Hiring Organization:
University of Göttingen
Date Posted:
2010-01-14
Position Description:
We are looking for research assistants to join a PhD project investigating competition and cooperation in male wild Barbary macaques in the middle atlas mountains, Morocco. The project will focus on male reproductive competition and consequences for social relationships and stress physiology. The position will involve habituation and identification of wild Barbary macaques as well as detailed behavioural and physiological data collection. Hormonal sample collection will also be required. The position is for a period of 12 months. The principle investigator for the project is Christopher Young undertaking a PhD supervised by Prof. Julia Ostner of the University of Göttingen, Germany and Dr Bonaventura Majolo of the University of Lincoln.
The work at the field site is physically very demanding. The field site is between 1,400 and 1,900m a.s.l. and weather conditions can vary dramatically across the year, with temperature ranging between 35ºC to -5ºC and snow in the winter months. Hence, interested individuals should be physically fit and have previous experience with field work in remote areas. The successful applicant will live in the town of Azrou in an apartment block with basic amenities including internet access.
Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field experience is desirable but not essential. However, priority will be given to applicants who have experience of behavioural and physiological data collection on wild and/or free-ranging primates. Applicants should have prior experience working in physically demanding environmental conditions and also experience of living away from friends and family for a prolonged period. A strong interest in primatolgical research is a must.
In addition applicants should:
• Be mentally and physically fit for long days in the field in a challenging environment.
• Be prepared to adapt to living in a foreign culture.
• Be able to speak English (French/Arabic beneficial).
• Be adaptable and able to work both as part of a team and individually.
• Be reliable, patient, enthusiastic and committed to scientific research.
• Driving license is desirable.
• Experience using handheld computer behavioural data entry is desirable but training will be provided.
Salary/funding:
No salary will be provided at this time, however an application for further funding is pending which if accepted would give a small stipend the assistant. Currently though this cannot be guaranteed until a funding decision has been made.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The costs associated with accommodation and travel to and from the field site will be covered by me. Basic living expenses are to be covered by the applicant and should cost approximately £25 - 30 per week. The successful applicant should cover their own health and travel insurance and flights to the field site. The current funding application if accepted would provide one return flight for the successful applicant but again currently this cannot be guaranteed.
Term of Appointment:
A commitment of 12 months is required with the position starting around the 1st of March. A review of applicants will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. We do intend to fill the position as soon as possible but this is a long running project so all applications are welcome. A further position is required to begin in August for approximately 8 months so applications for this position are also welcome but currently priority is given to the position starting in March.
Application Deadline:
Until position is filled.
Comments:
In order to apply please email a cover letter explaining pervious experience, interest and suitability to the position along with a CV (including details of 2 referees) and details of your availability. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Contact Information:
Chris Young
The Courant Research Center Evolution of Social Behavior, Göttingen University
Göttingen 37077
Germany
Telephone Number:
+447708526542
Website:
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/92425.html
E-mail Address:
chrisyoung1888@hotmail.co.uk