Hiring Organization:
UCLA
Date Posted:
2010-07-15
Position Description:
The Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Project has been running for 20 years, and (funding permitting) will continue for many years to come. Each year we accept about 6 interns who stay a full year and participate in data collection. The project currently monitors 11 social groups of monkeys. Virtually all monkeys are well habituated, and their genetic relationships are known, as well as social histories dating back several years in most cases. The primary focus of research currently is life histories, particularly male migration strategies and female counter-strategies to infanticide.
Application instructions are on the following website:
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/sperry/jobs.html
Please read the detailed guide to working on the monkey project BEFORE applying or contacting the project, as this will answer virtually all questions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to read the book "Manipulative Monkeys: The Capuchins of Lomas Barbudal," which is a popular science book documenting not only the first 15 years of scientific research, but the life style of researchers working at this site.
Qualifications/Experience:
There are no absolute criteria, and we try to hire people with a blend of different talents. But some traits that help are good grades (>3.3 GPA), some prior Spanish training, computer skills, auto mechanic skills, and prior experience studying animal behavior and working in the field. The most important trait in a field assistant is strong work ethic and the ability to make a firm commitment for a year. Please do not apply if you are the sort of person who signs contracts and then backs out, as such behavior is highly damaging to the project (as well as to your own reputation). It is also highly desirable for applicants to have done some reading in primatology (not just websites, but journal articles and books, including some from this project) before applying.
Salary/funding:
None. However, the field manager position (which pays a real salary in addition to room and board) is always someone selected from the pool of former or current interns. We are applying for grants to allow small stipends in addition to paying living and transportation expenses, but currently we do not have such funds.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Room and board are provided, though interns must feed themselves when away on vacation. Upon completion of the 1-year contract, interns qualify for a travel refund of up to $1000 for their plane fares. Assistants must buy their own medical insurance.
Term of Appointment:
Minimum one year. Start dates are flexible, but we need people to start immediately (August and every couple months thereafter.)
Application Deadline:
Rolling deadlines: Try to apply at least 3 months before desired start date. We still need people to start in August 2011.
Comments:
These internships are excellent preparation for graduate school. Interns who finish their terms have always received admission to high quality graduate programs (44 of our past interns have gone to graduate school).
Contact Information:
Susan Perry
Dept. of Anthropology, Box 951553, UCLA
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1553
USA
Telephone Number:
310-267-4338
Fax Number:
310-206-7833
Website:
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/sperry
E-mail Address:
sperry@anthro.ucla.edu