Field assistant position available: Lomas Barbudal Monkey Project (capuchins, Costa Rica)
Susan Perry
Field assistant position available: Lomas Barbudal Monkey Project (Capuchins, Costa Rica)
Hiring Organization:
UCLA
Position Description:
The Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Project has been running for 31 years, and (funding permitting) will continue for many years to come. Each year we accept about 6 interns who stay a full year and participate in data collection. The project currently monitors 7 social groups of monkeys. Virtually all monkeys are well habituated, and their genetic relationships are known, as well as social histories dating back several years in most cases. The primary focus of research during primary focus during 2022 will be the role of alloparents (and grandparents in particular) in shaping the learning environment for young capuchins, 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. We also work hard at educational outreach in the community.
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. The PI (Prof. Susan Perry, UCLA) spends ~4 months/year on site participating in data collection and training of interns, affording a closer working relationship between PI and volunteer than is typical for most field sites.
Qualifications/Experience:
There are no absolute criteria, and we try to hire people with a blend of different talents. But some traits that help are good grades (>3.3 GPA), some prior Spanish training, and prior experience studying animal behavior and working in the field. Skills in construction (for house repairs), computer maintenance and website design would be nice additional perks but are non-essential. 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. However, 1 or 2 field manager positions (which some salary in addition to room and board) will open at some point during 2022, and these positions will almost certainly be chosen from this year’s group of interns. Room and board and ground transportation will be covered. During 2022-23, we will be able to refund plane fares to the site up to a certain amount, once the year-long commitment is completed. See below.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
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. Assistants must buy their own medical insurance (as well as COVID tests and vaccinations) and the cost of sundries and personal equipment.
Field site managers will be selected from among the interns, and these people will earn a modest stipend. 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.
Term of Appointment:
Minimum one year. Our next vacancy for a field assistant position starting in mid-February. We will also need additional assistants in the more distant future, e.g. in summer and fall of 2022.
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 Feb 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 (70 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):