Primate-Jobs
Positions Available

Baboon Research Internship

Hiring Organization:
Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project, Kenya

Date Posted:
2008-12-16

Position Description:
Dr. Shirley Strum and the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project (UNBP) continue a long-term study of wild olive baboons that began in 1972. In addition to research on socioecology, UNBP does community based conservation and applied conservation research. For a background to the “Pumphouse Gang” baboons see Almost Human (Strum, 2001/1987, University of Chicago Press) or a variety of nature documentaries including “Baboon Tales” (Discovery), “Among the Baboons” (National Geographic Explorer), “History of the Pumphouse Gang” (Survival).

UNBP is looking for volunteers to do a research internship as part of the team of Kenyans and other graduate level student interns. The Project is located on the Laikipia Plateau of Kenya, a high altitude arid savanna (1,940m/5,800 ft) with a view of Mt. Kenya. The baboons share the area with a full complement of wildlife including elephants, giraffe, zebra, lion, leopard etc and with Maasai pastoralists and their livestock. The terrain is rough and while average temperatures are mild, it can reach 40C in the dry season. You should be able to walk 10-12 km per day, starting at sunrise but normally only doing half a day field follow each day. The research camp has permanent comfortable buildings but is “in the bush” and is relatively isolated. There is poor cell phone coverage in the area. E-mail and good telephone contact is limited to Nanyuki which is 50 km away. Supply trips go to Nanyuki every 10 days. UNBP is engaged in many community based conservation activities which are also incorporated into the internship.

Volunteer tasks include collecting data on behavior and ecology, project data management and data entry. Interns have the opportunity to do their own research project after collecting 6 months of Project data. Free time for traveling through Kenya can be arranged. A six week provisional period with a 1 year commitment to the internship is required.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain field experience and a broad range of research skills as preparation for further education. A successful intern has the opportunity to return to the project for their own future research. Baboons are fascinating primates. These baboons are easily visible and live in an idyllic location.

Qualifications/Experience:
• At least a Bachelors degree in a related discipline and some field experience are required
• Previous experience living or fieldwork in a developing country
• A strong interest in animal behavior or primate research
• English speaking
• Computer literate
• Ability to work at all levels as part of a team
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Emotionally mature
• Sociable but able to take social isolation with a small group of people
• Have a sense of humor
• Have a positive attitude toward the challenges of this work
• Know how to drive a car (and learn to drive a motorcycle)
• Be open minded and patient in cross-cultural situations

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The Project provides free housing and free transport to the baboons by motorcycle or car. The Project covers research fees to the Government of Kenya. The intern must arrange flights, and be able to cover the costs of food, personal supplies, entertainment etc for the tenure of the internship. Previous volunteers have managed on $200-$300/month. If the intern performs well, the Project will provide letters of recommendation to for applications to funding agencies for intern support.

Term of Appointment:
Priority is for a start date of May 2010 but later starting dates will be considered. The position is ongoing providing a systematic overlap of 3-6 months between successive intern teams composed of 2-3 individuals.

Application Deadline:
Until the position has been filled. We welcome applications for dates after May 2010.

Comments:
Please apply via e-mail to baboon@acc.or.ke. You should include a letter explaining why you are interested and suitable for the position, a CV and a personal statement describing yourself. If you make the short-list you will also have to provide four letters of reference (3 academic/field and 1 personal), photo and additional information as needed.

Contact Information:
Dr. Shirley C. Strum
Box 62844
Nairobi 00200
Kenya

Website:
http://www.baboonsrus.com

E-mail Address:
baboon@acc.or.ke