Hiring Organization:
Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig, Germany
Date Posted:
2010-09-24
Position Description:
We are looking for a trapping assistant on a long-term study on the “Mechanisms of paternal kin discrimination” in Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). This study will be conducted on a semi-free macaque population on the island of Cayo Santiago, as part of the Caribbean Primate Research Center from the University of Puerto Rico (http://cprc.rcm.upr.edu/).
The successful applicant will be expected to work on Cayo Santiago for 5 days a week, and may also be required to undertake data entry and/or processing in the later afternoon or on weekends. The main work of the trapping assistant will include the handling and sampling of trapped animals (DNA and odor samples) as well as the preparation and storage of samples taken. Finally, shipping of the samples to Germany has to be performed by the assistant.
The project is conducted by Dr. Anja Widdig, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig (Germany). Trapping for this project is lead by PhD candidate Doreen Hess who will attend the trapping season for the first month.
Qualifications/Experience:
Qualification:
Previous experience of handling primates or mammals is welcome, but not required. The ability to work in tropical conditions for approximately 8h a day is needed. The language in our team is English, but Spanish is very much welcomed. The successful candidate must have medical insurance, a valid IACUC certificate (i. working with the IACUC, ii. non-human primate lecture; www.citiprogram.org) and the following medical records:
1 a TB-test (within the last 6 months)
2 measles titers (rubeola-IGG) (5 weeks prior to departure)
3 stool cultures for over all parasites, shigella and salmonella (5 weeks prior to departure)
4 tetanus shot (within the last 10 years)
5 medical form of UPR (5 weeks prior to departure)
All records have to be provided 4 weeks prior to departure (mid December), since it will take time to check the record by the University of Puerto Rico (UPR). When approved, the medical care taker of the UPR will issue the trapping assistant to be able to go to Cayo Santiago.
In general, applicants should:
- be physically fit and mentally strong with very good social skills
- be able to work independently within our team
- being well organized and working extremely solid and precise
- feel comfortable living under basic conditions
- be willing to adapt to a foreign culture
- be emotionally mature, friendly, energetic and very patient
- be able to maintain a positive attitude towards hard and tiring work.
Salary/funding:
So far there is no funding available. Costs include airfare, medical investigations, health insurance, housing and food. Housing is approximately 200-350$/month (depending on the number of students sharing the apartment).
Term of Appointment:
~8 weeks (from 12th of January 2011 until 12th of March 2011)
Application Deadline:
17th of October 2010
Comments:
Applicants should send their CV, a cover letter describing their interests in this position and contact information for one referee. Please send ONLY email applications.
Contact Information:
Doreen Hess
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig D-04103
Germany
Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/staff/hess/index.html
E-mail Address:
doreen_muesli@yahoo.de