Hiring Organization:
University of California Davis, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Pennsylvania
Date Posted:
2011-09-23
Position Description:
We are searching for a highly motivated and self-reliant field assistant to work on a comparative study of red titi monkeys (Callicebus discolor) and equatorial saki monkeys (Pithecia aequatorialis) in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Titis and sakis have both been classified as socially monogamous and yet they show distinct differences in their social behavior, level of paternal care, and degrees of territoriality. Our study is investigating pair-mate relationships and the relative investment of the sexes in territorial behavior. Assistants will be responsible for collecting social behavior, foraging, ranging, demographic, and life history data from three titi groups and two saki groups. Other responsibilities will include assistance with playback experiments to simulate intergroup encounters, recording vocalizations, habituation, and data entry. Assistants will be trained in all relevant data collection and archiving methods, including behavioral sampling on handheld computers, radio-telemetry, database manipulation, etc.
Assistants will not be allowed to collect data for publication independent of our research project – e.g. for their own theses. Ideally, this experience will be seen as an internship for your own future research. We do, however, strongly encourage assistants to work with us coauthoring papers based on or stemming from the data they assist in collecting. If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree that involves fieldwork in the tropics, this will be a fantastic experience.
Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants should have a BS/BA in Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Physical Anthropology, Primatology, or a related field. Although previous experience with primates is not necessary, previous experience with animals, camping, or working outdoors is strongly preferred. The ideal applicant should have prior experience with living or working in a foreign country, preferably a developing country in the tropics. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not necessary. Experience with collecting systematic data in a scientific context is preferred, and a strong interest in primate behavior and ecology a must. In general, applicants must be in good physical and mental condition; feel comfortable being far away from family and friends; be emotionally mature, energetic, and VERY patient; have an excellent eye for detail; not be afraid of bugs, snakes, or being alone in the forest; have very good social skills, especially in small groups; and be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work.
This work will be rigorous and demanding. Assistants will be expected to work about 11 hours in the field each day, about 20 days out of each month. The terrain in the research site is quite hilly in places, seasonally floods in others, and the climate is often hot, humid, and rainy – this is a rainforest just South of the Equator in which close to four meters of rain falls a year – thus persistence, maturity, dedication, and good humor are very important. Preference will be given to applicants with previous outdoor experience in demanding environments.
Salary/funding:
This is a volunteer position. For highly qualified candidates, funding may be available to offset some of the costs of station fees (see details in "Support" below) after completing 3 months on the project.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
This is a volunteer position. Applicants must pay their own round-trip airfare to Quito, Ecuador (cost varies) and for travel within Ecuador to and from the research station (circa US$200). Assistants are also responsible for the costs of obtaining a visa to work in Ecuador (circa US$350), for health insurance and immunizations that permit that work (proof of yellow fever immunization is a must; vaccination against typhoid, rabies, hepatitis, etc., are all also strongly recommended), their own personal field clothes and gear, and for daily station fees of US$32 per day (fee includes on-site lodging, laundry, and three meals daily).
Term of Appointment:
minimum two month commitment
Application Deadline:
Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.
Comments:
All serious applicants please send an email to Amy Porter (amyporter@ucdavis.edu) and submit the following:
1. CV including relevant coursework, previous field/outdoor experience, and where/how you can be contacted
2. Letter of interest (please include dates you are available)
3. References from three persons (preferably professors or research supervisors with whom you’ve worked closely) in which they provide information about your experiences, skills, and training.
Contact Information:
Amy Porter
University of California Davis, Department of Anthropology
Davis, CA 95616
USA
Website:
http://tiputini.usfq.edu.ec/
E-mail Address:
amyporter@ucdavis.edu