Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Date Posted:
2010-06-15
Position Description:
We initiated a project to habituate both western gorillas and chimpanzees in Loango National Park, Gabon in January 2005. We are currently looking for a research assistant to help with the ongoing habituation of the chimpanzee community. The position will begin in September 2010, for a one year period.
The assistant will be required to work long hours in the forest (10 hours a day, 6 days a week) to search for chimpanzees. The work is physically demanding (average 10 km per day, rain or shine) and requires a great deal of patience. The assistant will be expected to take behavioural data during contacts with the chimpanzees and identify individuals when possible. Other tasks will involve data entry and possible assistance with other projects including tool use, phenology and camera trap maintenance. Loango National Park is located on the coast of Gabon and consists of several ecosystems including coastal forest and swamps with a high diversity and abundance of large mammals.
The living conditions at this project are basic. We have two main camps, with only basic amenities (no running water, only minimal solar power for electricity).
Qualifications/Experience:
The applicant must have at least a BSc in biology, zoology, anthropology or a related discipline. Previous field experience with primates or other animals will be viewed as a great asset. An interest in botany and general ecology is helpful.
The applicant should demonstrate an ability to handle the living conditions at the site, be extremely motivated to spend long days in the forest and be willing to work extra hours during periods when the chimpanzees can be easily located.
The language spoken by our field team is French and the ability to speak it is required.
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, CV, and one to three reference letters via email. All candidates will be notified by August 1st; please don't send repeated letters of inquiry or telephone calls.
Salary/funding:
200 euros per month.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
One round trip airfare to Gabon and transportation to study site will be provided. Accommodation (a tent) and basic equipment is provided. Food is also provided.
Term of Appointment:
1 year
Application Deadline:
July 15, 2010
Comments:
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, CV, and one to three reference letters to luisa_rabanal@hotmail.com with “Field position in Loango” in the subject line.
Contact Information:
Luisa Rabanal
Deutscher Platz 6 Germany
Leipzig, none 04013
Germany
Telephone Number:
+49 (0) 341 3550 200
Fax Number:
+49 (0) 341 3550 299
Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat.html
E-mail Address:
luisa_rabanal@hotmail.com