The Research
We are looking for several volunteer research assistants to carry out exciting experiments with captive Damaraland mole-rats, Fukomys damarensis, at the Kuruman River Reserve in the South African Kalahari Desert.
Broadly, our research investigates the influence of genes, hormones and social factors on individual developmental, growth and behaviours. We are also interested in characterizing the differences between breeding and non-breeding individuals
What you can gain from this role
This position is particularly suited, but not exclusively, for people aiming to carry on their academic education or a management position in a research project. Successful applicants can expect to gain invaluable experience in animal handling procedures and in conducting and managing experiments. They will also gain database skills (MySQL) and will be provided with the opportunity to work on a personal analysis project using the data available in our existing database. Costs of food and accommodation while at the project will be covered. A contribution towards travel costs will be made (300 Euros/Year)
Candidate requirements
Applicants should be available for a period of 6 to 12 months. They should be hardworking, enthusiastic, physically fit, and prepared for long hours in the laboratory. Successful applicants will be responsible to run experiments and will be involved in data collection (behavioural observations, collection of biological samples), data editing and animal handling. Working weeks will not exceed 45 hours.
We are looking for several volunteer research assistants to carry out exciting experiments with captive Damaraland mole-rats, Fukomys damarensis, at the Kuruman River Reserve in the South African Kalahari Desert.
Broadly, our research investigates the influence of genes, hormones and social factors on individual developmental, growth and behaviours. We are also interested in characterizing the differences between breeding and non-breeding individuals
What you can gain from this role
This position is particularly suited, but not exclusively, for people aiming to carry on their academic education or a management position in a research project. Successful applicants can expect to gain invaluable experience in animal handling procedures and in conducting and managing experiments. They will also gain database skills (MySQL) and will be provided with the opportunity to work on a personal analysis project using the data available in our existing database. Costs of food and accommodation while at the project will be covered. A contribution towards travel costs will be made (300 Euros/Year)
Candidate requirements
Applicants should be available for a period of 6 to 12 months. They should be hardworking, enthusiastic, physically fit, and prepared for long hours in the laboratory. Successful applicants will be responsible to run experiments and will be involved in data collection (behavioural observations, collection of biological samples), data editing and animal handling. Working weeks will not exceed 45 hours.