Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig (Germany)
Date Posted:
2009-03-11
Position Description:
We are looking for a volunteer to assist on a project examining kin recognition on a semi free-ranging rhesus macaque population on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico (see http://ucm.rcm.upr.edu/cayosan.html). The project is being undertaken in the Lab of Dr Anja Widdig, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig (Germany) (see http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/index.html). The volunteer will work alongside Dr Dana Pfefferle (http://www.dana-pfefferle.de).
The successful applicant will be expected to work on Cayo Santiago for 5-6 days a week, and may also be required to undertake data entry and/or processing in the later afternoon and early evenings. On Cayo Santiago, the primary task will be to assist carrying out playback experiments as well as to help recording rhesus macaque vocalizations. In order to do so, appropriate training (including the analyses procedure ultimately taking place) will be provided. This position is ideal for graduate students or recent graduates looking to gain experience in fieldwork and data collection.
Qualifications/Experience:
Carrying out playback experiments is a protracted and patience challenging task, including many hours of waiting for the correct situation. Thus you must be able to maintain a positive attitude. You also must be willing to work in a small team setting and have demonstrated a willingness to follow instructions. The ability to work in tropical conditions and the willingness to adapt to a foreign culture is needed. You also have to feel comfortable being far away from family and friends. Although the work can be demanding, being close to habituated primates is very rewarding and a great experience.
The language in our team is English. The successful candidate must have medical insurance, a valid IACUC certificate (www.citiprogram.org) and a TB-test from within the last six months.
Salary/funding:
There is NO financial support available for airfare, health insurance, housing and food.
Shared accommodation can often be found very cheaply in Punta Santiago (e.g. $200 per month).
Term of Appointment:
From 1st October till 20th December.
Application Deadline:
Open till position is filled.
Comments:
To apply, candidates should email a brief cover letter outlining their interests, experience, and why they wish to undertake work on the project. They should attach a CV which includes at least contact details of one academic reference. Please only send email applications.
Contact Information:
Dana Pfefferle
Germany
E-mail Address:
danapfefferle@googlemail.com
Questions and Comments
Questions about a specific job listing should be directed to the contact person listed for that job. Questions and comments about using the Primate-Jobs web site can be directed to Ray Hamel at hamel@primate.wisc.edu or (608) 263-3512.