Research Assistant for PrimatesPeru; Genetics and behavior of saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis) in southeastern Peru

Hiring Organization:
Washington University in Saint Louis

Date Posted:
2009-07-27

Position Description:
You will be assisting the two main researchers at a field station in southeast Peru called CICRA. CICRA is on the Los Amigos river in the Peruvian Amazon and is fully equipped to sustain long-term projects. You will assist in monitoring the behavior and reproduction of five groups of saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis). Three of these groups are habituated and will be the primary focus of the investigation. You will also assist in trapping the tamarins twice during the study in order to record morphometrics, obtain genetic material and tag individuals so that they might be individually identified.

Here are some of the specific tasks you will participate in:

1. Daily follows of individual tamarin groups
2. Making behavioral observations during follows
3. Using a GPS to get positional data on ranging patterns of groups
4. Setting up and monitoring traps
5. Assisting during processing of animals once trapped. This will include:
a. Photographing individuals
b. Recording data as obtained from the individuals
c. Storing DNA samples (painlessly, and with NO harm to the individual)

This is a great opportunity for a student interested in a graduate program in biology, conservation, ecology or anthropology. You will learn how to record behavioral data, track primates using sound as well as radio telemetry. This project is unique in that it involves more than just an opportunity to observe behavior. Volunteers will also have the chance to learn how to handle wild animals (while keeping in mind both your own and their safety)and record morphometrical and health data from wild tamarins. A wildlife veterinarian on site will be on hand to assist during all such procedures. Training will take about 1-2 months. A minimum of a 3 month commitment is required.

Fill out the application at http://www.primatesperu.com/how-you-can-help/raoa and send a recommendation letter to primatesperu@gmail.com. Decisions will be made as applictions roll in. The expected start date of the project is October 2009 and it will run for 10 months. We expect to require research assistants by November 2009 for a period of 3 - 6 months.

Qualifications/Experience:
Ideally, volunteers should have past experience working/or living in a tropical country, preferably in South America. More importantly, a background in science that allows you to understand the scientific method, basic research terminology, and maintenance of data records is vital.

The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:

* Degree or expected degree in a life science or anthropology
* Knowledge of at least basic Spanish
* Good physical and mental health
* Ability to hike long distances (> 6 miles) in a day
* Ability to carry a moderately heavy pack
* Cheerful, optimistic approach to work
* Ability to be independent of family and friends for extended periods
* Commitment to the project during days of work (5/6 days a week)
* Ability to work with Microsoft Office for data entry/backup
* No fear of snakes, insects, etc.

Salary/funding:
none provided

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
None provided at this time. However, partial refund of plane ticket/stay could be possible, depending on availability of grant money, after completion of the full period.

Stay at CICRA costs $20 a day and includes three meals,snacks, wi-fi internet, and a room in either a dorm-type setting or a cabin. For more details on costs see www.primatesperu.com

Term of Appointment:
At least 3 months beginning November 2009

Application Deadline:
Rolling basis

Comments:
We are looking for 2 more applicants to begin as soon as November. We advise applicants to fill out the application form at http://www.primatesperu.com/how-you-can-help/raoa.

Contact Information:
Mrinalini Watsa
One Brookings Hall, Campus box 1114
Saint Louis, MO 63130
USA

Website:
http://www.primatesperu.com

E-mail Address:
mwatsa@artsci.wustl.edu

PhD Studentship: Grooming strategies of wild chimpanzees

Hiring Organization:
School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, England

Date Posted:
2009-07-29

Position Description:
PhD Studentship: Grooming strategies of wild chimpanzees
School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent
Applications are invited from highly motivated and qualified students for this 3-year PhD studentship funded by The Leverhulme Trust, which will start in October 2009.

Project Outline
Detailed observations suggest that wild chimpanzees may use multiple behavioural strategies to enforce grooming reciprocation. In some bouts, participants appear to groom without conflict, whereas in others a period of ‘negotiation’ seems to occur before either termination or a prolonged reciprocal bout. In some grooming bouts, individuals appear to ‘parcel’, only grooming for a short time before stopping if there is no reciprocation. In other bouts, chimpanzees seem to ‘raise-the-stakes’, with initial brief, reciprocated, bursts of grooming gradually replaced by more sustained grooming. A version of the aptly named ‘tit-for-tat’ strategy may also apply: in some bouts individuals terminate grooming following a lack of reciprocation.
The project will investigate these strategies and test the predictions of different models for the enforcement and maintenance of reciprocity. A particular focus will be to examine reciprocity and exchange between male and female chimpanzees.
This studentship forms part of a grant to Dr Newton-Fisher from The Leverhulme Trust to investigate ‘Social Complexity, Grooming, and the Evolution of Intelligence’, and the student will have scope to be involved in the full breadth of the overall project in relation to their own developing skills and interests.

Application details

To apply, please send a CV together with the names and contact details of two referees, and a covering letter detailing both your research interests and suitability for this studentship, by 20th August 2009 to Dr Nicholas E. Newton-Fisher (N.E.Newton-Fisher@kent.ac.uk), to whom informal inquiries can also be directed. Interviews will be held shortly thereafter.

Qualifications/Experience:
The successful candidate will have a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, and/or a good Master's in a relevant subject, a keen interest in understanding the adaptive functions of social behaviour, and excellent quantitative analytical skills.

Salary/funding:
The PhD Studentship covers tuition fees at Home/EU rates and pays an annual stipend of £13,000. The studentship also provides for IT support, attendance at international conferences and training in Observer software.

Term of Appointment:
3 years

Application Deadline:
20 August 2009

Contact Information:
Dr Nicholas Newton-Fisher
University of Kent
Canterbury, Kent, England CT2 7NZ
United Kingdom

Website:
http://www.kent.ac.uk

E-mail Address:
N.E.Newton-Fisher@kent.ac.uk

Field Research Primatologist

Hiring Organization:
Orangutan Appeal UK


Position Description:
Orangutan Appeal UK is looking to recruit a primatologist as part of the next phase of the Post Release Monitoring Project. This pioneering research involves the long term monitoring of rehabilitated orangutans in a protected reserve of 120,000ha - Tabin Rainforest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia. This is a challenging terrain (particularly in the rainy season), and home to elephants, wild boar and sun bears.

This position entails the monitoring of 4 rehabilitated orangutans that have been raised at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, based at a research camp. The primatologist will be responsible for: supervision of daily data collection, leading a small team of Malaysian research assistants, planning schedules and logistics for the camp, team and orangutans, and ensuring that the methodology conforms to project requirements.

Based at the research camp for a minimum of 6 months, the primatologist will be living in basic forest conditions: camp has generator and running water, but no major appliances. The successful candidate will be required to work the equivalent of a six day week shift (to be agreed), plus a holiday allowance. The remaining 6 months will be spent preparing and processing the data and report writing.

It is essential that the candidate is an excellent communicator who can voice concerns or raise issues before they become problems. Regular close contact with the Appeal is vital, and there will be requirement to liaise with external research and government organizations, which will call for a good deal of tact and diplomacy.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated, hardworking and amicable candidate to make a significant contribution to primate conservation research.

Qualifications/Experience:
Masters degree minimum (Primatology or similar) - essential.
Field experience in tropical rainforest conditions, and ability to live/work in a remote and isolated place under hard physical and psychological conditions.
Experience of leading a team.
Must be willing to work under the direction of Orangutan Appeal UK.
Must be able to commit for at least 1 year, but preferably 2 – 3 years.

Salary/funding:
£10,000 per annum.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accommodation and food provided at research camp.
International and domestic flights, and related travel expenses will be covered/ reimbursed after 6 months. Health insurance and vaccinations also provided.

Term of Appointment:
Starting Autumn 2009

Application Deadline:
ASAP

Comments:
To apply, email a covering letter, CV and contact details for 2 referees.

Contact Information:
Sue Sheward/Sarah Green
11 Forest Hall, Lyndhurst Road,
Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QQ
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+44 (0) 1590 622966

Fax Number:
+44 (0) 1590 622966

Website:
http://www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk

E-mail Address:
orangutanappealuk@btinternet.com

PH.D. STUDENT–Monk Parakeet Research

We are looking for a Ph.D. student to conduct research on monk parakeets in Texas. The monk parakeet population in the U.S. has been increased exponentially since accidental and intentional releases of the bird began in the1960’s. One of the main concerns surrounding the increase in monk parakeet populations is their construction of nests on electrical transformers and transmission lines.

We are looking for a student to conduct a comprehensive study of monk parakeet nest-selection, sub-station selection, habitat use, and food habits. This information will expand our knowledge of this bird’s basic ecology and will be used to make recommendations for altering the environment in and around utility structures to prevent colonization by the parakeets.

Additionally, the student will be expected to expand this study to accommodate their interests. Salary ($22,000), tuition ($6,000), insurance ($3,000) and funding for this project will be provided annually by the Luminant’s Environmental Research Program. This program requires that 1) students have > 1100 combined on their math and verbal GREs and 2) students submit a proposal for research, which must be accepted by Luminat’s scientific advisory board prior to the commencement of research and classes.

At Texas A&M University the student will be working extensively with Drs. Nova Silvy and Robert McCleery. We plan to select a student by the end of the summer. We will work with the student to develop a proposal to submit to the scientific advisory board in the fall. The student can then register for classes and begin work in Jan 2010. We are looking for a self-motivated independent student with a previous record of academic achievement and field experience. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, greater than 1100 on the GRE, and considerable field experience. To apply, send a resume including GRE scores and GPA, a brief explanation how you are prepared for Ph.D. program and rigorous field research, and a list of 3 references to DR. ROBERT MCCLEERY (EM: bmcc@tamu.edu) by 31 Jul2009.

WBBA OFFERS TWO $1,000 GRANTS

WBBA OFFERS TWO $1,000 GRANTS each year, one for research and the other for monitoring, for individuals and/or organizations engaged in projects in the New World using marked birds.The research grant should help test a hypothesis, while the monitoring grant is intended to help individuals or institutions establish or continue monitoring programs that investigate changes in bird populations.Students (including undergraduates) and organizational interns are encouraged to apply.Grant awardees will be asked to submit results of their grant projectsfor publication in future issues of North American Bird Bander as wellas present results at future WBBA annual meetings. Applicants for thesegrants should submit a project proposal and two letters of referenceattesting to the qualifications of the applicant.

Proposals must includea description of the research or monitoring program that includesobjectives, methods, and a budget detailing how requested funds will beused. Applicants may increase their chances by having smaller projectbudgets or detailing the use of requested funds for larger projects. Theproposal constitutes the application and should be limited to no morethan three typed pages, including full contact information. Noadditional forms are required; no information packets are available fromWBBA.

Applicants for these annual grants should submit the informationdescribed above by 31 Aug to:GEOFFREY GEUPEL,WBBA Awards, PRBOConservation Science,Palomarin Field Station, PO Box 1157,Bolinas CA94924 USA.Announcement of successful applicants will be made at the WBBA annual meeting in late summer/early fall and funds will be available from the treasurer soon after.

POST-DOCTORAL POSITION: Molecular Evolutionary Ecology

A two-year postdoctoral position is available in the Karubian lab in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Tulane University. Research in the lab incorporates evolution, ecology and animal behavior, and applicants with relevant laboratory experience are broadly encouraged to apply.

The primary line of research tests how seed dispersal by rainforest birds affects gene flow in plants, with the goal of linking variation in disperser behavior to genetic consequences for the plant. The study system is a mutualism between the endangered Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) and the canopy palm Oenocarpus bataua in northwest Ecuador. The successful candidate will expand this work to assess gene flow via seed and pollen movement in fragmented and continuous habitat. Independent research that complements this central objective is encouraged, and additional research opportunities related to avian behavior and phylogeography also exist within the lab.
Preference will be given to candidates with extensive experience in laboratory methods including sample preparation, microsatellite screening, and sequence analysis in plants and/or birds. GIS and remote sensing skills are also a plus. A start date of Jan 2010 is preferred.
Initial appointment will be for one year, with continuation for an additional year dependent upon performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Send via email attachment a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and names and addresses of three references to DR. JORDAN KARUBIAN (EM: jk@tulane.edu). Tulane University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity/ADA Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Short-term volunteer

Hiring Organization:
International Primate Rescue

Date Posted:
2009-07-09

Position Description:
Require short-term volunteers (flexible time frame) to help with day to day care for primates rescued from the exotic pet trade etc throughout the world. Currently house Common and Black-eared Marmosets, Cotton-topped Tamarins, Common and Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys and Mona Monkeys. Currently relocating and expanding and will require more volunteers at the new property to build enclosures and help with the relocation which will allow us to rescue a wider range of primates and improve the enclosures for the existing primates.

Volunteer fees (food + accommodation) = 150 GBP per week (Pickup from Johannesburg airport = 60 GBP).

Qualifications/Experience:
None necessary.

Salary/funding:
Volunteer placement.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
None

Contact Information:
Sue Mousley
Fauna Park 0787
Polokwane PO BOX 1345
South Africa

Telephone Number:
+27152636585

Website:
http://www.iprescue.org

E-mail Address:
s.a@iprescue.org

Volunteer field assistant position, White-faced capuchin monkeys, Santa Rosa, Costa Rica

Hiring Organization:
Valerie Schoof, Graduate student, Tulane University

Date Posted:
2009-07-05

Position Description:
I am looking for an enthusiastic, independent and capable volunteer field assistant to participate in a study of male reproductive strategies in white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus). The field site is located in the dry tropical lowland forest of Santa Rosa National Park in northwestern Costa Rica.

While in the field, assistants will collect full-day behavioral observations (focal animal follows), fecal samples for hormone analysis, fecal samples for parasite analysis, GPS ranging data, and once monthly phenology data. Other responsibilities include (but are not limited to) data entry, field processing of fecal samples, and trail cutting and maintenance.

This position is ideal for someone interested in gaining field experience in preparation for graduate school. You will learn various field methods relevant for the study of animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and socioendocrinology.

Qualifications/Experience:
• Preference will be given to applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Physical Anthropology, or other related fields.
• Experience working with primates is not necessary, though experience with animals, camping and/or working outdoors is strongly preferred.
• The ideal applicant should have prior experience with living or working in a foreign country, with special preference for developing countries.
• Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not necessary; however, a willingness to learn is expected.
• Applicants must:
o Be in good physical and mental condition;
o Be comfortable away from family and friends;
o Be emotionally mature, energetic, dedicated, very patient and have very good social skills, especially in small groups;
o Be willing to put up with insects, scorpions, snakes and other pests; being alone in the forest;
o Be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging, tiring, and sometimes frustrating work;
o Have a strong interest in primate behavior and want to have fun learning and working with them!

Salary/funding:
I will reimburse round-trip airfare to Costa Rica (up to $1000US) upon completion of the arranged duration of the assistantship. I will also pay for the room fees for the last two months of your stay, and the internet fees.

Assistants are responsible for room fees for the first part of the field stay (US$10/day), food, any expenses related to time off or visa renewal, health and travel insurance, immunizations, personal field clothes, boots, and binoculars.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
See above.

Term of Appointment:
until the end of November 2009

Application Deadline:
until filled

Comments:
Serious applicants please contact me at vschoof@tulane.edu to receive a field guide. Applicants still interested in applying after initial contact should submit the following (via email):

1. Brief Curriculum Vitae including relevant coursework, previous field/outdoor/sports/travel experience, and where/how you can be contacted;
2. Letter of interest and how this experience would fit in with your long-term goals (please include dates you are available);
3. Contact information for at least two persons willing to act as referees (preferably professors or research supervisors with whom you've worked closely).

Contact Information:
Valerie Schoof
7041 Freret Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
USA

Telephone Number:
985-373-1194

E-mail Address:
vschoof@tulane.edu

Field Research Assistant: Olive Baboons, Nigeria

Hiring Organization:
Roehampton University

Date Posted:
2009-07-06

Position Description:
I am looking for an independent and capable research assistant to assist in a study of fission-fusion sociality in two troops of olive baboons at Gashaka-Gumti National Park, in Northeast Nigeria. The study area is set in a mosaic of woodland, grassland, and lowland, gallery, and montane forest. The assistant will be expected to collect full-day behavioural observations, and phenological data. Accommodation is within the National Park, near Gashaka village, and at 3-hours distance from the village. Usually, there is power at both field stations.
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 and animal behaviour.

Qualifications/Experience:
Ideally, a research assistant has an undergraduate degree in anthropology, biology, or a related field. Previous fieldwork experience is preferred, but not essential. Experience with living or working in a foreign country, especially in the tropics, is a plus.
The applicant should:
- be physically fit
- be willing to work for long hours in difficult terrain
- be interested in primate behaviour
- be hardworking and conscientious
- feel comfortable working in isolated field conditions
- be 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. I will make a contribution towards food and lodging at the field site. Depending on the outcome of external grant applications I will also make a contribution towards travel and visa costs.

Term of Appointment:
5 months, starting late September or early October.

Application Deadline:
Applications should be submitted by 24 July 2009. Interviews will be held in person or by phone on 31 July 2009.

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:
Nienke Alberts
HALS, Roehampton University, Whitelands College, Holybourne Avenue
London SW15 4PY
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+44 (0)20 8392 3473

E-mail Address:
baboonproject@yahoo.co.uk

Etude expérimentale de l’échange chez deux espèces de primates, le macaque de Tonkean et le capucin brun

Encadrement
Bernard Thierry, directeur de recherche au CNRS

Durée
Deux mois : du 1er septembre au 30 octobre 2009

Lieu
Centre de Primatologie et Département d’Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie, Strasbourg

Description
Le stage consiste à participer à une étude portant sur la capacité des macaques et des singes capucins à faire preuve de marchandage ou de planification dans une tâche d’échange avec un expérimentateur humain. Les animaux sont élevés en groupes sociaux au Centre de Primatologie de l’Université de Strasbourg. Le rôle du stagiaire sera de participer à la sélection des animaux, à la préparation du matériel expérimental et aux tests comportementaux. Le stagiaire aura par ailleurs pour mission de participer à la saisie et au traitement des données, et éventuellement d’aider à l’analyse des vidéos recueillies lors des expériences.

Profil requis
Avoir une formation de niveau bac + 2 minimum en biologie ou psychologie.
Etre inscrit à l’université ou une école.
Etre observateur et apprécier le contact avec les animaux.

Conditions de travail
Temps plein, du lundi au vendredi.
Horaires : 8h45–12h00 et 13h15–17h00.
Indemnité mensuelle : 379 euros.

Contact
Envoyer CV et lettre de motivation par courrier électronique à :
Bernard Thierry
Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie
Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, UMR7178 CNRS Université de Strasbourg
23 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg cedex 2
mél: bernard.thierry@c-strasbourg.fr
tél: 03 88 10 74 58 (après-midi)
http://iphc.in2p3.fr/-B-Thierry-.html