Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Date Posted:
2012-02-22
Position Description:
Each volunteer will be observing chimpanzees of one of the three communities of wild chimpanzees that are habituated to human presence. The volunteers will be trained to identify the chimpanzees, learn the behaviours and their way around in the forest. Afterwards they will work independently and collect behavioural observations (focal and ad libitum observational data), as well as urine and fecal samples (for hormonal, bacteriological and virological analysis). The volunteers will collaborate closely with local field assistants and international students alike. They will be responsible for managing the long-term data collection for the community they work with. In addition, at the end of their tenure they will be responsible for training their replacement.
Qualifications/Experience:
The successful applicant will need to work independently in a remote and physically demanding tropical forest habitat. She / he will need good social skills to work and live amongst a group of international colleagues with different cultural backgrounds, and will need to speak French - or be willing to rapidly learn it. Previous experience in animal behaviour and previous field work will be beneficial.
Salary/funding:
Volunteers are principally self-funded. However, accommodation at the field site is provided and one airfare (to a reasonable max.) as well as permit fees will be reimbursed after completed tenure.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Students currently living there spend about €150 a month on consumables (food, gas, etc.), which volunteers would need to provide themselves, as well as suitable clothing.
Term of Appointment:
July 2012 – August 2013
Application Deadline:
31 March 2012
Comments:
Applications including a cover letter stating research experience, detailed curriculum vitae, and the names and e-mail addresses of two referees should be sent electronically. Application deadline is 31 March 2012. The evaluation process will start afterwards, with interviews being held after 15 April 2012.
Contact Information:
Dr. Roman Wittig
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04103
Germany
Telephone Number:
+49 341 3550 204
Fax Number:
+49 341 3550 299
Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/
E-mail Address:
wittig@eva.mpg.de