The Primate Social Evolution Group at the German Primate Center (DPZ) is searching for a motivated research assistant to conduct behavioral observations of wild Assamese macaques at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand.
The Assamese Macaque Project at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand has been running since 2005 (https://www.dpz.eu/en/social-evolution-in-primates/field-station). The park is situated within a large network of protected forests harboring a diverse community of large mammals including several species of nonhuman primates. We currently observe three large multi-male multi-female groups of Assamese macaques which together contain about 200 individuals. We combine detailed behavioral observations with frequent non-invasive sample collection for physiological and genetic analyses, and phenological monitoring to investigate the causes and underlying mechanisms of social relationships.
What we offer:
a paid student assistant position
• for a duration of 9 - 12 months (salary: €600/month).
• We cover all work-related travel costs, medical insurance, necessary medical examinations and vaccinations. Housing at the field site is free. Note that we will reimburse the travel costs only after the completion of at least 9 months of data collection.
• A fantastic opportunity to study the social lives of wild Assamese macaques.
• An opportunity to gain new skills and gain proficiency in diverse research and scientific methods relevant for research in behavior and ecology.
• The unique opportunity to gain field experience in a Southeast Asia national park and train with experienced primate behavioral biologists.
This position is open to candidates with an interest in behavioral ecology and primate behavior. We are particularly looking forward to hear from applicants who:
• Are strongly motivated, reliable, and committed.
• Show good initiative, with a willingness to learn and attention to detail.
• Are happy to live and work under harsh conditions.
• Are prepared to live in a remote setting in a small team.
• Are able to work long days in the heat or in the rain.
• Have field experience/experience with observing animals.
• Have good intercultural communication skills.
• Have team spirit.
• Are fluent in English.
• Have a clean driver's license.
The successful candidate will be trained by and work closely with the long-term team of local field assistants and PhD students to contribute to the research program of the Assamese Macaque Project.
They will use the established protocol for focal animal observations and sample collection and processing on individually recognizable animals.
The Assamese Macaque Project at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand has been running since 2005 (https://www.dpz.eu/en/social-evolution-in-primates/field-station). The park is situated within a large network of protected forests harboring a diverse community of large mammals including several species of nonhuman primates. We currently observe three large multi-male multi-female groups of Assamese macaques which together contain about 200 individuals. We combine detailed behavioral observations with frequent non-invasive sample collection for physiological and genetic analyses, and phenological monitoring to investigate the causes and underlying mechanisms of social relationships.
What we offer:
a paid student assistant position
• for a duration of 9 - 12 months (salary: €600/month).
• We cover all work-related travel costs, medical insurance, necessary medical examinations and vaccinations. Housing at the field site is free. Note that we will reimburse the travel costs only after the completion of at least 9 months of data collection.
• A fantastic opportunity to study the social lives of wild Assamese macaques.
• An opportunity to gain new skills and gain proficiency in diverse research and scientific methods relevant for research in behavior and ecology.
• The unique opportunity to gain field experience in a Southeast Asia national park and train with experienced primate behavioral biologists.
This position is open to candidates with an interest in behavioral ecology and primate behavior. We are particularly looking forward to hear from applicants who:
• Are strongly motivated, reliable, and committed.
• Show good initiative, with a willingness to learn and attention to detail.
• Are happy to live and work under harsh conditions.
• Are prepared to live in a remote setting in a small team.
• Are able to work long days in the heat or in the rain.
• Have field experience/experience with observing animals.
• Have good intercultural communication skills.
• Have team spirit.
• Are fluent in English.
• Have a clean driver's license.
The successful candidate will be trained by and work closely with the long-term team of local field assistants and PhD students to contribute to the research program of the Assamese Macaque Project.
They will use the established protocol for focal animal observations and sample collection and processing on individually recognizable animals.
The main tasks of successful volunteers include:
• Recording demographic and census data from the three study groups.
• Collecting behavioral focal animal observations and GPS data.
• Processing of behavioral data to be added to the project data base.
• Collecting fecal and urine samples for genetic and hormonal analysis.
• Processing non-invasive biological samples in our field lab.
• Contributing to running of the long-term research project and maintenance of the field station.
See our website for more information https://www.dpz.eu/en/social-evolution-in-primates
If you are interested in the position, please send a motivation letter, a CV, and the names of two referees to bewerbung@dpz.eu under the key word “Thailand” as one pdf file. The deadline for application is 18th December 2025 and work in Thailand is expected to start May-June 2026
• Recording demographic and census data from the three study groups.
• Collecting behavioral focal animal observations and GPS data.
• Processing of behavioral data to be added to the project data base.
• Collecting fecal and urine samples for genetic and hormonal analysis.
• Processing non-invasive biological samples in our field lab.
• Contributing to running of the long-term research project and maintenance of the field station.
See our website for more information https://www.dpz.eu/en/social-evolution-in-primates
If you are interested in the position, please send a motivation letter, a CV, and the names of two referees to bewerbung@dpz.eu under the key word “Thailand” as one pdf file. The deadline for application is 18th December 2025 and work in Thailand is expected to start May-June 2026