Primate-Jobs
Positions Available

Field Research Assistant

Hiring Organization:
Brandi Wren, Ph.D. Candidate, Purdue University

Date Posted:
2009-02-24

Position Description:
I am looking for volunteer research assistants for a project titled "Behavioral Ecology of Primate-Parasite Interactions" that is being conducted at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve in South Africa. My research examines the impacts of grooming behaviors and interspecific associations on parasite transmission patterns in wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). The project will use the following types of data collection and analysis to examine whether grooming and associating with other species increase the risk of transmission of specific types of gastrointestinal parasites: focal animal sampling, ad lib sampling, continuous recording, fecal sampling, GIS analysis, community surveys, classical parasitology techniques, molecular (PCR) species confirmation for parasites, and immunofluorescent microscopy. Assistants will help with collection of GPS data, collection of fecal samples, data on interspecific associations using a rangefinder and compass, and behavioral data.

Qualifications/Experience:
No prior training is absolutely necessary as I am willing to train those who desire to learn, however assistants must have the desire and willingness to learn all required data collection methods. An interest in primate behavior, ecology, anthropology, wildlife biology, wildlife diseases, or related fields is a plus, as is experience collecting behavioral data and knowledge of basic primate behavior. Assistants must also be capable of working long hours in hot and cold weather. This research requires a good deal of hiking in both cold and hot weather, and in slightly rough terrain. The research site is mildly remote.

Salary/funding:
No financial support available. See below.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Unfortunately I cannot provide financial support for lodging/meals/travel, however very affordable accommodation with wireless internet and electricity is available at the research site. Please contact me for more details.

Term of Appointment:
Minimum of 8 weeks; Need assistants from January-late June 2010

Application Deadline:
ASAP; open until filled

Comments:
For more information about the project or the position, contact Brandi Wren at bwren@purdue.edu

Contact Information:
Brandi Wren
Dept. of Anthropology, Purdue University, 700 West State St., Suite 219
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2059
USA

Telephone Number:
765-496-7400 OR 00-27-72-837-7849

Fax Number:
765-496-7411

Website:
http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~bwren/Research.html

E-mail Address:
bwren@purdue.edu