Hiring Organization:
Washington University in Saint Louis
Date Posted:
2012-10-18
Position Description:
Research assistants will be assisting researchers in an investigation of a community of callitrichids in a long-term study in southeast Peru. CICRA is a biological field station on the Los Amigos River, equipped to sustain long-term projects, with laboratory space and large public areas.
Assistants will work on monitoring the behavior,ecology, communication and reproduction of groups of four primate species. The cost to attend the program at CICRA is $1500/month, for a minimum of two months
Some specific tasks that volunteers participate in are listed below. There is no distinction between tasks that volunteers and team researchers complete - everyone participates on equal footing at this site.
1. Line transect surveys of primates
2. Daily follows of individual monkey groups
3. Behavioral observations during follows
4. Positional data recording (GPS) on ranging patterns of groups
5. Vegetation sampling
6. Recording locations and monitoring plant feeding sites
7. Setting up and monitoring traps
8. Assisting during processing of animals once trapped(when applicable)
Including: Photography of individuals
This is a great opportunity for students interested in graduate programs in biology, conservation, ecology or anthropology. You will learn how to record behavioral data, track primates using sight, sound and radio telemetry, and conduct focal follow on individual animals. In-depth training through the use of audi-visual aids and field demonstrations on tropical field biology in general will be provided to all accepted candidates.
A minimum of a 2-month commitment is required. If you can stay for longer, reduced rates of stay are also available for the candidates applying to work at CICRA. We are accepting volunteers on a rolling basis for these positions.
Fill out the application at http://www.primatesperu.org/how-you-can-help/raoa and have a recommendation letter from a reliable reference sent via email to primatesperu@gmail.com within 2 weeks of completing the online application. All letters must come directly from the reference and not from the applicant, via email to the address above.
Decisions will be made quickly and on a rolling basis, beginning right away.
A detailed job description can be found here: http://primatesperu.org/howyoucanhelp/volunteerreq
Qualifications/Experience:
Ideally, volunteers should have past experience working or living in a tropical country, preferably in South America. More importantly, a background in science that allows you to understand the scientific method, basic research terminology, and maintenance of data records is vital.
The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
1. Degree or expected degree in a life science of anthropology
2. Knowledge of at least basic Spanish
3. Good physical and mental health
4. Ability to hike long distances (>6 miles) in a day
5. Ability to carry a moderately heavy pack
6. Cheerful, optimistic approach to work
7. Ability to be independent of family and friends for extended periods
8. Commitment to the project during days of work (5/6 days a week)
9. Ability to work with Microsoft Office and Excel for data entry/backup
10. No fear of snakes, insects, etc.
Salary/funding:
There is no salary or funding provided to first-time volunteers
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The costs of the project include meals and lodging, but travel to the sites is outside of the project costs. A breakdown of travel costs are on the website.
Term of Appointment:
April to August 2013, 2 month minimum commitment
Application Deadline:
Rolling - we're accepting applications now for at least 8 positions
Comments:
Once the field positions are filled, the application will go online. So feel free to email us with questions, if you have any, and get applications completed as soon as you can.
Contact Information:
St. Louis, Missouri
USA
Website:
E-mail Address: