1 international field researcher on bonobos in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Paula Dieguez
1 international field researcher on bonobos in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
About the project:
The BonDiv project (www.bondiv.org) is accepting applications for 1 international research located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The BonDiv project is a large-scale collaborative research project that aims to investigate and document bonobo intraspecific diversity, allowing for simultaneous study of multiple sympatric species. With 6 sites already completed, the project aims to expand up to 30 sites within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Research sites are located in exceptionally remote regions, with no (or very little) internet connection (but with access to a satellite communicator).
At each site, there will be one Congolese researcher and one international researcher. The fieldwork will have a duration of approximately 13-16 months, which will begin with a training in June. We encourage all candidates to familiarize themselves with their country’s travel advisories before applying. Be advised, that all activities will fall within the geographic range of the bonobo, in the province of Tshuapa. Apply only if you are sure that you will accept the position.
About the position:
Under the mentorship of local experts and the PIs Martin Surbeck, Erin Wessling, and Hjalmar Kuehl, the BonDiv researchers benefit from gaining valuable fieldwork and applied conservation experience, including data and sample collection that will contribute to the scientific understanding of the bonobo ecology including food availability, prey species, other sympatric wildlife, climate, and the relevance of human impact. Other learning opportunities will include the conducting of social surveys and the collection of a multitude of organic samples to support genetic, pathogen, diet, metabolomics, and isotope analyses of the bonobo ecosystem. Building upon the skills acquired and refreshed in the workshop, the researchers are responsible for the data collection, data entry, sample storage, monthly reporting of progress and results in the field.
Along with the first-hand research data collection and analysis, researchers will also gain experience with other aspects of project management including hiring field assistants and reporting back to the PIs and the coordinator on budgetary and fieldwork status updates.
Those individuals who would be the best fit for the position may have a combination of the attributes below:
- undergraduate degree in biology or a related field
- conversational competency in French and English
- 6 + months of fieldwork experience, preferably in remote areas of the tropics
- to be proficient with email communication, MS Excel, and Word
- good interpersonal and communication skills
- experience working with an international team
- communicate clearly and regularly via remote connections with coordinator/directors
- comfortable to live and work in a context and culture potentially significantly different than your own
- willing and able to live away from developed areas, isolated and with minimal living conditions (no plumbing, electricity, or housing) in extremely remote locations
- experience with GPS, camera traps, and biological sample collection
- proficiency with Cybertracker, QGIS, BaseCamp/MapSource
Expectations of conduct: - respectful to members of local communities and wildlife - honest and accountable communication with project management - no drug use (including alcohol) allowed in camp or during working hours - sexual and/or gender-based harassment of any type will not be tolerated - failure of any of these points will be grounds for immediate dismissal at your own expense.
This position will offer:
- unique opportunity to gain field experience in the central African rainforest with the world’s least-known ape species
- rigorous training and gain proficiency in diverse research and scientific methods relevant to careers in applied conservation and ecological research
- all necessary equipment to perform diverse sets of research
- expenses covered, including visa, transport to/from the site, and lodging and food during the project. Return trip will be covered after the successful completion of the project
- $850 monthly per diem to cover incidentals
- 3-4 weeks paid leave, with the dates to be mutually agreed upon by the researcher and the coordinator. If the researcher travels home during the paid leave, the project can reimburse up to $1,500 for travel expenses upon their return to the field site
- scientific contribution recognized in publications using samples or data that researchers collected
The following will be the responsibility of the researcher:
- health insurance that covers emergency repatriation and liability, including COVID-related illness
- vaccinations required for entry into DRC before departure, and any medications recommended for remote field work, including malaria prophylaxis
- clothes, shoes, and personal field equipment (a suggested list of these items will be provided)
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, including a CV, letter of interest highlighting qualifications/experience, and the names and emails of three references to info(at)bondiv(dot)org with ‘Field researcher’ in the subject line. Interviews will be conducted via zoom. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.