Hiring Organization:
Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig, Germany
Date Posted:
2009-07-31
Position Description:
The goal of our long-term study is to investigate the mechanisms underlying paternal kin discrimination in primates. Therefore, we study the development of paternal kin bias by following individuals from birth until they reach maturation. We are currently finishing the 5th year of behavioral observations conducted on the free-ranging rhesus macaque population on the island of Cayo Santiago (Puerto Rico, USA).
The main part of the work will include the collection of behavioral data over several months.
In a training period (December 2009 through March 2010), the assistant will learn:
1. recognizing approx. 350-400 monkeys individually,
2. distinguishing between the 6 troops on Cayo Santiago,
3. collecting focal data using a Psion handheld computer.
During the observation period (April 2010 through December 2010), the assistant will additionally be responsible for
1. editing/cleaning the behavioral data collected
2. collecting ranking information for the males to establish a hierarchy
3. collecting estrus/mating information for the females
4. if required, collecting DNA samples (hair/tissue) from dead monkeys,
5. appropriate storage of samples and updating the database of DNA samples.
During the training as well as the observation period the assistant is expected to work 5 to 6 days a week depending upon the observational schedule. A time off for about 2 weeks is only possible between week 1 and 3 in August 2010.
Qualifications/Experience:
Priority will be given to applicants with experience in collecting behavioral data from individually recognized mammals (especially free-ranging primates). Furthermore, it is important that the candidate has experienced living in foreign countries. Experience with MS Excel, SPSS and Observer 5.0 is also welcome. Working under tropical conditions demands very good physical condition. After training has finished the assistant must be able to work completely independently (!). The candidate should have the desire and ability to adapt to different cultures (both human and monkeys). Patience, perseverance, organizational and social skills are also needed. Primary work will be conducted in English, but Spanish can be most helpful for living in Puerto Rico. The successful candidate needs to bring an IACUC certification before starting work and proof of a negative TB test (TB testing must be repeated every 6 months).
Salary/funding:
The position of a research assistant (approx. 1300 Euro/month, plus German health insurance and benefit system) is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for 12 months, including costs of airfare. All other costs such as housing (approx. 200-350 $US/month), health insurance for the US, vaccination and visa costs are not included.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
see above.
Term of Appointment:
Dec 1st, 2009 to Dec 15th, 2010
Application Deadline:
Sept 15th 2009
Comments:
Applicants should send their CV, a letter describing their interests in the study of animal behavior, graduate certification and contact information for two references. Please send ONLY email applications.
Contact Information:
Anja Widdig, Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04103
Germany
Telephone Number:
++49 (0) 341 3550 233
Fax Number:
++49 (0) 341 3550 299
Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/
E-mail Address:
anja.widdig@eva.mpg.de