Hiring Organization:
University of Lincoln
Date Posted:
2010-04-28
Position Description:
I am looking for a volunteer research assistant to help with data collection for my PhD project supervised by Dr Bonaventura Majolo (University of Lincoln, UK). The project investigates the cognitive and social factors affecting cooperation in wild Barbary macaques in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco. This is part of a longitudinal project on the socio-ecology of the Barbary macaque run by Dr. Majolo and Professor Mohamed Qarro (Ecole Nationale Forestière d'Ingénieurs, Rabat, Morocco) and started in January 2008. The research assistant will help with the habituation and identification of two troops of Barbary macaques consisting of about 25 monkeys each. The position will also involve running a series of field experiments on cooperation and the collection of behavioural data. A minimum availability of 6 months is required for this position, starting in June 2010, but precedence will be given to candidates available to stay in Morocco for 12 months.
The work at the field site is physically and mentally 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. The successful applicant will live in the town of Azrou in an apartment block with basic amenities including internet access.
This position is an excellent opportunity to gain experience of animal behaviour research and fieldwork. So far, most for the research assistants who have contributed to this longitudinal project have progressed to post-graduate studies. The field site is in the wonderful Cedar and Oak forest of the Atlas Mountains and Azrou is close to the Moroccan imperial cities of Fez and Meknes.
Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field experience is desirable but not essential. Priority will be given to applicants who have experience of behavioural data collection on primates.
Applicants should:
• Have a background in Animal behaviour, Primatology, Anthropology or related fields.
• Have a strong interest in primate behaviour research and social cognition.
• Have some knowledge and experience of behavioural data collection methods.
• Be mentally and physically fit for long days in the field in a challenging environment.
• Be open-minded, prepared to adapt to living in a foreign culture, and able to work as part of a team.
• Be highly motivated, very patient, enthusiastic and committed to scientific research.
• Be emotionally mature, responsible, hardworking, and disciplined in following field procedures and reliable.
• Feel comfortable being away from family and friends for extended periods of time.
• A valid driving license and good spoken English are essential requirements for this post.
• Being able to speak French/Arabic is a plus.
Salary/funding:
The research assistant will receive no salary, but the house rental will be provided. Monthly expenses for the research assistant should be around £150-£250.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
I can provide a room in an apartment block with me and other people (PhD student and research assistants) in the town of Azrou. The successful applicant should cover all other expenses related to the trip and the stay in the field site: their own health and travel insurance, flights to and from the field site, food, running costs, and any other required items.
Term of Appointment:
A commitment of at least 6 months is required with the position starting in June 2010. 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.
Application Deadline:
Until position is filled
Contact Information:
Sandra Molesti
School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool
Lincoln, LN6 7TS
United Kingdom