Hiring Organization:
Zoological Society of London
Date Posted:
2011-02-03
Position Description:
Two or more volunteers are needed to assist with PhD research on the living collections at ZSL. They will work alongside a PhD student to collect and handle behavioural data from primates at ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
Volunteers will help set up behavioural experiments, collect video footage of primates, and re-play and encode video footage on a computer. Volunteers will not have direct contact with animals, and must be willing to spend time outdoors collecting data in all weather conditions, as well office time.
These positions would suit a person with at least a first degree (e.g. zoology, anthropology, animal science), who would like to gain first-hand experience of behavioural research. They are not suitable for university students wishing to collect data for their own projects, but volunteers will be fully acknowledged in any resulting publications.
Volunteers must be reliable and trustworthy, and able to commit to working at one or both zoos for at least two days per week. The anticipated term of appointment is from early March to late June 2011 but dates are flexible. For volunteers who wish to work at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, own transport is highly advantageous.
To apply, please email the following information to fay.clark@zsl.org: (1) a short CV (no more than one side of A4), (2) a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying and dates of availability and (3) the name and email address of an academic who has agreed to act as referee and will provide a short statement of support by email if requested. Please include ‘Primate research assistant’ in the subject heading of your email, followed by your name. Informal queries should be sent to the same email address. Interested candidates are advised to apply straight away. Interviews will be held at ZSL London Zoo at the end of February.
Qualifications/Experience:
Essential:
At least a first degree (e.g. zoology, anthropology, animal science)
Experience working with captive animals in some capacity (such as a zoo, veterinary clinic or wildlife sanctuary).
An appreciation for the conservation and research roles of modern zoos.
Desirable:
Prior experience with primates.
Some experience of using standard camera equipment.
Good computer skills including microsoft excel and windows media player or similar.
Salary/funding:
Unfortunately no funding is available.
Term of Appointment:
Early March to late June 2011.
Application Deadline:
Friday 18th February 2011.
Comments:
Interviews are expected to be held on at London Zoo on Friday 25th February.
Contact Information:
Fay Clark
Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London
London, none NW1 4RY
United Kingdom
Website:
http://www.zsl.org
E-mail Address:
fay.clark@zsl.org