. The proximity to other persons can lead to psychological stress and candidates must be able to adapt to the extreme living conditions at the field site.As most members of the research crew speak English, this language is usually sufficient for communication within the research team. However, for communication with local assistants skills in French and African languages such as Lingal are required and candidates with such skills will be preferred.

Salary/funding: 300 Euro per month

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging): The project will cover all costs for ivsa and the expenses for domestic flights. It also contributes up to 800 Euro to the international return ticket. This money will be re-imbursed only AFTER successful completionof a 9 month term of appointment.The project provides food (a melange of local food and some western food) and offers lodging (in tents) at the field site. Note that expenses for food and lodging during stays in Kinshasa on the way in/ out are NOT covered by the project. Expenses for private field equipment, medicinal supplies and insurances can NOT be covered by the project.

Term of Appointment: 9 months
Application Deadline: May 1st 2009
Comments: The field site is located in the province of Bandundu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Applicants are expected to be well informed about the past and current political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and about the risks coming from tropical diseases.

Contact Information: Katharina MatschkeDeutscher Platz 6Leipzig 04103Germany
Telephone Number: ++49 (0)341 3550 230
Fax Number: ++49 (0)341 3550 299
Website:http://www.eva.mpg.de
E-mail Address:katharina_matschke@eva.mpg.de