Research Assistant needed for sanctuary-living chimpanzee project in Zambia
Jake Brooker
‘Social structure and decision-making in sanctuary-living chimpanzees’
Dates of commencement: late July 2023
Deadline to apply: 7st June 2023
We seek a research assistant to join an exciting new research project in Zambia studying social structure and decision-making in sanctuary-living chimpanzees at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage. The role involves working alongside a team of local and international researchers to collect naturalistic and experimental behavioural data on multiple groups of chimpanzees. The project is an excellent research training opportunity in an international collaboration. Full training will be provided onsite by the lead postdoctoral researcher. For more information on Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, see https://chimfunshiwildlife.org/
Duration of position: 3 months
Requirements
Essential:
- Evidence of working effectively in and/or managing a team
- Evidence of involvement in research with animals
- Scientific training/understanding of conducting behavioural experiments
- Excellent organisational skills
- Experience of living/staying in basic or field conditions
- Experience living or working in cultures other than one’s own
- Psychological resilience
- Above-average levels of physical fitness (e.g., able to hike/walk up to 10km per day in hot weather)
Desirable:
- Experience working with or conducting research with great apes
- Experience in psychological research/background in psychology
- Good inter-personal skills
Support provided:
- Travel expenses (inc. return flight, transfers, visa, and accommodation)
- Contribution to Yellow Fever and anti-malarials
- Scientific training and research mentoring – support for career development
Expressions of interest: Please email Jake Brooker (jake.s....@durham.ac.uk), Dr Zanna Clay (zanna....@durham.ac.uk), or Dr Edwin van Leeuwen (e.j.c.va...@uu.nl) for queries and applications. To apply, please send a CV and a 1-page cover letter describing your qualifications, suitability and interest, with “Zambia RA” in the subject line.