VOLUNTEER / RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Technological Primates Research Group seeks a volunteer for a six-month appointment (can be extended) to conduct fieldwork with wild chimpanzees at the Djouroutou Research Site in the Tai National Park in Ivory Coast. Research assistant tasks will include a) collecting behavioral data on tool use of wild chimpanzees, b) managing the field station, c) furthering the habituation of the Djouroutou chimpanzee group.
Candidates should expect living conditions to be remote and basic (no running water, only minimal solar power for electricity, limited internet availability). The typical day will usually involve 10 hours walking in forest, sometimes through swamps, average 10 km per day, rain or shine. The work and living conditions are physically and psychologically demanding. We ask that you take this into careful consideration before applying. The Technological Primates Group strives to maintain a respectful, equitable, and harassment-free environment.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
Field experience including behavioral data collection, preferably with great apes is beneficial.The candidate will need to work independently in a remote and physically demanding tropical forest habitat, following a predefined protocol. Good social skills are important to work and live amongst a group of local colleagues with different cultural backgrounds. Similar previous experience will be advantageous.
The successful candidate is fluent in English and basic (conversational) French.
You will be required to have basic health insurance that also covers emergency repatriation and liability. You also must have vaccinations for measles, yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, polio, and meningitis.
SALARY/FUNDING: 300 EUR/month during training and 450 EUR/month thereafter ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:
> Lodging (in tents) at the field site> Roundtrip international flight to Ivory Coast (reimbursed after successful completion of 6-month appointment)> Expenses for Visa (reimbursed after successful completion of 6-month appointment)
TERM OF APPOINTMENT:
Six months beginning mid December 2022 Applications should include an updated CV, statement of interest highlighting qualifications/experience, and three references (or contact information). Please email application to Dr. Lydia Luncz, lydia_luncz@eva.mpg.de Application deadline November 11th 2022