Hiring Organization:
University of Utah
Date Posted:
2012-01-07
Position Description:
Seeking a volunteer research assistant to help with data collection for a research project investigating the foraging behavior of vervet monkeys as annual, prescribed, burns alter their home ranges. Research assistants will work daily with project personnel collecting behavioral and ecological data. All research assistants will be trained on-site.
Work at the field site is physically and mentally demanding. Interested individuals should be physically fit, and able to work collaboratively with team members. Volunteers will be expected to work 8-12 hours per day 5-6 days per week. The successful applicant will live at ABEERU’s research unit at the Loskop Dam Nature reserve in South Africa. The field station is equipped with basic amenities. This position is an excellent opportunity to gain experience collecting behavioral data on free-ranging primates.
Qualifications/Experience:
1. Commitment of up to 3 months (term of appointment is flexible)
2. An interest in animal behavior and ecology
3. Hard working/self motivated
4. Above average level of physical fitness – project area includes rough and varied terrain
5. Ability to work both independently and within a team of local and South African/US researchers
6. Experience working on a field research project (preferred, but not required)
7. Foreign travel or living/work experience (preferred, but not required)
8. B.A. or equivalent in animal behavior, zoology, anthropology or other relevant discipline
9. Experience using GPS units and software (preferred, but not required)
Salary/funding:
This is a volunteer position. No wage or stipend is currently available for research assistants. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of their return transportation to Johannesburg, SA, food (approx $200.00 per month USD), lodging ($90.00 per month USD), and comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
Term of Appointment:
The project will run from January 30th, 2012 through mid July 2012. Volunteers able to commit for up to 3 months are also strongly encouraged to apply. The duration of commitment is flexible. Preference will be given to candidates who can commit for the majority of the project (approximately six months).
Application Deadline:
Rolling until positions are filled.
Comments:
Candidates should send a brief cover letter, CV, and contact details for 2 references. Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Herzog with questions regarding this advertisement, as the terms of the appointment are flexible.
Contact Information:
Nicole Herzog
University of Utah Department of Anthropology
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
USA
Telephone Number:
(406) 546-1434
Website:
http://See http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=26634 for photos of research station.
E-mail Address:
nicole.herzog@anthro.utah.edu