Field Research Assistants – Primate communities in the Peruvian Amazon

Hiring Organization:
Lucy Millington, Doctoral Candidate, Manchester Metropolitan University

Date Posted:
2020-01-15

Position Description:
I am looking for research assistants for my PhD fieldwork in Peru, starting in April 2020. Please read below for more information. I am particularly keen to work with Peruvian students but will consider other applicants.

There are multiple research assistants for two parts of a PhD research project required from either April or August 2020 for a PhD research project to be conducted in the Manu buffer zone and Tambopota reserve, Peru. Assistants will be required to stay for a minimum of 3 months and preferably for longer. This is an excellent opportunity for bachelors/postgraduate students to conduct their own research projects alongside the main data collection (which can be discussed further in person).

The project will be split into two sub-projects – The first is a 12-14 month behavioural ecology study of woolly monkeys and spider monkeys at a site in the Manu buffer zone. The days are very long, we are out from dawn until dusk following the monkeys, and the conditions can be hard in a rainforest with difficult terrain, high humidity, heavy rain and lots of biting insects! The second project is a primate population survey at multiple field sites in the Tambopata region. These days are also long and can involve a lot of walking and early mornings to reach and complete transect surveys. Other tasks associated with both projects include data entry and assisting with regular vegetation surveys. It is hard work, but very rewarding if you enjoy being out in the field and watching monkeys all day!

Working as part of a team is vital, you will be working very closely with other research assistants and myself to accurately record data in the field. You will have the opportunity to learn about primate behavioural ecology and conservation, as well as plant sampling techniques and data management.

Tasks include:

Project 1: Behavioural ecology study of woolly monkeys and spider monkeys in the Manu buffer zone

Collect behavioural data using focal animal observations

Record spatial (GPS) data to track group movements

Monitor vegetation plots

Input and manage data

Project 2: Primate community surveys at multiple study sites in Tambopata region

Conduct regular primate surveys

Monitor vegetation plots

Input and manage data

Qualifications/Experience:
The applicant would ideally be working toward a Bachelors/Masters degree in a related field, or have already completed a degree. Any field experience would be helpful, but not necessary and knowledge of English (and Spanish) language are essential.

Required Skills for the field assistant work:

Happy to live and work under harsh conditions
Able to cope with long days in the heat or rain
Comfortable in a forest with potentially dangerous animals incl. snakes
Field experience / experience with observing animals is preferable but not essential
Team spirit

Support provided for volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accommodation and food will be paid for by myself at the eco-lodges as well as any travel required between them. The accommodation is quite comfortable, it will be based in eco-lodges within the Madre de Dios region, there is running water, flushable toilets and showers, and limited electricity/wi-fi will be provided.

Term of Appointment:
Project 1: August/September 2020 for 14 months

Project 2: April 2020 for 6/12 months

Application Deadline:
Until positions are filled

Comments:
If you are interested, or have any questions then please send a letter of interest and CV to Lucy Millington (lucy.millington@stu.mmu.ac.uk)

Contact Information:
Lucy Millington

Dept. Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Telephone Number:
N/A

Website:

E-mail Address:
lucy.millington@stu.mmu.ac.uk