Searching field assistants for the LuiKotale Bonobo Project
Gottfried Hohmann
The Luikotale research site is located in a very remote area that can only be accessed by taking a small charter plane from Kinshasa and then hiking 25 km through the forest. There is no running water, phone coverage or internet access, and no electricity apart from the limited power supplied by a solar panel array. Daily communication is restricted to short emails that are sent via the camp’s short wave radio system. However, satellite phones are available in the event of an emergency. Assistants are housed in sheltered tents and mostly eat simple, local foods (e.g., beans, manioc and rice). Both French and English are spoken in the camp.
The field conditions are physically and mentally challenging and candidates should carefully judge their capacity and determination to be exposed to a life in a very isolate place, a hostile climate, and physically demanding work. The forest is often dense and swampy; the work hours can be very long; and assistants are sometimes exposed to severe weather and tropical diseases. In addition, team members live in close proximity to one another and have to continually adjust to changes in the team composition.
Qualification:
Candidates express an interest in animal behavior, behavioral ecology and/or anthropology. Due to the remoteness of the field site and its challenging physical and social environment, all candidates must be (a) physically fit; (b) resistant to psychological stress; (c) self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision while out in the field; and (d) tolerant of different social customs and beliefs. Good social skills and the willingness to work as part of a team are essential, and assistants must be able to adapt to regular changes in the team composition. Previous tropical field experience and experience navigating with a compass and GPS unit are assets, but not required. Please note that the LKBP adheres strictly to gender equality and will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.
Salary commensurate with experience
Term of appointment: 9-12 months, starting in March 2021
Applications include an updated CV, a letter of motivation that shows how the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above, references of three people (or their contact information). Applications should be send to Dr. Gottfried Hohmann (hoh...@eva.mpg.de)and Dr. Barbara Fruth (bfr...@ab.mpg.de)
Information about the research and conservation activities at LuiKotale are available at
https://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/research-groups/bonobos/luikotale-study-site.html