Hiring Organization:
Rahel Noser, Research Group Cognitive Ethology, German Primate Center
Date Posted:
2009-06-05
Position Description:
I am looking for two highly motivated, reliable and self-organised field assistants to help me collect observational and experimental data and work in the back office in an ongoing research project on baboon cognition. Applicants should be willing to commit for the time between mid-September 2009 and mid-April 2010, for 6 months. The study site is situated in and next to Table Mountain National Park on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Study subjects range in a forest and partly in urban areas.
Field assistants will live in the city of Cape Town, in a lively household shared and run by scientists, non-scientists and a child. They are expected to have good team and work spirits, high social competence, flexibility and a good amount of humour.
Candidates are also expected to work long hours (12+) per day 6 days a week under all weather conditions. They must understand that fieldwork is physically and mentally tough, repetitive and at times frustrating. Therefore, a genuine interest in working with wild animals is an absolute must, as is the ability to cope with the presence of poisonous snakes.
Qualifications/Experience:
Candidates ideally pursue a career in physical anthropology, primatology, zoology, psychology or related fields, and have a valid driver’s license. Candidates with experience in ethological methodology, fieldwork and with travel/living abroad experience, especially in Southern countries, are given priority.
Salary/funding:
None.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
I offer free accommodation and the opportunity to gain experience in primate field research. Assistants are expected to pay for all other costs (travel to and from South Africa, food, phone, internet, visa, extras, insurance, running costs at home etc.).
Term of Appointment:
6 months
Contact Information:
Rahel Noser
Germany
Website:
http://www.cog-ethol.de