Project, a study of the evolution, behavior, communication, endocrinology,
and conservation of wild geladas (Theropithecus gelada) a close
relative of baboons. All research is conducted at a field station
located in the Simien Mountains National Park of Ethiopia. Directors
of the project are Drs. Thore Bergman and Jacinta Beehner, faculty
at the University of Michigan. The camp manager will be responsible
for (a) collecting basic demographic and reproductive data as part
of routine monitoring of the well-habituated study population, (b)
conducting focal animal samples and collecting fecal samples from
individually-recognized geladas (for later laboratory steroid hormone
analysis in the USA), (c) recording GPS readings of gelada ranging
locations, (d) managing the computer database, and (e) equipment upkeep
and personnel management. The gelada population has been studied on a
near-daily basis since 2006 and we currently recognize approximately
150 individuals. The camp manager will live in a stone hut located in
the national park with 0-3 graduate students (depending on the time of
year), and 1-2 Ethiopian staff. Our camp includes one stone house with
3 bedrooms, a full kitchen set-up (including a propane-powered stove
and oven), solar panels to power computers and lights, a generator
(for electricity during the rainy season), a satellite telephone and
modem (for email), a Mitsubishi 4x4 pickup truck, a shower tent (hot
showers require heating up water on the stove). There is no running
water at the fieldsite, but fresh water can be fetched from a nearby
spring. Also, there is no refrigeration at the fieldsite, but we have
a project freezer at a nearby eco-lodge (about a 30-minute drive away)
where we can store things. For more information on the project directors,
the project publications, and some photos of the fieldsite, please see
the following websites: http://sitemaker.umich.edu/jacinta.beehner/home,
and http://sitemaker.umich.edu/thore.bergman/home.
Qualified applicants will have a B.S. or B.A in Evolutionary Biology,
Biology, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, or a related field. Prior
travel and/or field experience in Africa or mountainous regions of
Asia or South America preferred. Applicants must be fluent in English
and eager to learn Amharic (the national language of Ethiopia). Good
physical fitness is essential - the terrain is hilly, the air is thin
(due to the high elevation), and the temperatures can get quite cold
during the rainy season (nights are sometimes below freezing and days can
be cold). Good organizational skills and experience with basic database
management a must. Must be able to drive a stick-shift 4x4 truck over
rough terrain. Experience with leadership also a plus as you will
be managing several graduate students and field assistants.
Salary/funding: This is a volunteer position so there is no
salary. However, round-trip airfare and living support will be provided
for the volunteer (visa expenses, travel, meals, lodging). Additionally,
volunteer will be provided with basic accommodation, food and other basic
supplies while at the field site. The volunteer is responsible for any
additional expenses incurred while traveling in Ethiopia. The project
will provide travel health insurance, but the volunteer is required
to acquire the necessary vaccinations prior to entry to Ethiopia. The
volunteer will need to provide their own winter/alpine condition clothing,
footwear and sleeping bag. Advice about what items are necessary for
life in the Simien Mountains will be provided to the successful applicant.
Appointment: 1-2 years beginning mid October 2010. Because the training
process requires 2-4 months, the successful applicant must be willing to
work for a minimum of 1 year. Applicants committing to a longer period
will receive one round-trip flight to their home country halfway through
their internship.
Deadline: Position will remain open until filled. Earlier applications
will receive priority.
Application: Please email the following materials to Dr. Jacinta Beehner
at jbeehner@umich.edu: (1) a letter of interest stating how and why this
position satisfies your interest and future career goals, explaining
your suitability for this project, plus a time frame during which you
are available to work, (2) a CV or resume detailing relevant experience,
(3) a summary of college courses taken and the grades received, to be
followed by an official transcript, and (4) contact information for
at least two references, preferably at least one academic reference as
well as one person who has worked closely with you or who has closely
supervised your work. The subject heading of the email message should
read: ¨Application for field research position〃.
Jacinta C. Beehner
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Anthropology
Co-Director, University of Michigan Gelada Research Project
Director, Core Assay Facility
University of Michigan
3026 East Hall
530 Church St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1107 USA
Phone: (734) 764-2415
Fax: (734) 763-7480
Email: jbeehner@umich.edu
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/jacinta.beehner/home
Jacinta Beehner
