Field Assistant Needed - Behavioral Ecology of Tropical Ant-Plant Mutualism in Panama

[sue_bertram]

My name is Peter Marting and I am a PhD student at Arizona State University (advisor Stephen Pratt). I am looking to hire a field assistant to help with the Azteca-Cecropia project here at my field site in Gamboa, Panama from now through September at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. This ant-plant system involves an intimate mutualism where Cecropia plants provide shelter and nutritious food bodies and Azteca ants provide protection from herbivores and encroaching vines. The project involves field manipulation experiments on collective behavior and ecology of these Azteca ants in tropical lowland rainforests and greenhouse experiment with Cecropia trees. Applicants should be driven and self-motivated, able to take on projects independently or work closely with colleagues.Applicants also have a strong interest in behavioral ecology and enjoy tropical field work conditions.

Skills strongly recommended but not strictly required: animal behavior experience, field savviness, photography/videography, experience driving 4x4 stick shift in muddy conditions, ant experience, greenhouse experience, computer programming, good physical condition.

An $800/month stipend will be provided.

Email your CV along with a letter of why you want to join the project, relevant experience, your long term goals, when you would be able to assist, and any questions to peterr...@gmail.com with subject "JOB."