Description:
We are looking for a volunteer field research assistant for our orang-utan health project in the Sebangau peat-swamp forest, Borneo. Our orang-utan behaviour project is a long-term project started in 2003 by Helen Morrogh-Bernard (University of Exeter and Co-Founder and Director of BNF). In 2024 we started a new project on orang-utan health, so we are looking for someone who is willing to work in a field Lab and help with managing the health project. You must be willing to go on orang-utan follows in order to collect samples and be familiar with lab techniques to process urine and faecal samples. Thus, the applicant must have experience in parasitology.
All research and analyses for this project will be done in the field, in the field lab. The field site is one hour from the provincial capital Palangkaraya, in Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia.
Applicants for this position should have a degree or other relevant lab and field experience. Applicants must be fluent in English. The applicant must be physically fit. The forest is a peat-swamp, which means that the walking conditions in the forest can be hard, especially in the wet season when the forest is flooded (but this is when it is most beautiful). Applicants must also be happy to live at the field camp, with local staff, and have an awareness and acceptance of cultural differences.
This position is a volunteer position, with no formal salary, but the following costs will be covered: international and domestic flights up to £1,200, accommodation in town and in the field, living expenses (a small stipend for food when in town), travel to and from the research site, park fees, research permit and visa, a £50 contribution to personal equipment and supplies and a £250 annual contribution to your insurance costs. You will need to pay for your own basic healthcare plan and recommended vaccinations.
There is opportunity for people to do their own research projects and a potential PhD.
Appointment: The position is for 1 year but can be extended. We are looking for research assistants who are adventurous, willing to learn, hardworking and can manage their own time.
Application: Please email the following to Helen Morrogh-Bernard: h.morrogh-bernard@borneonature.org stating “Orangutan Health Project – Field Research Assistant application” in the email title. Closing date: 31st August 2026.
Please include: A CV; a letter stating why you want the position and any relevant experience; and contact details for two people who can supply a reference.
Exact start date depends on how long it takes to get the research permit which can vary from 2-3 months.