Field research assistant

 

Field research assistant for Guinea baboon research in Senegal

Starting: as soon as possible

The Cognitive Ethology Lab at the German Primate Center (DPZ) – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research – is searching for a motivated field research assistant to conduct behavioural observations of wild Guinea baboons at our long-term field site, the Centre de Recherche de Primatologie (CRP) Simenti, located in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal. We are particularly interested in candidates who would be interested in developing a future PhD project with us. 

 

Since 2007, the CRP Simenti (https://www.dpz.eu/en/cognitive-ethology/field-station) has been home to our research on wild Guinea baboons, where we study several groups as part of a community of more than 400 individuals. Our work combines behavioural observations, ranging and movement ecology, population genetics, acoustic analyses, and phenological monitoring to understand the ecological and evolutionary pressures shaping primate social behaviour.

 

What we offer:

• A paid student assistant position for a minimum duration of 18 months (ideally 24 months) (salary: €520/month in the first year, €850/month thereafter).
• The opportunity to develop a PhD project with us, with field data collection at the CRP Simenti field site and subsequent work at the DPZ (Germany), under our supervision. 
• Accommodation at our well-equipped field site in Senegal.
• We cover all work-related travel costs, medical insurance, necessary medical examinations and vaccinations, and malaria prophylaxis. Note that we will reimburse the travel costs only after the completion of the 18-months of data collection.
• An amazing opportunity to learn about the lives of wild Guinea baboons in their natural environment.
• An opportunity to gain new skills and gain proficiency in diverse research and scientific methods relevant for research in behaviour and ecology.
• The unique opportunity to gain field experience in a West African national park, train with experienced behavioural biologists, and collaborate with a long-term project on African wildlife hosted by local institutions.

 

This position is open to all candidates with an interest in animal behaviour and primate social relationships. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who:

 

• Have field experience / experience with observing animals.
• Are physical fit and happy to live in a remote field site.
• Are able to work under harsh conditions and walk long distances in the heat.
• Are highly motivated, reliable, and committed.
• Show good initiative, a willingness to learn, and a strong collaborative/team spirit.
•  Have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Have good intercultural communication skills.
• Have basic knowledge of French and fluency in English.
• Have a clean driver's license.
• Commitment for at least 18 months, ideally longer.

 

Successful volunteers are trained by and work closely with field managers, researchers, PhD students, and local field assistants to contribute to the research activities of the CRP Simenti Project. They follow established protocols to conduct daily observations of a natural population of Guinea baboons on foot, collecting data on the behaviour of individually recognizable animals.

 

The main tasks of successful volunteers include:

• Recording demographic and census data from our study groups.
• Collecting behavioural observations and GPS data.
• Oversight of behavioural and demographic data collection goals, including quality checks
• Oversight and update of our long-term demography file in coordination with researchers at DPZ
• Collecting fecal samples for genetic and hormonal analysis.
• Pre-processing non-invasive biological samples in our field lab.
• Contributing to the running of the long-term research project and field station.

 

Check out our website for more information on the life and work at our field station and our ongoing research: https://www.dpz.eu/en/cognitive-ethology/field-station.

See also https://osf.io/ak3w4/ for our work manual.

 

If you are interested in the position, please send your application (motivation letter + CV + contact details of two referees) to bewerbung@dpz.eu under the key word “Field Assistant Senegal”. The deadline is rolling until 30.04.2026.