Field research assistants / Black howler monkeys / Chiapas, Mexico
Primate-Volunteers
Anaid Cardenas Navarrete
Oct 6, 2023, 11:01:41 AM (5 days ago)
Field research assistants: Movement
ecology of black howler monkeys in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
Position Description:
We are looking for three highly motivated field assistants to help in the
collection of data for the ongoing project of Ph.D. Candidate Anaid
Cardenas-Navarrete. The project has two main interests: the movement ecology of
black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) living in habitats of varying
degrees of human disturbance and the seed dispersal services they provide to
those sites. Fieldwork consists of full-day observations (sunrise to sunset) of
black howler monkey groups to collect data on group behavior, daily travel, and
feeding resources. We also conduct vegetation surveys and process the collected
samples (urine, feces, and plant material). Fieldwork runs from Monday to
Friday, and weekends are off. We will have a two-week break for the holidays
after the first two months. Assistants are expected to stay for 6 months from
the end of October.
Qualifications:
Assistants from all backgrounds and identities are welcome. Priority will be
given to Mexican applicants and early career applicants seeking long-term
exposure to research projects in tropical environments. Data collection in the
field tends to be mentally and physically demanding because of the long working
days hiking under very hot and humid conditions and abrupt changes in the
topology of the sites. Assistants are required to be mindful of all team
members and respectful of the traditions of the local people of Palenque.
Conversational Spanish is required. Experience conducting field research in
tropical areas, knowledge of data collection methods, and interest in
primatology, animal behavior, or tropical ecology is preferred.
Support provided:
We provide a weekly stipend to cover food costs (~200 USD monthly), basic food
and household items, and the required research equipment, such as binoculars
and snake guards. All team members will live together in a comfortable house
equipped with beds, a kitchen, and internet located in the town of Palenque.
This location is close to supermarkets, restaurants, and laundry services.
Assistants will be responsible for their transportation to and from Palenque
and their personal gear (rain boots, backpack, and clothing).
Term of Appointment:
End of October 2023 – April 2024
Application Deadline:
As soon as possible
Application procedure:
Interested applicants need to send an email to Anaid Cárdenas Navarrete (anaid.c...@berkeley.edu) with (1) a letter
of interest including background information, motivation to be part of this
team, and career goals, (2) Curriculum Vitae, and (3) contact information of
two professional references.
Contact information:
Anaid Cárdenas-Navarrete, Ph.D. Candidate, Razafindratsima Lab, Department of
Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley
Email: anaid.c...@berkeley.edu