Hiring Organization:
Whitney Meno - UC Davis
Date Posted:
2009-09-27
Position Description:
Aiding in the collection of my PhD research on the development of antipredator behavior in 5 well-habituated groups of white-faced capuchin monkeys in Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve in Costa Rica. Long-term research has been conducted at this field site for almost 20 years and assistants working at this field site are provided with rigorous field training that has translated into an excellent graduate school acceptance rate. For more information on the long-term research at this site, field conditions, and application instructions: http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/sperry/jobs.html.
My research uses boa constrictor and rattlesnake models to examine how antipredator behavior changes with age in young capuchins and whether capuchins use social referencing during predator encounters. The field assistant will aid in the placement of the snake model and will be in charge of videotaping the behavior of the focal individual during the snake encounter. Once the assistant has learned to identify individual monkeys they will be able to help with other aspects of the experiments as well as video analysis.
We will be living at the guard station located in the Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve. This means we will be isolated from towns except for bimonthly food shopping trips and a short monthly vacation. On a positive note, we will be living next to a forest, river, and extensive trails which provide recreation for days off. Living in close proximity to some of the monkey groups allows us to sleep in slightly later than those living in town. Also, living with park guards will provide ample opportunity for enhancing your Spanish proficiency.
Qualifications/Experience:
Background in biology, previous field experience, and some knowledge of Spanish preferred. Applicants need to be physically fit and mentally tough as field work will involve early mornings, extreme heat, lengthy days, and long hikes carrying heavy backpacks full of equipment and water. Please read the following guide that describes conditions at the field site:
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/sperry/pdf/Guide_Jan_061.pdf
Salary/funding:
A small monthly stipend may be provided depending on funding.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Food and lodging will be provided. Up to $600 of plane ticket will be reimbursed upon completion of the field season. You must provide your own medical insurance.
Term of Appointment:
January-May 2010
Application Deadline:
Nov. 15, 2009
Comments:
Please send a complete job application (see http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/sperry/jobs.html) to Whitney Meno (wemeno@ucdavis.edu) and CC: Susan Perry (sperry@anthro.ucla.edu). Put "application for field assistant position" in the subject of your email.
Contact Information:
Whitney Meno
USA
Website:
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/sperry/pdf/Guide_Jan_061.pdf
E-mail Address:
wemeno@ucdavis.edu