Research Assistant Tamarin Behavior - Southeastern Peru
Information FPI
Research Assistant Tamarin Primate Behavior - Southeastern Peru
Hiring Organization:
Position Description:
Field Projects International (FPI) is seeking to fill four research assistant positions to assist in the study of two free-ranging populations of Neotropical primates, the emperor and saddleback tamarin, at the Los Amigos Biological Field Station in Southeastern Peru. You would be joining an established primate research program, ongoing since 2009. Lodging/accomodation and in-country travel to and from the field site are covered by the program, and a basic living stipend is provided. This is a great opportunity for someone who is planning to enter or is currently in a graduate research program focused on ecology or primatology. Participation in one or more research publications upon completion of the field component will be strongly encouraged.
The primary task in this position will be to conduct daily behavioral follows of several focal groups, each with one radio collared individual. Full day follows (i.e.. following a group from sleep tree to sleep tree) will be expected several days per week. Data collection will consist of scan sampling of behavior at fixed intervals, marking and collection of fruits from feeding trees, opportunistic collection of fecal samples, and recording of spontaneous reproductive behaviors such as mating and scent marking. If newborns are observed, focal observations of adult parents and alloparents will also be performed. The movement data collected will be associated with forest structure parameters acquired by high density lidar imaging. Feeding behavior data and samples will be incorporated into a study on natural seed dispersal. Social behavior will be used for a long-term dataset on cooperative breeding behavior.
These positions will provide incumbents with invaluable experience in conducting primate field work, and may also coincide with opportunities to observe primate capture-release techniques. Team members will operate in pairs, following primate groups off-trail. The habitat is variable, broadly consisting of terra firme and varzea habitat. Within these areas are palm swamps, oxbow lakes, bamboo patches, primary and secondary growth forest. The field site is privately protected lowland Amazonian rainforest, contiguous with a 300K hectare conservation concession.
Accommodation is basic, shared wooden cabins/dorms with attached bathrooms. Bathrooms are fully functional with running water, but no hot showers. Meals are provided three times a day, and there is a nice field laboratory for preparing for field activities and processing samples and data. The station has reliable electricity and Wifi. All group territories are within easy walking distance from the base camp (straight line distance of 2km or less).
Qualifications/Experience:
Preferred applicants will have at least a BSc in biology, zoology, anthropology or a related discipline. Previous field experience with primate behavior is highly valued. An interest in general ecology is useful. The applicant should demonstrate an ability to handle the living conditions at the site, and have physical endurance and mental focus for sometimes very challenging primate follows, as some of the groups will require habituation. Prior experience with the use of radio telemetry will be highly beneficial. There are no language requirements, though English and Spanish are most commonly used at the site. Data must be entered in English. A 2-month commitment is required, with preferable start in early October.
Salary/Funding:
Field station accommodation plus meals is covered by the program. In-country travel costs will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the contract period. A monthly living stipend is provided to qualified individuals. You are expected to acquire your own basic field clothing, backpack, water bottle, binoculars and flashlight, rain gear, insect repellent, first aid kit, and footwear. GPS units, batteries, data and sample collection supplies will be provided by the program. You will be required to have basic health insurance that also covers emergency repatriation and liability. You must be current with all major vaccinations (including for Covid19). Absolute minimum age requirement of 18 years.
Term of Appointment:
2 month minimum
Application Deadline:
Qualified applications will be accepted on first come first serve basis starting Sep 5, 2022
Comments:
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, CV, and names and email addresses of 2 references via email with subject line “Tamarin Primate Behavior RA - [Your Name]” to info(at)fieldprojects.org; Please do not send repeated letters of inquiry or telephone calls. Applications will be reviewed as they come in.
Contact Information:
Kate Molton
info(at)fieldprojects.org
