We seek an enthusiastic candidate with a detail-oriented way of working that assists in data collection on cognitive performance and curiosity in sanctuary-housed orangutans in Indonesia.
The project
Humans deliberately innovate, even in the absence of any problem to solve. This desire to learn and know, i.e. curiosity, seems to set humans apart from other species. Being curious has powerful consequences on the individual level. Through increased innovation rates, curious individuals may transform their cognitive capacity into skills and knowledge faster than uncurious individuals. As such, curiosity may be a key psychological trait that makes cognitive potential visible for natural selection. Therefore, to fully understand cognitive evolution, aside from external factors, it is crucial to take key psychological motivations and their development within individuals into account. The data collected in the frame of the advertised subproject is part of a bigger project investigating the interplay between cognitive performance and curiosity in wild, sanctuary- and zoo-housed orangutans and chimpanzees, as well as in humans from different societies.
Role and responsibility
The research assistant will assist with data collection and independently collect data on cognitive performance and curiosity in sanctuary-housed orangutans in Sumatra. In addition, the candidate will code the collected data using video coding software.
Experience and skills
Applicants should hold a degree in Biology, Comparative Psychology, or a related field. We seek a highly motivated candidate with a detail-oriented way of working, patience, a strong sense of responsibility, and excellent observation skills. Experience conducting cognitive experiments with great apes, other primates, or large-brained birds in captivity/wild is required. We are looking for a candidate who can work independently, flexibly solve problems, and has excellent team working skills. The position further requires high-level organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with staff. Very good spoken and written English skills are required. Technical knowledge to repair test equipment is needed and experience in coding behavioral data is desirable. The candidate must be willing to travel and live at the sanctuaries for several months during the data collection phase.
The research assistant must be ready to take advice from travel health specialists for medication and be up to date with vaccinations such as COVID19, Hepatitis, Yellow Fever, and Tuberculosis.
Details
The research project will start 1st of August 2025 and is planned to last 8 months or longer. Plane tickets from and to the home country, vaccinations, food and lodging at the sanctuaries, and project-related fees are covered by the project. A small monthly living stipend is provided for personal use, to ensure that the candidate experiences no cost for this position. Questions about the position will be answered by Dr. Isabelle Laumer.