Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Date Posted:
2010-02-01
Position Description:
We are looking for a volunteer to assist on a project examining kin recognition on a semi free-ranging rhesus macaque population on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. The project is being undertaken in the Lab of Dr Anja Widdig, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig (Germany) (see http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/index.html). The volunteers will work alongside Dr. Dana Pfefferle (http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/files/people.html).
The successful applicant will be expected to work on Cayo Santiago for 5-6 days a week, and may also be required to undertake data entry and/or processing in the later afternoon and early evenings. On Cayo Santiago, the primary task will be to assist carrying out playback experiments as well as to help recording rhesus macaque vocalizations. In order to do so, appropriate training (including the analyses procedure ultimately taking place) will be provided, after which a good quantum of independence is expected. This position is ideal for graduate students or recent graduates looking to gain experience in fieldwork and data collection.
Qualifications/Experience:
Carrying out playback experiments is a protracted and patience challenging task, including many hours of waiting for the correct situation. Thus you must be able to maintain a positive attitude. In general, applicants must be in good physical and mental condition; feel comfortable being far away from family and friends; be emotionally mature, energetic, and very patient; have an excellent eye for detail; don’t be afraid of approaching monkeys (!); willing to work in a small team setting and follow instructions. The ability to work in tropical conditions and the willingness to adapt to a foreign culture is needed. Although the work can be demanding, being close to habituated primates is very rewarding and a great experience.
The language in our team is English. The successful candidate must have medical insurance, a valid IACUC certificate (www.citiprogram.org) and a TB-test from within the last six months.
Salary/funding:
There is NO financial support available for airfare, health insurance, housing and food. Shared accommodation can often be found very cheaply in Punta Santiago (e.g. $250 per month).
Term of Appointment:
13th March until 13th June 2010
Application Deadline:
Open till position is filled
Comments:
To apply, candidates should email a brief cover letter outlining their interests, experience, and why they wish to join the project. They should attach a CV and make sure that two reference letters are sent directly to Dr. Dana Pfefferle (E-mail preferred). Please only send email applications.
Contact Information:
Dana Pfefferle
Germany
E-mail Address:
danapfefferle@googlemail.com