Volunteer Research Assistant – Chimpanzee and Gorilla genetic sample collection (Gabon)

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology unites scientists with various backgrounds (natural sciences and humanities) whose aim is to investigate the history of humankind from an interdisciplinary perspective with the help of comparative analyses of genes, cultures, cognitive abilities, languages and social systems of past and present human populations as well as those of primates closely related to human beings.


Volunteer Research Assistant – Chimpanzee and Gorilla genetic sample collection

Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology

Position Description:
We have one research assistant position available in Loango National Park, Gabon. We initiated a project to habituate chimpanzees and western gorillas in Loango in January 2005. In addition, in 2014, we started a project to assess group composition and group dynamics of chimpanzees and gorillas in the study area. Therefore we intensified the genetic sample collection.

We are looking for a person to support the sample collection starting end of April 2016, for a one year period.

The assistant’s tasks will include walking recces to find signs of apes as well as tracking any signs of apes to find samples/nest sites. Furthermore the assistant needs to evaluate where to go next by checking camera data and pooling information on fresh signs or fruiting trees from other teams. Other tasks include handling of samples, data entry and possible assistance with other projects like chimpanzee habituation, phenology, vegetation surveys and camera traps.

The work will require long hours in the forest, a lot of walking, coordination and a high degree of self-motivation and reliability. Work in the forest will always be done in teams of at least two people.

Loango National Park is located on the coast of Gabon and consists of several ecosystems including coastal forest and swamps.

The living conditions at this project are basic. We have two main camps, with only basic amenities (no running water, only minimal solar power for electricity). The typical day consists of approximately 10 hours walking in the forest, often through swamps, an average of 15 km per day, rain or shine. The work is physically demanding.

Qualifications/Experience:
The applicant must have at least a BSc in biology, zoology, anthropology or a related discipline. Previous field experience with primates or other animals will be viewed as a great asset. Basic laboratory skills are advantageous but not mandatory. The applicant should demonstrate an ability to handle the living conditions at the site.

Since the main language spoken at camp is French a minimum knowledge of French is required.

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, CV, and names and email addresses of 3 references via email by March the 11th. However, we will be reviewing applications as they arrive; please don't send repeated letters of inquiry or telephone calls.

Salary/funding:
150 Euros per month plus 50 Euros for health insurance

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
One round trip airfare to Gabon and transportation to study site will be provided. Accommodation (a tent) and basic equipment is provided. Basic food is also provided, but if you want anything special you need to purchase it yourself.

You will be required to have basic health insurance that also covers emergency repatriation and liability. You also must have vaccinations for measles, yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, polio, and meningitis and a negative TB test.

Term of Appointment:
1 year

Application Deadline:
March 11th, 2016

Comments:
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, CV, and names of 3 references) tolaura_hagemann@eva.mpg.de.
If you do not hear from us by April 1st, please assume that you are not being considered for the position.

Contact Information:
Laura Hagemann
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Department of Primatology
Deutscher Platz 6
04103 Leipzig, Germany
+49 (0)341 9952 269
laura_hagemann@eva.mpg.de

Website:
www.eva.mpg.de/primat/ (-)



The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities and to employing individuals with disabilities and explicitly encourages them to apply.

We look forward to receiving your completed application.


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