We are seeking a field/research assistant to assist in data collection and analysis in a postdoctoral project investigating social networks as a trade-off in information and disease transmissions in Japanese macaques, Macaca fuscata. The project is in collaboration with Dr. Cédric Sueur, of the University of Strasbourg, France, and Dr. Andrew MacIntosh, of the Kyoto University Primate Research Institute(PRI) and Wildlife Research Centre (WRC), Japan. The position is initially for 3 months in Japan, from mid-September to mid-December 2014. According to the progress of the project, and the performance and wishes of the assistant, it may be extended to include analyses at the PRI in Inuyama, Japan, and/or at the University of Strasbourg, France.
The assistant will be mainly based in Kushima, Miyazaki-ken, Kyushu, and will help in collecting behavioural, fecal and experimental data on a population of Japanese macaques living on the island of Kojima nearby. The Kojima macaques have been studied since the 1940s, making the island the birthplace of Japanese primatology. The macaques are most famous for washing sweet potatoes and wheat grains in the sea, which spread as culture through the social group.
The region is quite remote and mainly consists of countryside. People speak little English. The island where we observe the monkeys consists of rough, hilly and rocky terrain, alternating between forest and beaches/cliffs. The macaques often range in areas difficult to access (e.g. steep slope/cliff, rocks surrounded by the sea). The weather will first be mild but may include typhoons and will turn to winter around November. In poor weather conditions it is often difficult to access the island, so assistants are expected to remain flexible with respect to actual responsibilities performed. Japan is also a volcanic country and prone to earthquakes.
Tasks will mostly include: conducting behavioural focal observations of 20 adult females, collecting and processing fecal samples for parasite, hormone and immunological analyses, and collecting social network data (mainly proximities, approaches and departures) during diffusion experiments testing for social transmission of new feeding techniques. It may also involve behavioural data analyses and video coding of said experiments, and even possibly laboratory analyses of fecal samples. This is an excellent opportunity to gain further experience in field work in a multidisciplinary project.
The assistant is required:
- To have a good knowledge of animal social behaviour, in primates is preferable, of behavioural data collection, and of behavioural data analyses. Previous experience in observing primates, especially macaques, is appreciated. Experience in field work, of at least several weeks, as well as experience abroad, i.e. outside of the home country, is also nonnegligible.
A background in ethology, ecology, behavioural ecology, primatology, or anthropology and related field is
preferred.
- To be physically and mentally fit.
- To have a positive and flexible attitude toward challenges and to be able to communicate openly about problems.
- To be able to work in a team and independently at the same time.
- To be able to spend time away from family and friends, and to be alone without feeling lonely.
- To be familiar with handling electronic equipment such as GPS, handheld computer, or video camera.
We will provide for lodging and transportation to/from the island. Upon further discussions, and depending on the financial situation of the project, a small monthly stipend (between 200 and 400€) may be made available to cover for food and other expenses in the field. The assistant will have to take care of his/her own transportation to/from Japan, health insurance, basic field gear, and visa.
If interested to apply, send by email a CV and a cover letter describing your background, experience and motivation to join the project. Also provide the names and contact information (including email addresses and phone numbers) of two academic or professional references who can attest to your qualifications.
Contact:
Dr. Julie Duboscq
Post-doctoral fellow of the University of Strasbourg
Evolutionary Ethology Unit, DEPE-IPHC-UdS-CNRS
Strasbourg, France
e-mail : julie.duboscq@iphc.cnrs.fr
web: http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Julie_Duboscq/
web: http://www.iphc.cnrs.fr/-Ethologie-evolutive-.html
web: http://www.cicasp.pri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/people/andrew-macintosh