We are offering 1 volunteer position to collect long-term data for the Taï Monkey Project in Ivory Coast, starting January / February 2021 for 6 months.
The
Taï Monkey project was founded in 1989 by Ronald Noë and Bettie
Sluijter. Prof. Scott McGraw (Ohio State University, US), Prof. Klaus
Zuberbühler (University of Neuchâtel, CH) and Dr. Anderson Bitty
(Université Félix Houphouët –Boigny, CI) now direct this project. It is
located within Taï National Park, Ivory Coast. It is the largest
remaining block of intact rainforest in West Africa. Seven monkey
species are regularly observed in the study area: western red colobus
monkeys, western black-and-white colobus, olive colobus, Diana monkeys,
lesser spot-nosed monkeys, Campbell’s monkeys, and sooty mangabeys.
The
volunteer will help 2 PhD students of the University of Neuchâtel,
under the direction of Prof. Klaus Zuberbühler, in their respective
projects:
- Vocal learning in sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys), Julián León
The
volunteer will first be trained to identify individuals of a habituated
group and their vocal behavior. Observational and experimental methods
will be used to investigate how call structure and sound-meaning
linkages are established and socially learned.
- Flexibility of production in olive colobus’ alarm calls (Procolobus verus), Quentin Gallot
After
a period of training, the volunteer will work independently to collect
behavioral observations (focal and ad lib data) and record
vocalizations, following a habituated group. These data will help to
investigate call combination system of olive colobus.
The volunteer will collaborate closely with local field assistants and PhD students.
Qualifications and Requirements:
The
successful applicant will need to work independently in a remote and
physically demanding habitat. Good social and communication skills are
important to work and live with international colleagues and local staff
with different cultural backgrounds. The applicant needs to speak basic
French and English. Previous experience in animal behavior research
and/or field work will be extremely beneficial to the application.
Salary / Funding:
Accommodation
at the field site will be provided and one airfare, as well as permit
fees and living expenses, will be reimbursed after completion of the 6
months field work.
Application:
For consideration, please compile the following documents into a single PDF labelled ‘TaiVolunteer_YourSurname.pdf’ and send to quentin.gallot@unine.ch:
cover letter stating experience (1 page max); detailed CV; and the
names and emails of two referees. The University of Neuchâtel places
great emphasis on gender balance; we particularly encourage women to
apply.
The evaluation process starts December 16, 2020 and continues until the position is filled. For questions about the position, contact Quentin Gallot (quentin.gallot@unine.ch).