JOB DESCRIPTION
Research assistant for behavioural and endocrinological data collection for the long-term field project in LuiKotale, Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. The candidate will assist with data collection for two inter-related projects investigating proximate mechanisms and ultimate function of social bonding between individuals in bonobos. The major work consists of daily walks in the forest following focal individuals from a habituated bonobo community, and collecting behavioural data and urine samples which will be used for later hormone analysis. Work duties also includes entering the collected data in a computer for later analysis. Assistants will be accommodated at the LuiKotale Research Camp, which is located in an extremely remote area with no running water or electricity. Additional Information about the field site and research activities at LuiKotale is available at www.eva.mpg.de/primat
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential requirements are: (1) field experience, preferably in an African country (2) experience in behavioural data collection, (3) above average physical fitness, (4) above average resistance to social/psychological stress, (5) practical and technical skills required to orient and move across dense tropical lowland forest without prominent land marks, (6) the capacity to live and work with an international team of students, volunteers and local staff. Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a team, must have strong motivation to take on responsibility, and tolerance to costumes and practices of traditional societies. Candidates with relevant language skills (English and French) will be preferred.
SALARY/FUNDING
300 Euro/month
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
- Food (mix of mainly local food and some western food items)
- Lodging (in tents) at the field site
- Airfare for one domestic return flight from Kinshasa to the field site and back
- Contribution of up to 800 Euro towards an international return flight (reimbursement ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A 9 MONTH TERM OF APPOINTMENT)
- Expenses for Visa (reimbursement ONLY AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETITION OF A 9 MONTHS TERM OF APPOINTMENT)
Please note that expenses during the stay in Kinshasa on the way in/out of Congo can not be covered by the project
TERM OF APPOINTMENT
Nine months starting around February 2013
Applications should be sent via email to Dr. Martin Surbeck (surbeck@eva.mpg.de) AND Dr. Liza Moscovice (liza_moscovice@eva.mpg.de)