Research Assistant – Goualougo Triangle Ape Project, Republic of Congo
Dave Morgan
TITLE:
Research Assistant – Goualougo Triangle Ape Project, Republic of Congo
HIRING ORGANIZATION:
Goualougo Triangle Ape Project
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for an energetic research assistant to support collection of behavioral and ecological data for the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project (GTAP), in northern Republic of Congo. The successful candidate will have a solid scientific background, a strong interest in collection of ape behavioral data from habituated individuals and associated environmental information. The position will be based at the Goualougo field site and focused on following coexisting chimpanzee and gorilla. The selected candidate will report directly to the the GTAP Site and Research Manager based at the field site. Observational data are collected electronically via phones and IPads using software such as Spatial Monitoring Resource Tool (SMART) and Animal Observer applications modified to meet the site research needs. The research assistant will also assist in downloading, cleaning and reporting on data collected. Separate chimpanzee and gorilla teams are in the field daily with departures to search for the apes starting at 6 am and teams returning before 5 pm. During searches and subsequent follows of the chimpanzee and gorillas with experienced ape trackers, a variety of habitats are traversed including swamps. Teams also regularly contact other wildlife including forest elephants and other large mammals.
The GTAP field site is located inside the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park (NNNP) a full day’s travel from the park Headquarters. The camp site is rustic and includes solar power, tented offices where equipment including electronics are maintained and Research Assistants work. Work schedules include Research Assistants working 5 days in the field and 1 day in camp per week. The research staff are housed in individualized tents covered by tarps that are elevated off the ground. There is no running water but an easily accessible stream for bathing is available as are bucket baths. The site two full-time cooks and all team members eat together in the morning and evening. The site houses roughly 18-20 people per month including 10-15 chimpanzee and gorilla trackers, 2-6 Congolese Research Assistants, visiting graduate students and the GTAP Site and Research Manager who is responsible for managing the camp, data collection and staff. Communications at the site includes daily contact with the Park headquarters using satellite telephone/texting capabilities, inReach texting, VH radio and internet.
Additional information about the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project and field site is available at https://congo-apes.org/
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
The successful candidate must have at least a BSc in zoology, forestry, biology, anthropology or related field. Experience in collecting data on wild primates or other species is preferable. Demonstrated field experience and an ability to work as a team member in difficult field conditions is also highly valuable.
In terms of communication, conversational French or Lingala is highly preferable.
SALARY/FUNDING:
Stipend support will be based on experience with a minimum of 500 euros per month set. Travel costs covered will include one round trip airfare per year, all in country travel costs related to the job covered, housing and basic food costs. Basic health insurance that includes emergency repatriation and liability will be included. Per NNNP and IUCN guidelines, the applicant must have proof of vaccinations for COVID-19, yellow fever, measles, TB, hepatitis A and B, polio, and meningitis.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT:
The Research Assistant position is a one-year commitment with the possibility of renewing for an additional year.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
May 15, 2023
COMMENTS:
Complete applications will include a CV, a letter of interest, and names and email addresses of 3 references. Interested candidates should send their documents to Drs. David Morgan at dmo...@wcs.org and Crickette Sanz at cs...@wustl.edu. All applicants will be contacted regarding final decisions.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
David Morgan (dmo...@wcs.org)
Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo
Goualougo and Djeke Triangle Great Ape Sites