Research Assistant for Chimpanzee Field Work
We are seeking applicants for a research assistant position at a wild chimpanzee field project in Côte d’Ivoire. The research assistant will support data collection on chimpanzee tool use and learning, as part of a project with the Technological Primates research group at the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology.
Data collection will take place at the Djouroutou chimpanzee project from November 2026-August 2027.
Preferred start date: 01.11.2026
Application deadline: Until filled (ca. 01.10.2026)
About us:
The Technological Primates Research Group at the Max Planck Institute in Germany (https://www.eva.mpg.de/technological-primates/) works in close collaboration with Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire (https://www.csrs.ch/fr). We are interested in the evolution of tool use and culture in humans and our primate relatives. Together we compare the tool selection patterns and material record of tool using primates across several species, including early hominins, apes and monkeys.
Field site:
The Djouroutou chimpanzee project is located in the Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. The Taï forest, a UNESCO world heritage forest, is home to various threatened mammal species, including several monkey species and western chimpanzees (for more info see https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/195/). The Djouroutou research project collaborates closely with the eco-tourism camp operating there.
The research camp in the forest is small and isolated, only hosting a couple researchers or research assistants at a time. Living conditions are very basic. Researchers sleep in tents, food options are basic and limited, network connection is limited and unstable. Researchers rarely leave the forest.
Position:
We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented observer who will collect observational behavioural data on wild chimpanzees. Observational data is collected through daily focal follows: We follow one individual chimpanzee throughout the day and collect detailed behavioural data. This type of data collection requires the ability to stay focused for many hours in harsh, unpredictable environments. Aside from collecting data, the applicant will clean, sort, label, and store the collected data. Work in the forest is highly demanding. We follow chimpanzees from early morning until the evening, typically over 12h, while covering long distances in the forest. The forest is hilly, includes swampy areas, and is home to a variety of wildlife.
This requires excellent physical fitness and constant attention.
Outline :
Field stay of ca. 8 months from November 2026 to August 2027
Costs covered: One round trip (including flights, other means of transport, hotel stays), visa and permit fees
The position comes with a monthly living stipend
An associated option of master project topics can potentially be discussed, given that the student is enrolled and officially supervised at a University. The topic would fall within the scope of the research project, but could be selected and adjusted according to the background, interests, and preferences of a student.
Requirements :
French AND English fluency
Previous field work experience, preferably with apes or primates
Ability to stay focused, motivated, and attentive to details over long periods of time and for repetitive tasks
Physical fitness
Resilience to psychological stress, isolated living, little private space
Awareness and acceptance of cultural differences
Strong ability to work autonomously, while communicating with and adjusting to a team and supervision
Application :
Please send your applications (short motivation letter and CV in English; field work reference where available) until October 1st, 2026, to nora_slania@eva.mpg.de
Since we will work and live together closely, you could tell me something about yourself (apart from primate-related things), too.
We will start to evaluate the applications as they come in and until the position is filled.
mardi 22 septembre 2026
Poste assistant.e de terrain
mercredi 16 septembre 2026
Field assistant position
Join the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project Team!
Field Assistant Positions Available
The Ozouga Chimpanzee Project (https://www.ozouga.org/) is seeking a passionate and dedicated field assistant to join our team to help in collecting behavioural data on wild central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes). Together with an international and local team, the candidates will be responsible for the collection and management of research data, as well as for the day-to-day maintenance and running of the research site.
About Us
The Ozouga Chimpanzee Project is a research initiative committed to the conservation and study of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Nestled in the Loango National Park, our project aims to unravel the complexities of chimpanzee behavior, social dynamics, and ecological interactions.
The Loango National Park is located along the Atlantic coast of Gabon and consists of several ecosystems including primary and secondary forests, coastal forests, swamps and mangroves. The Ozouga field sites is roughly 40 km from the nearest village, Iguela, on an open savannah surrounded by forest.
Living conditions are extremely basic. There is no running water, very limited phone coverage and internet access, and basic solar power for electricity. Team members live in wooden huts and food is mainly rice and other basic food items.
Position: Field Assistant
We are looking for an enthusiastic, disciplined, positive and patient person that is eager to spend a one-year period in observing and documenting the lives of the Rekambo chimpanzee community. This is a unique opportunity to gain field experience and contribute to cutting-edge research in one of the most beautiful African rainforests.
The work is physically and mentally demanding, with typical day consisting of approximately 10 hours walking in the forest, often through swamps, with an average of 10-15 km per day, including rain and sunshine. We conduct field work from dusk till dawn given the safety protocol in respect to forest elephants. Field assistants will always be accompanied by an experience eco-guides who will assure safety during work.
Responsibilities
As a field assistant, you will be responsible for:
· Following and observing chimpanzee groups daily in their natural habitat
· Record behavioral data, social interactions, and ecological observations
· Assist in the collection and storage of samples mostly for genetic and endocrinological studies
· Save and store behavioural data on electronic devices
· Monthly check of the camera traps placed in the research area
· Preliminary analyses of camera trap videos
· Collaborate with the research team to ensure the smooth operation of the project
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in biology, primatology, veterinary medicine, or related field (or equivalent experience)
2. Previous field experience with primates or other animal species in tropical or remote environments
3. Proficiency in written and spoken English; basic knowledge of French
4. Physical and mental fitness, ability to work in remote and ecologically challenging locations
5. Capacity to live and work collaboratively with an international and local team
6. Excellent communication skills with other team members, project manager and (remotely) with project directors
7. Excellent communication skills and motivation to manage multiple responsibilities
8. Demonstrate tolerance to customs and practices of local communities
Beneficial qualifications (please indicate these clearly in your application, if present):
(1) Experience with equipment such as GPS, video cameras and camera traps.
(2) Experience with animal behavioral observation and data collection
(3) Familiarity with sample collection and storage methods.
(4) Proficiency in MS Excel, Cybertracker, GIS, BaseCamp and/or MapSource4
(5) Experience driving a quad bike and a Jeep.
Support provided:
- Small monthly stipend and reimburse of expenses (see details below)
- Training for data collection and work in challenging environment
- Opportunity to gain in-depth field experience on chimpanzee behaviour
- Data collection equipment (waterproof phones, GPS and video cameras) and binoculars. We can also offer advice about what items are necessary for daily life in a tropical dry forest. However, the candidates will need to provide their own backpack, field clothing, and footwear.
Funding and Compensation:
This is a volunteer position, so there is no formal salary, but there is an extra monthly stipend of 200 EUR, in addition to 50 EUR for health insurance reimburse.
One round-trip airfare* from your home city to Libreville and living support while conducting fieldwork will be provided (e.g., travel, meals, lodging, visa* trips every 6 months).
The project will provide emergency travel health insurance, but the assistant needs to have their own basic healthcare plan.
The assistants will be responsible for covering expenses during vacations (3 weeks of vacation after 6 months’ time). Gabon requires specific vaccination against yellow fever to enter the country, but the assistant will be responsible for securing any recommended vaccinations by the Ozoga Chimpanzee Project to ensure safety of both chimpanzees and human observers.
* Reimbursement only after successful completion of a 12-month term of appointment
Term of Appointment:
Minimum 12 months starting in November 2026 (to be discussed at the interview stage). Possibility to extend stay with the project is available, pending performance.
How to Apply:
Please apply by sending a motivation letter, a CV (including your experience with behavioural data collection), and contact information for two references to Dr. Tobias Deschner (tdeschner@uni-osnabrueck.de) and Prof. Simone Pika (simone.pika@uni-osnabrueck.de). We will start evaluating the applications on September 21st, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Field research
The LuiKotale Bonobo Project invites applications for a research assistantship at the field site of LuiKotale in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Candidates will work together with field assistants, PhD candidates and senior researchers. The position offers the opportunity to gain practical experience with systematic behavioral observations of wild bonobos, applying techniques that represent the state of art in primate field research. Candidates will also gain insight into applied conservation programs.
Applicants are expected to have:
- strong interest in animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and/or anthropology
- field experience
- proficient with MS Excel and Word
- ability to live and work in an isolated environment without phone or internet
- resilience to physical and mental stress
- interpersonal and communication skills and tolerance for cultural diversity
- ability to work in a team and respect needs of others
Note that the LKBP is firmly committed to gender equality and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment.
Work hours can be long, and assistants are exposed to severe weather conditions and tropical diseases. Team members live in close quarters and must adapt to different personalities, social customs, and belief systems. The research site is located in a remote forest area. Access involves a 25 km hike through dense and swampy forest. Assistants have access to email, and short text messages can be send and received almost daily. Satellite phones and InReach devices are available and primarily used for communication between field teams and camp.
Term of appointment: 9 -12 months starting November 2026
Compensation: 500 Euro/month
The project covers the costs of the long-term visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the domestic charter flights, and a contribution of up to EUR 800 toward the international return flight upon successful completion of the appointment. Costs for the health insurance and for the stay in Kinshasa are not covered. Candidates possess a valid passport, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and health insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation by charter plane. Applications include an updated CV, a letter of motivation that shows how the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above, references of three people (or their contact information). Applications should go to Dr. Gottfried Hohmann (hoh...@eva.mpg.de) and Prof. Barbara Fruth (bfr...@ab.mpg.de).
For information about the research and conservation activities at LuiKotale see
mercredi 25 mars 2026
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.
- 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.
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.
mardi 3 mars 2026
Field position with the LuiKotal
The LuiKotale Bonobo Project (LKBP) invites applications for research assistant positions at its field site in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Successful candidates will join a team working with bonobos that are not yet habituated to the presence of human observers. Responsibilities include facilitating the habituation process and collecting fecal samples from multiple bonobo groups for subsequent population genetic analyses and the study of dispersal patterns. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and/or anthropology, and should have prior field research experience. Given the remoteness of the field site and the demanding physical and social environment, candidates must be physically and mentally resilient, self-motivated, and capable of working with minimal supervision. Tolerance for cultural diversity is essential, as are social skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. LKBP is firmly committed to gender equality and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment. Previous experience in animal field research, as well as proficiency in navigation using a compass and GPS unit, are considered valuable assets.
Field conditions are physically and mentally challenging. Work hours can be long, and assistants may be exposed to severe weather conditions and tropical diseases. Team members live in close quarters and must adapt to a range of personalities, social customs, and belief systems. Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully assess their ability to cope with these conditions over an extended period before applying. The research site is located in a remote forest area. Access involves a charter flight from Kinshasa followed by a 25 km hike through dense and swampy forest. There is no running water, mobile phone coverage, or internet access at the site. Electricity is provided by solar panels. Assistants have limited access to email, and short text messages can be sent and received daily. Satellite phones and InReach devices are available and are primarily used for communication between field teams and the camp. Assistants sleep in sheltered tents and primarily consume local foods. French language skills are essential.
Candidates must possess a valid passport, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and health insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation by charter plane. Costs associated with the health insurance and accommodation in Kinshasa are not reimbursed. The project will cover the costs of the long-term visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the domestic return flight (paid upfront), and a contribution of up to EUR 800 toward the international return flight upon successful completion of the appointment.
Salary: 500 Euro/month
Term of appointment: 9 -12 months starting in May/June 2026
Applications include an updated CV, a letter of motivation that shows how the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above, references of three people (or their contact information). Applications should go to Dr. Gottfried Hohmann (hoh...@eva.mpg.de) and Prof. Barbara Fruth (bfr...@ab.mpg.de).
Information about the research and conservation activities at LuiKotale is available at:
mercredi 28 janvier 2026
Two Field Assistant Positions
Join the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project Team! Two Field
Assistant Positions Available
The Ozouga Chimpanzee Project (https://www.ozouga.org/; OCP) is seeking two passionate and dedicated field assistants to join our team to help in collecting behavioural data on wild Central-African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes). Together with an international and local team, the candidates will be responsible for the collection and management of research data, as well as for the day-to-day maintenance of equipment
About Us:
The OCP is a research initiative committed to the conservation and study of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Located in the Loango National Park, our project aims to unravel the complexities of chimpanzee behavior, behavioural diversity, cognition, social dynamics, and ecological interactions.
The Loango National Park is located along the Atlantic coast of Gabon and consists of several ecosystems including primary and secondary forests, coastal forests, swamps and mangroves. The Ozouga field sites is roughly 40 km from the nearest village, Iguela, on an open savannah surrounded by forest.
Living conditions are extremely basic. There is no running water, very limited phone coverage and internet access, and basic solar power for electricity. Team members live in wooden huts and food is local and basic.
The Position
We are looking for two enthusiastic, disciplined, positive and patient persons that are eager to spend a one-year period in observing and documenting the lives of the Rekambo chimpanzee community. This is a unique opportunity to gain field experience and contribute to cutting-edge research in one of Africa’s most beautiful rainforests.
The work is physically and mentally demanding, with typical days consisting of approximately 10 hours walking in the forest, often through swamps, with an average of 10-15 km per day, including rain, high air humidity and sunshine. We conduct field work from dusk till dawn given the safety protocol in respect to forest elephants. Field assistants will always be accompanied by an experienced eco-guide who will assure safety during work. Note that the OCP adheres strictly to gender equality and will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.
Responsibilities
As a field assistant, you will be responsible for:
· Following and observing chimpanzee groups daily in their natural habitat
· Record behavioral data, social interactions, and ecological observations
· Assist in the collection and storage of samples mostly for genetic and endocrinological studies
· Save, store and annotate behavioural data on electronic devices
· Monthly check of the camera traps placed in the research area
· Monthly phenological data collection
· Preliminary analyses of camera trap videos
· Collaborate with the research team to ensure the smooth operation of the project
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in biology, primatology, veterinary medicine, or related field (or equivalent experience)
2. Previous field experience with primates or other animal species in tropical or remote environments
3. Proficiency in written and spoken English; basic knowledge of French
4. Physical and mental fitness, ability to work in remote and ecologically challenging locations
5. Capacity to live and work collaboratively with an international and local team
6. Good communication skills with other team members, project manager and (remotely) with project directors
7. Excellent communication skills and motivation to manage multiple responsibilities
8. Demonstrate tolerance to customs and practices of local communities
Beneficial qualifications (please indicate these clearly in your application, if present):
· Experience with equipment such as GPS, video cameras and camera traps.
· Experience with animal behavioral observation and data collection
· Familiarity with sample collection and storage methods.
· Proficiency in MS Excel, Cybertracker, GIS, BaseCamp and/or MapSource4
· Experience driving a quad bike.
Support provided:
· Small monthly stipend and reimbursment of expenses (see details below)
· Training for data collection and work in challenging environment
· Opportunity to gain in-depth field experience on chimpanzee behaviour
· Data collection equipment (waterproof phones, GPS and video cameras) and binoculars. We can also offer advice about what items are necessary for daily life in a tropical dry forest. However, the candidates will need to provide their own backpack, field clothing, and footwear.
Funding and Compensation:
This is a training position, so there is no formal salary, but there is an extra monthly stipend of 200 EUR, in addition to 50 EUR for health insurance reimburse.
One round-trip airfare* from your home city to Libreville and living support while conducting fieldwork will be provided (e.g., travel, meals, lodging, visa* trips every 6 months).
The project will provide emergency travel health insurance, but the assistants needs to have their own basic healthcare plan.
The assistants will be responsible for covering expenses during vacations (3 weeks of vacation after 6 months’ time). Gabon requires specific vaccination against yellow fever to enter the country, but the assistants will be responsible for securing any recommended vaccinations by the Ozoga Chimpanzee Project to ensure safety of both chimpanzees and human observers.
* Reimbursement only after successful completion of a 12-month term of appointment
Term of Appointment:
Minimum 12 months starting in March/April 2026 (to be discussed at the interview stage). Possibility to extend stay with the project is available, pending performance.
How to Apply:
Please apply by sending a motivation letter, a CV (including your experience with behavioural data collection), and contact information for two references to Dr. Tobias Deschner (tdeschner@uni-osnabrueck.de) and Prof. Simone Pika (simone.pika@uni-osnabrueck.de). We will start evaluating the applications on February 10th, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
mardi 28 octobre 2025
Field assistant for PhD project
We invite applications for one field assistant position for ongoing work at LuiKotale, Democratic Republic of Congo. Candidates will contribute to a PhD project on the behavior of male bonobos. In addition to data collection for the long-term data-base, the assistant will do all-day focal follows, scan sampling and collect urine samples. Candidates are responsible for data entry, data cleaning and labeling/storage of samples. Depending on the candidate’s involvement, participation in scientific publications is a possibility.
Candidates should have a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology or Anthropology and should have participated in field work before. Candidates will be trained by the PhD student and work together with international and local assistants of the LuiKotale Project.
The field site is very remote, access is with charter planes and a subsequent hike of 25 km across dense and swampy forest. There is no running water, phone coverage or internet access. Electricity is limited to power supplied by solar panels. Daily communication is restricted to text-only emails. Assistants sleep in sheltered tents and mostly eat local foods (e.g., beans, manioc and rice). Communication with the international team is in French and English. Candidates must be (a) physically fit; (b) resistant to mental stress; (c) self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision while out in the field; and (d) tolerant to different social customs and beliefs. As team members share resources, social and communication skills are required.
Note that the LKBP adheres strictly to gender equality and does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.
Field conditions are physically and mentally challenging; work hours can be very long, and assistants are sometimes exposed to severe weather and tropical diseases. Team members live in close proximity to one another and have to adjust to changes in the team composition. Please carefully consider whether you will be able to cope with these conditions for an extended period before applying for this position.
SALARY/FUNDING: 500 (five hundred) Euro/month
SUPPORT
- food (mix of mainly local food and some western food items)
- lodging (in tents)
- airfare for one domestic return flight from Kinshasa to the field site and back
- contribution of up to 800 Euro to an international return flight (reimbursement AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A 9 MONTS TERM OF APPOINTMENT)
TERM OF APPOINTMENT: 9 months starting in January 2026
Candidates need a health insurance covering expenses in case of a health emergency evacuation by charter plane. Not reimbursed are expenses for the initial entrance visa to DRC, the health insurance, and the costs for the stay in Kinshasa.
Applications include an updated CV, a letter of motivation that shows how the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above, references of three people (or their contact information). Applications should be send to Dr. Gottfried Hohmann (hohmann@eva.mpg.de), Dr. Barbara Fruth (bfruth@ab.mpg.de), and Francesca Decina (fdecina@ab.mpg.de)
Information about the research and conservation activities at LuiKotale is available at
2 Field assistants
Positions for two assistants for an ongoing long-term project in LuiKotale, Democratic Republic of Congo are offered. Candidates will work together with local assistants, contacting and following bonobos that are not yet habituated to the presence of human observers. Assistants will also screen video footage from camera traps to enhance identification of community members, take notes on encounters with bonobos that are not under habituation, and, occasionally, follow habituated bonobos.
Assistants will be accommodated at the campsite of Ekongo, located two hours walking distance from the research camp LuiKotale. The site is very remote; access is with charter planes from Kinshasa and a subsequent hike of 25 km across dense and swampy forest. There is no running water, phone coverage or internet access. Electricity is limited to power supplied by solar panels. Daily communication is restricted to text-only emails. Assistants sleep in sheltered tents and mostly eat local foods (e.g., beans, manioc and rice). At Ekongo, communication is in French. Candidates must be (a) physically fit; (b) resistant to mental stress; (c) self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision while out in the field; and (d) tolerant to different social customs and beliefs. The ability to work in a team is essential. Note that the LKBP adheres strictly to gender equality and does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. Field conditions are physically and mentally challenging; work hours can be very long, and assistants are sometimes exposed to severe weather and tropical diseases. Team members live in close proximity to one another and have to adjust to changes in the team composition. Please carefully consider whether you will be able to cope with these conditions for an extended period before applying for this position.
SALARY/FUNDING: 500 (five hundred) Euro/month
SUPPORT
- food (mix of mainly local food and some western food items)
- lodging (in tents)
- airfare for one domestic return flight from Kinshasa to the field site and back
- contribution of up to 800 Euro to an international return flight (reimbursement AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A 9 MONTHS TERM OF APPOINTMENT)
TERM OF APPOINTMENT: 9 months starting in January 2026
Candidates need a health insurance covering expenses in case of a health emergency evacuation by charter plane. Expenses for the initial entrance visa to DRC, the health insurance, and the costs for the stay in Kinshasa, cannot be reimbursed.
Applications include an updated CV, a letter of motivation that shows how the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above, references of three people (or their contact information). Applications should be send to Dr. Gottfried Hohmann (hohmann@eva.mpg.de) and Dr. Barbara Fruth (bfruth@ab.mpg.de)
Information about the research and conservation activities at LuiKotale is available at
mercredi 2 juillet 2025
Field manager for Kinda Babboon
Do you have field work experience? Do you want more? Our team wants YOU to manage our field site studying Kinda baboons in Kasanka National Park, Zambia!
As field manager beginning in early August 2025, you’ll build on your experience in wildlife research, field-based data collection, data management, and team leadership. A critical part of your time with us will include working alongside a Zambian biologist to prepare them to transition into this position, fostering local leadership as a part of our collaboration with Copperbelt University. Our team studies a habituated troop of ~100 baboons in a relatively flat woodland and savannah terrain, with a dry season (April-September) and a rainy season (October-March).
Terms of contract:
· A one-year commitment is preferred, but we are flexible on shorter/longer durations.
· Start date: August 5, 2025. You will travel to the field site with one of the project directors for initial orientation and training, so this start date is critical.
· Provided to you: 1 round-trip flight to Lusaka, Zambia from your home city; visa costs; research permit costs; park fees; camp cook and food; transportation and accommodation costs incurred while traveling within Zambia on business; monthly transportation costs for supply shopping; binoculars and field equipment for data collection. This is a volunteer position but we provide a monthly stipend.
· Your responsibilities: vaccinations, travel/healthcare insurance, backpack, field clothing, footwear, and personal toiletries.
· We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment and expect the same from everyone on our team. We include researchers on scientific publications and presentations made possible by their contributions in the field.
Responsibilities:
· Work with a team of Zambian researchers, park scouts, and camp staff
· Learn to identify ~50 adult baboons
· Oversee and assist in the development and optimization of data collection and data management protocols
· Follow or search for the study group of baboons for 5-8 hours/day, 20-22 days/month
· Oversee and engage in field data collection, including demographic, ecological, and behavioral data (with the iPad Animal Observer app); collect and process fecal samples
· Manage data collection and training for multiple projects, including baseline longitudinal data and project-specific data collection
· Manage field site administration and logistics, including finances, team schedules, equipment, supply procurement
· Ensure effective communication between Kasanka National Park, project directors, and the field team
· Provide support to staff, visitors, and students
· Represent the project at the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife or other entities when needed, including obtaining permits and shipping samples
· Engage with Kasanka National Park and their collaborators on environmental education, conservation, and women’s health and empowerment initiatives.
· Train a Zambian researcher in all responsibilities to take over the role upon completion of contract
Qualifications:
· BS/BA in biology, anthropology, zoology, or related field
· Experience in a remote fieldwork setting
· Experience collecting behavioral data on wild animals
· Experience managing data, developing data organization and management systems, using field equipment, computers, and Excel
· Self-motivated, organized, enthusiastic, reliable, patient, adaptable, strong communication skills, and keen to learn about baboon research and field site management
· Able to live alongside and work with culturally diverse coworkers, work in and lead a team
· Comfortable living in a basic field camp (large canvas ‘safari’ tents with beds and outdoor bathrooms, solar power, a small refrigerator, and a water pump for sinks/showers; internet through Starlink).
· Physical stamina (e.g., walking long distances); mental and emotional stamina, resilience in challenging situations; independent and comfortable spending extended periods of time away from friends and family in a remote environment
· Interested in pursuing a career in wildlife research
How to apply
Please send a CV, contact information for 2 references, and a cover letter to mpetersdorf@tulane.edu with ‘baboon field manager’ in your email subject line.
The cover letter should express your interest in the role and how it relates to your future endeavors, and your experience as it relates to the above responsibilities and qualifications. Please include confirmation that you are available to begin this August and your desired contract term.
Applications will be reviewed as they come in, but please apply ASAP to ensure your application is considered. We plan to hold interviews July 10th and 11th and make decisions as soon as possible after that.