Field Research Position — Owl Monkey Project (Formosa, Argentina)
Jonathan Pertile
We are looking for research assistants to join our team in Formosa, Argentina. They will participate in a 27-year study of the behavior, ecology and demography of monogamous owl monkeys in the Argentinean Chaco. This position also offers an exciting opportunity for students who need to conduct their research projects, such as undergraduate or master's theses.
Assistants will be responsible for collecting behavioral, foraging, and ranging data, as well as biological samples and data on phenological patterns and fruit availability in the research site. The assistant will collaborate in all aspects of the logistics of running the project including equipment maintenance, data organization, entry and summary, camp and office maintenance.
The work will be rigorous and demanding. Assistants will be expected to work several hours in the field each day and to work about 20-25 days out of each month. There will also be much time spent in the field station in the city of Formosa, where the assistant will stay at least one or two days every week. The climate is frequently very hot, thus persistence, maturity, dedication, and good humor are very important.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT: MINIMUM 6 MONTHS, LONGER
COMMITMENTS WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
TIME OF START: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
DEADLINE: UNTIL POSITIONS ARE FILLED
Qualifications
We are looking for applicants whose qualifications include a background in primatology, animal behavior, ecology, biology, or biological anthropology, and who have a demonstrated motivation and capacity for independent work.
Proficiency in Spanish is helpful, though you do not need to be a fluent speaker. A profound sensitivity to and respect of foreign cultures are a MUST. Flexibility and adaptability to different living conditions also a must. Previous field experience and previous experience collecting behavioral data or biological samples from non-human primates or other animals are ideal, but not required. Training will be provided on site.
Expertise in data management, ArcGIS, telemetry, behavioral methods, and/or statistics will be considered a plus, but not required. A commitment to the project of at least 6
months is required.
Salary/funding:
The project will cover the lodging fees in the field station in the city of Formosa (which includes shared room and bathroom, use of laboratory facilities, use of kitchen, internet access), the research fees associated with staying in camp, the costs of traveling back and forth to the field when needed, the required membership with Fundación ECO of Formosa, and an accident insurance to enter the ranch.
Assistants will receive a small stipend to cover their food while in the field and necessary research gear (e.g., binoculars, tent) will also be provided.
Applicants are expected to cover: their own personal field gear (clothes, boots, pack, etc), and other personal expenses.
Interested applicants. please sent via email to jonathan...@yale.edu AND alba.de...@gmail.com plus the following materials:
*Letter of interest
*CV including:
- · any courses taken in ecology, biology, botany, and animal behavior
- · description of your computer skills, including details of your expertise with Excel, stat packages and Access.
- · description of previous fieldwork and outdoor experiences.
- · email references from two people (preferably professors or research supervisors with whom you have worked closely) in which they provide information about your experiences, skills, and training.
*Dates of availability
*For students interested in conducting their thesis with us please send the following additional information:
· Timeframe for data collection, analyses, and writing.
· Information on additional funding or willingness to apply to grant opportunities.
Additional information about the study site and some of the research projects that have taken place or will take place in the future can be found on the project´s director website (Dr. Eduardo Fernandez-Duque) or the Owl Monkey Project´s website: https://www.eduardofernandez-duque.com/
