Inkawu Vervet Project, South Africa
Date Posted:
2012-09-08
Position Description:
Within the framework of a large collaborative project between the universities of Neuchatel (Dr. R. Bshary), Zurich (Drs. C.P. van Schaik & M. Krützen) and St. Andrews (Dr. A. Whiten) on the evolution of social behaviour in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), the Inkawu Vervet Project is currently looking for highly motivated field assistants. Applicants that want to use this opportunity as a jumping board to help them pursue a post-grad degree (MSc. or PhD) in Behavioural Ecology, Anthropology, Evolutionary Psychology or any related field are especially encouraged to apply.
Assistants will help 3 PhD-students and 1 on-site post-doc with the habituation of and data collection on a targeted 10 groups of wild vervet monkeys at our field-site in Kwazulu-Natal, South-Africa. Behavioural data (both observational and experimental) and invasive genetic samples (ear-clips) are currently collected on 6 groups (each equipped with GPS/VHF loggers), with an additional 3 groups already identified for habituation in the near future.
Assistants are expected to spend a minimum of 6 months (but 8 to 10 months would be better) in the field in order to qualify for full financial compensation of travel expenses to South Africa, on-site lodging and meals. All applicants are responsible for their own field equipment (hiking shoes, bush clothes, rain gear, etc.), as well as vaccinations and travel insurance. Research equipment (handheld computers, binoculars and VHF-receivers for telemetry) are provided.
Qualifications/Experience:
Successful applicants are proficient in English, have excellent social skills, and are able to work within a large, interdisciplinary research team under field conditions.
Salary/funding:
Salary/funding: No salary is provided.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
No salary is provided.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging): Financial compensation of travel expenses, on-site lodging and meals is available (see above).
Term of Appointment:
Positions are open for October 2012
Application Deadline:
16 September 2012
Comments:
Applications consisting of a motivation letter (1 page) and curriculum vitae (up to 2 pages) should be send electronically to Erica van de Waal
Contact Information:
Erica van de Waal
University of Neuchâtel, Emile-Argand 11, CP 158
Neuchâtel, none 2000
Switzerland
Telephone Number:
0041 32 718 31 14
Fax Number:
0041 32 718 30 01
Website:
E-mail Address: