Field assistant for rhesus monkey research on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico
Position Description:
We are looking for a volunteer to assist on a project examining kin
recognition on a semi free-ranging rhesus macaque population on Cayo
Santiago, Puerto Rico. The project is being undertaken in the Lab of
Dr Anja Widdig, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology,
Leipzig (Germany) (see http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/index.html). The
volunteers will work alongside Dr. Dana Pfefferle (http://www.eva.mpg.de/pks/files/people.html
).
The successful applicant will be expected to work on Cayo Santiago
for 5-6 days a week, and may also be required to undertake data
entry and/or processing in the later afternoon and early evenings.
On Cayo Santiago, the primary task will be to assist carrying out
playback experiments as well as to help recording rhesus macaque
vocalizations. In order to do so, appropriate training (including
the analyses procedure ultimately taking place) will be provided,
after which a good quantum of independence is expected. This
position is ideal for graduate students or recent graduates looking
to gain experience in fieldwork and data collection.
Carrying out playback experiments is a protracted and patience
challenging task, including many hours of waiting for the correct
situation. Thus you must be able to maintain a positive attitude. In
general, applicants must be in good physical and mental condition;
feel comfortable being far away from family and friends; be
emotionally mature, energetic, and very patient; have an excellent
eye for detail; don?t be afraid of approaching monkeys (!); willing
to work in a small team setting and follow instructions. The ability
to work in tropical conditions and the willingness to adapt to a
foreign culture is needed. Although the work can be demanding, being
close to habituated primates is very rewarding and a great experience.
The language in our team is English. The successful candidate must
have medical insurance, a valid IACUC certificate
(www.citiprogram.org) and a TB-test from within the last six months.
There is NO financial support available for airfare, health
insurance, housing and food.
Shared accommodation can often be found very cheaply in Punta
Santiago (e.g. $250 per month).
To apply, candidates should email a brief cover letter outlining
their interests, experience, and why they wish to join the project.
They should attach a CV and make sure that two reference letters are
sent directly to Dana Pfefferle (E-mail preferred). Please only send
email applications.
Term of Appointment:
13th March until 13th June 2010
Application Deadline:
Open till position is filled