Chimpanzee research assistant in new national park in Guinea
Moyen Bafing
SEEKING CHIMPANZEE RESEARCH FIELD ASSISTANT
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a motivated research assistant for chimpanzee camera trap research and ecological surveying at the savanna-mosaic environment of the Moyen-Bafing National Park (MBNP), Guinea. The candidate will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of camera traps in the home ranges of several chimpanzee groups, chimpanzee monitoring, and ecological sampling within these home ranges. The candidate will also be responsible for the management and coding of camera trap video data, and will be offered the option to participate in research on chimpanzee tool-use behaviour, if desired.
The research assistant will be accommodated in the Moyen-Bafing Chimpanzee Project research camp, which is located in a remote area with no running water or electricity outside of basic solar power. The candidate will work closely together with a team of international and local field staff. Exact distribution of duties will be determined according to the background of the candidate. Additional information about the national park can be found here, you can get a glimpse of the wildlife here, and you can keep up to date with news about the project here!
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential requirements:
(1) previous field experience in remote areas (preference for arid zones/tropics) including behavioural data collection
(2) proficiency in both English and French (written and spoken)
(3) physically and mentally fit, able to spend long periods of time away from developed areas and be comfortable with minimal living conditions (no plumbing or electricity) in remote and ecologically challenging locations
(4) the capacity to live and work together with a small team of international and local assistants for extended periods of time
(5) good communication skills with other team members and (remotely) with project managers
(6) strong motivation to be active and flexible while managing multiple simultaneous responsibilities
(7) demonstrate tolerance to customs and practices of local communities
Beneficial qualifications (please indicate these clearly in your application, if present):
(1) Experience with camera trap, wildlife, and/or ecological surveying
(2) Experience with video data coding
(3) Familiarity with informal botanical identification, and/or sample collection
(4) Experience and interest in troubleshooting mechanical and structural construction (e.g., buildings, solar power systems, etc.)
(5) Proficiency in MS Excel, Cybertracker, GIS, BaseCamp and/or MapSource
SUPPORT PROVIDED
Small monthly stipend to offset living expenses
Contribution of up to $1100 USD towards an international round trip flight (*reimbursement only after completion of a 12 month term of appointment*)
Expenses for Visa (if needed)
Transportation within Guinea to and from the field site
COVID-19 tests within country
Food during stay in MBNP (mix of mainly local food and very occasional western food items)
All lodging in country
Please note that expenses during the stay in Conakry and on the way in/out of Guinea can only be partially covered by the project (accommodation and transport only). We strongly encourage applications from West African students looking to gain further research experience. We also strongly encourage applications from *all* qualified applicants, and if financial barriers are present please do not allow this to serve as a barrier to applying, but contact us to discuss potential solutions.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT
Twelve months starting around mid-November 2021. As the COVID pandemic is still ongoing and safety of applicants, local communities, and the chimpanzee is a priority concern, we are seeking candidates who are flexible in the timing of initial start dates. Candidates will likely undergo several rounds of quarantine. A proof of a COVID-19 vaccine is not necessary but beneficial.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be sent via email by August 12th, 2021 to Drs. Catherine Hobaiter, Erin Wessling, and Liran Samuni: mbc...@gmail.com. Please include in your application your CV, a 1-page cover letter highlighting your interest and qualifications, and the names and contact information of at least two references.