Research assistant position for Lomas Barbudal Monkey Project (capuchin social behavior)
Susan Perry
UCLA
Date Posted:
Mar 4, 2024
Position Description:
We are seeking a field assistant to come as soon as possible, for a commitment lasting till around Sept 1, to assist in data collection for the Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Monkey Project. The project has been running for 33 years, and (funding permitting) will continue for many years to come. The project currently monitors 9 social groups of monkeys for demographic information, but intensive behavioral data collection will focus on just two of these. The monkeys are well habituated, and their genetic relationships are known for up to 6 generations, as well as social histories dating back several years in most cases. The primary focus of research during 2024 will be the role of personality in cultural dyamics (i.e. how it affects the propensity to invent new behaviors and transmit them to others), though we will also be continuing many long-term projects related to life history and cultural evolution. In addition to collecting data, we are actively involved in environmental education in the community, at all age levels, so Spanish speaking applicants should tell us if they are interested in that component of the project.
Application instructions and a detailed guide to working on the project are on the following website:
http://lbmp.anthro.ucla.edu/how-to-help/internships/
Please read the detailed guide to working on the monkey project BEFORE applying or contacting the project, as this will answer virtually all questions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to read the book "Manipulative Monkeys: The Capuchins of Lomas Barbudal," which is a popular science book documenting not only the first 15 years of scientific research, but the life style of researchers working at this site. During this time period, the PI (Prof. Susan Perry, UCLA) will be on site for 3 months participating in data collection and training of interns, affording a closer working relationship between PI and volunteer than is typical for most field sites.
Application materials include a CV, college transcripts (unofficial copy of notes/marks/grades in each college class), a letter of application, and contact information for 3 people who can write a letter of reference: (a) an academic mentor, (b) an employer, and (c) someone who has lived with you in a cooperative living situation, preferably in the field (though if this is your first attempt at fieldwork, a college roommate would be fine for this). These materials should be sent to Susan Perry (sperry) @ anthro.ucla.edu, subject heading “Field assistant application.”
Qualifications/Experience:
Some traits that help are good grades (>3.3 GPA), basic competence in Spanish, and prior experience studying animal behavior and working in the field. It is essential that the candidate have a driver's license and a good driving record. The most important trait in a field assistant is strong work ethic and the ability to make a firm commitment for a year. Please do not apply if you are the sort of person who signs contracts and then backs out, as such behavior is highly damaging to the project (as well as to your own reputation). It is also highly desirable for applicants to have done some reading in primatology (not just websites, but journal articles and books, including some from this project) before applying.
Salary/funding:
None for data collection. However, some funds are available for field manager positions to help with logistics and environmental education. Please, when you apply, specify the minimum among of financial support you would need in order to be a viable applicant, and state dates of your availability. If financial stress is the only thing keeping you from applying, we will do our best to help you find additional funding sources.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
During 2024, we will be able to refund plane fares to the site up to a certain amount, once the contract is completed.
The project will cover the cost of on-site housing and meals in the project house, though interns must feed themselves when away on vacation and visa trips. The current project house is a lovely hacienda style building on the property of a native tree nursery, in the town of Pijije, next to the Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve. It has electricity, running (potable) water, and internet. Assistants must buy their own medical insurance (as well as COVID tests and vaccinations) and cover the cost of sundries and personal equipment (boots, clothes, binoculars, backpack); other scientific equipment, snake leggings and COVID masks are provided by the project.
Term of Appointment:
We need someone to start immediately (no later than Apr 1, we hope), and are also anticipating taking one person on for the summer.
Application Deadline:
Rolling deadlines: We keep a bank of applications on file to replace people who leave unexpectedly (e.g. due to illness), so if you might want to come at some unspecified time in the future, it’s good to have your application on file so we know you are interested. Please apply ASAP for the Apr 1 position, as much paperwork is needed to bring a new research assistant on board.
Comments:
These internships are excellent preparation for graduate school. Interns who finish their terms have always received admission to high quality graduate programs (77 of our past interns have been accepted to graduate school).
Contact Information:
Dept. of Anthropology, Box 951553, UCLA
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1553
USA
Website:
E-mail Address (note that this is by far the most reliable way to contact us):