PAID Research Assistant Position, starts ASAP, 1-2-year commitment – Genetics of Social Behaviour in Cayo Santiago Rhesus Macaques

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PAID Research Assistant Position, starts ASAP, 1-2-year commitment – Genetics of Social Behaviour in Cayo Santiago Rhesus Macaques
 
Job Description:
We are currently seeking a conscientious and highly motivated Research Assistant to collect behavioural data on the rhesus macaques living in the free-ranging colony of Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. This project aims to uncover the genetic basis of social behaviour in a highly gregarious species of nonhuman primate. This is a multi-disciplinary project involving many investigators and institutions (Duke University, Yale University, the University of Puerto Rico). Behavioural data collected will be analysed alongside extensive genetic information generated at Duke University.
 
Research Assistants will live in Puerto Rico and will travel to Cayo Santiago (5 mins from the mainland by boat) on a daily basis. Assistants will collect behavioural data using an established ethogram on a large number of adult males and females (upwards of 100 animals). They will also be responsible for uploading and managing their data on a weekly basis. Research assistants will also assist with the annual capturing season (November – January), during which blood is collected and DNA is isolated. Research assistants will therefore be fully trained in genetic laboratory work, and in the handling of anesthetized animals.
 
Assistants will not be allowed to collect data for publication independent of the funded research project – e.g. for their own theses. However, we encourage assistants to work with us co-authoring papers based on or stemming from the data they assist in collecting. This is therefore an excellent position for anyone interested in pursuing a graduate degree.
 
This is an NIH-funded position. Applicants must therefore be available/willing to commit to a one-year contract to be considered eligible to apply.
 
 
Qualifications:
Applicants should have an Undergraduate/Masters degree in biology, anthropology, psychology, zoology or a related discipline. Applicants should be fluent in English (fluency in Spanish is also helpful, but not a requirement).  Previous experience collecting behavioural data on primates and/or other animals is ideal, but not a requirement. Previous laboratory experience is helpful, but not necessary. Applicants should be in good physical health, feel comfortable living at the field site/in Puerto Rico, should work well with others, and generally be energetic, responsible and have a keen interest in animal behaviour/sociobiology. Field work can be tiring, frustrating, and both physically and mentally challenging. Applicants should be prepared to approach these challenges with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
 
Term of appointment:
Applicants must be willing/able to commit to a 1-year contract to be considered eligible. We anticipate positions will commence as early as May 1st, 2015, dependent upon the successful applicant’s completion of medical tests to gain access to the field site.
 
Salary/Funding:
Research assistants will be paid the standard salary that has been pro-rated by the NIH (~$20,000/year, subject to change). Assistants will be employees of Duke University and will receive any benefits associated with a position of this type. Funding exists for a total of 2 years, and thus there may be the option for contract renewal following the 1st year, depending upon performance.
 
Support (travel, meals, lodging):
As a salary will be provided, we will not provide funding for accommodation/travel/living expenses. Applicants may be required to travel to Duke University (Durham, North Carolina, USA) to sign the initial contract – in which case, travel expenses to Duke will be covered.
 
Application deadline:
We are currently receiving applications and will continue to do so until the position is filled.
 
Comments:
Please send an email to Lauren Brent (lauren...@duke.edu). Include in ONE file (.pdf or .doc) a:
 
1.       Letter of interest. Please state why you are interested in this position and what qualifications you possess that make you particularly well suited to it.
2.       Your CV. Include all relevant field courses, coursework, and field experience.
3.       The contact information (including email addresses) for three people able to comment on your past experience, skills and training. Reference letters are not required with applications – referees will only be contacted for the top-candidates, following an initial screening process.