Bat Research in Costa Rica: Field Assistant or M.Sc. Candidate Wanted

[margulis]

We are looking for a field assistant or a M.Sc. Candidate to participate in a study on bat social behaviour and vocal communication in Costa Rica from October 2013 to February 2014. Applicants should be willing to stay for at least 8 weeks (as field assistant) or 12 weeks (as M.Sc. Candidate). Field work includes searching for roost sites, catching bats, and conducting behavioural observations and sound recordings.

Working days (six per week) are long and the work is physically demanding. Field work in the tropics can be quite strenuous due to the heat and humidity and we often work at odd hours (e.g. very early in the morning). Poisonous snakes as well as irritating bugs are regularly encountered during field work. An anti-rabies inoculation is required because the chance of accidentally catching bats (e.g., vampire bats) which can transmit rabies is high. Work will be conducted at Curú Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica, which consists of coastal Pacific dry forest. This site offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Facilities at Curú are rustic; we live in wooden huts equipped with solar power close to the beach. Applicants must pay for their own expenses, including the round-trip airfare to Costa Rica, station fees (~45 $US per day for housing and food) and health insurance.

Applicants should be highly motivated, in good physical shape, getting along well with people, comfortable with working alone in the forest and being patient as well as accurate observers. Previous experience with bats or field work in the tropics is desirable but not required.
For German students wishing to apply for a PROMOS stipend from the DAAD, we provide assistance with writing the proposal.

If you are interested, please send me a letter detailing your interests, experiences and abilities, your CV, and the names and contact information of two references (mirjam.kn...@uni-ulm.de).

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.