Hiring Organization:
University of California - Davis
Date Posted:
2012-10-25
Position Description:
I am seeking 1-2 field assistants to help with data collection on my PhD project on the influence of personality on social behavior and health of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Pointe Noire, Congo Republic. This project will span from early March to mid-August 2013 for approximately 5.5 months. Field assistant responsibilities will include 1) conducting all-day behavioral observations on groups of chimpanzees ranging from 10-30 individuals, 2) collecting fecal samples for parasite and hormone analysis, 3) assisting with laboratory work, and 4) filling out personality surveys on all chimpanzees on study.
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located in the Conkouati-Douli National Park in South-Western Congo Republic. The sanctuary is home to over 160 chimpanzees that live in large enclosures on both the mainland and islands within the river. In the surrounding forest live wild chimpanzees, lowland gorillas, forest elephants, leopards, and other natural wildlife.
Applicants should be prepared to work both independently and as a team: daily behavioral observations are conducted while alone (except for the chimps), but lab work and daily life will be in a group setting. Field work can be both incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding, and field assistants will need the ability to persist with research in unpleasant weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain) and when research subjects are not cooperating. Field assistants will be expected to work 6 days per week, for 8+ hours per day. Chimpanzees are observed from the time they leave the night houses in the morning (~7:30 AM) until they return to the night houses in the evenings (~ 6:00 PM). On mornings when fecal samples are collected, researchers will need to be in the chimpanzees’ night houses before they wake up, around 6 AM.
Accommodations at Tchimpounga include a small house to be shared by all researchers, hot showers, flushing toilets, generator electricity and wireless internet. Cooking and cleaning will be shared by the PI and research assistant(s).
Qualifications/Experience:
Several qualifications are essential for all applicants:
- A B.A. or B.S. in biology, anthropology, psychology, evolution and ecology, or a related field. (Late-stage undergraduates will be considered with exceptional field experience.)
- A willingness to learn protocols and practice observations prior to arriving at the sanctuary.
- Fluency in English and keen observation skills.
- Above-average fitness. Researchers may walk up to 10 km each day following chimpanzees, carrying all of the requisite equipment for observations.
- Respect for the goals and mission of the sanctuary. Sanctuaries exist as a safe-haven for previously traumatized and abused chimpanzees. They are not a venue for photo-ops or “playtime” with chimpanzees – babies or otherwise. The chimpanzees in the sanctuary should be respected as individuals with their own personalities, needs, and desires, any of which may be contrary to our desires as observers or researchers.
- The ability to follow orders and stay calm under pressure. Chimpanzee escapes are a reality at any chimpanzee sanctuary and it is imperative that research assistants can follow the instructions of caregivers and staff for both their own safety and the safety of the chimps.
The following qualifications are a plus:
- Experience working on a research project, ideally a behavioral project or field project
- Experience travelling or living abroad, or in remote areas/camping – above average fitness is necessary
- Knowledge French or a willingness to learn (only one caregiver at Tchimpounga speaks English, Congo Republic is a French-speaking country)
- Previous experience with chimpanzees or other primates, or primate behavior
Salary/funding:
This is a volunteer position and no salary will be provided.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
This is a volunteer position. Food costs will be covered for the duration of the project. Transportation to/from Pointe Noire at the beginning and end of the project will be provided. Successful applicants will be expected to cover their field station fees and travel to/from Pointe Noire, visa costs, vaccinations, travel insurance, malaria prophylaxis, and all personal gear.
Additional support may be available depending on pending grants.
Term of Appointment:
6 months (mid-February to mid-August 2013)
Application Deadline:
Rolling
Comments:
Applications will be accepted until the position(s) are filled. Please submit a short (1-2 page) letter of interest detailing your interest in the position, how it relates to your career goals, your qualifications for the position, and your availability, your CV/resume, and contact information for at least one reference to ngsharpe@ucdavis.edu.
Contact Information:
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
USA
Telephone Number:
650-704-4610
E-mail Address: