Field assistant: Social behavior and physiology of rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico
Hiring Organization:
Maria Rakhovskaya (PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania)
Date Posted:
2008-07-05
Position Description:
I am looking for a field assistant to help in data collection for my doctoral project on the relationship between social behavior and hormone levels in adult male rhesus macaques on the island of Cayo Santiago, located near Puerto Rico.
Assistants tasks will include:
-Learning all adult rhesus individuals in 2 study groups
-Collection and pre-processing of fecal samples from focal individuals
-Behavioral data collection
-Other responsibilities might include: learning juvenile troop members, recording vocalizations, data entry, etc.
This position is ideal for any student interested in gaining field experience and potentially applying to graduate programs in biology, anthropology, or ecology. You will be trained in collection of behavioral and physiological data. Furthermore, due to a variety of projects undertaken at the site, you will be introduced to psychology, genetic work, and other areas of research. You will learn various field methods relevant for the study of animal behavior and behavioral ecology. Assistant might be allowed to collect data for his/her own project.
Qualifications/Experience:
Previous fieldwork experience is preferred but not necessary.
The applicants should :
- be in a good physical and mental condition
- be interested in primate behavior
- be hardworking, interested in learning, and attentive
- feel comfortable in working in a different environment(away from family and friends).
- be emotionally mature, energetic and very patient
- be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards tiring work.
Usually, there is power and hot water in the village where we live.
Salary/funding:
None. The applicants must pay their own round-trip airfare to Puerto Rico and to the site. The assistant will also responsible for housing expenses, food, health insurance, his/her own personal field clothes, and personal expenses.
Support
provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
I will cover the fees associated with working on Cayo Santiago. Depending on experience and the length of commitment, I might contribute to lodging/airfare expenses.
Term of Appointment:
A minimum of 4 months commitment is required. However, a longer (6months +) committment is preferable.
Application Deadline:
Starting work date is June 1st 2008, but applications will be considered until the position is filled
Comments:
Please submit the following:
1) Your CV
2) Letter of interest (with dates of availability)
3) At least 2 reference letters
Contact
Information:
Maria Rakhovskaya
PO Box 906
Punta Santiago, PR 00741
USA
E-mail Address:
mrakhovs@gmail.com
Questions and Comments
Questions about a specific job listing should be directed to the
contact person listed for that job. Questions and comments about using
the Primate-Jobs web site can be directed to Ray Hamel, Special
Collections/Reference Librarian, at
hamel@primate.wisc.edu or (608) 263-3512.
