Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for evolutionary Anthropology / Dept of Primatology
Date Posted:
2009-10-27
Position Description:
Project description:
The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig is seeking a principal research coordinator for our Pan-African great ape research and surveillance program. This is a long-term project, which will run over at least the next 5 years. The aim of the project is to systematically survey 14 African ape (chimpanzee, bonobo and gorilla) range countries. The project is two-fold and has a conservation and research aspect to it. For the conservation aspect of the project, we will use a combination of classic remote sensing and line transect survey methods with innovative remote camera trapping and audio monitoring to obtain national and regional abundance and trend estimates and information on human impact and efficiency of different conservation management actions. For the research aspect of the projects, we will apply non-invasive cross-sectional sampling to assess ape demographic, cultural and behavioral population diversity over a very large scale. Here, we will collect information on demographic rates and structure, predation pressure, life history parameters, grouping patterns, food resource availability, intra- and interspecies contact rates, dispersal rates, and population genetic structure.
Essential functions:
The candidate will be overseeing the administrative, logistic and organizational aspects of the monitoring project. The position will involve tasks ranging from, writing and reviewing research and funding proposals, assisting with the processing of data to coordinating logistical and administrative issues encountered by field teams and students involved in different aspects of the projects. The candidate will also oversee and manage the financial aspects of the project.
Qualifications/Experience:
The successful candidate should have a PhD degree in biology or related field with strong academic research and analytic skills and excellent written and oral communications skills. He/she needs to be proficient with computers, graphics and spreadsheets and able to work under pressure, juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Written and oral English and French language proficiency is necessary. Some degree of German language skills are necessary, but may still be acquired once the successful candidate has started the position. Field experience and familiarity with primate ecology are beneficial but not mandatory.
Salary/funding:
The starting salary will be EUR 36.000 per annum, but may be raised in accordance to the candidates performance.
Term of Appointment:
Start of work: 01. January 2010, duration 2-5 years
Comments:
Please send a Curriculum Vita, cover letter and three reference letters to boesch(at)eva.mpg.de and reference "Principal Research Coordinator" in the subject line.
Contact Information:
Boesch Christophe
Deutscher Platz
Leipzig 04103
Germany
Telephone Number:
00 49 341 3550 200
Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat
E-mail Address:
boesch@eva.mpg.de