Research Field Assistant - Orangutan Behavior and Cognition
Adriana Luna
We are looking for a field research assistant to help collect observational behavioral data for my Ph.D. project on curiosity and cognition in wild orangutans at the Development and Evolution of Cognition Research group at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. The data will be collected on wild orangutans from October 2024 - October 2025 (12-month field stay).
The Project
Curiosity plays a key role in learning and innovation. However, the interplay between curiosity and cognitive performance remains poorly understood. With this project, we aim to investigate the factors that affect curiosity and problem-solving in wild orangutans to ultimately shed light on how the two traits are connected on the developmental and evolutionary levels.
Details
The data will be collected at a field site in Indonesia. The research area is a peat swamp forest, meaning that most of the forest floor is flooded throughout the year. Living conditions are basic, with limited access to electricity and phone signal reception. There is limited personal space, and the candidate will share their room with other assistants or researchers. Food will be provided at camp, mostly consisting of rice, eggs, and a limited range of fruits and vegetables that will be prepared by a local cook. The work includes long working days collecting data from dawn until dusk. A high level of physical fitness is required as the applicant will walk up to 10km a day while carrying heavy equipment, also on rainy days. We are looking for an excellent observer who can stay focused and motivated for long periods and over repetitive tasks. Walking in the forest is difficult and tiring, continuously surrounded by mosquitoes and other insects and often wading through flooded areas. In addition to data collection, the assistant will clean, label, and store data and equipment which requires detail orientation and organizational skills.
In the forest, we always work in teams with researchers and/or local assistants. Teamwork skills are essential; the candidate must be able to communicate in a clear and assertive style, while also being patient, flexible, and highly sensitive to cultural differences.
Before fieldwork can be started, the assistant must complete all visa and research permit processes; including an up to four weeks stay in a local city. By the time of their departure, the candidate must be up to date with required vaccinations, including COVID-19.
Requirements:
* Degree in Biology, Comparative psychology, or a related field and high interest in animal behavior
* Fluent in spoken and written English, willingness to learn the local language Bahasa Indonesia
* A high level of independence and experience in traveling on their own
* Experience in collecting and processing behavioral data
* Psychological resilience, readiness to live in an isolated area with limited personal space
* Open-mindedness and willingness to adjust to cultural differences
* Good observational skills and attentiveness to details
* Physical endurance and stamina
* Willingness to take advice from travel health specialists and be up to date with vaccinations
Desired experiences & skills:
* Field work experience
* Experience with video coding of behavioral data
* Experience with data management
* Experience conducting cognitive tests with primates
What we offer:
All project-related costs (round-trip flight from and to home country, visa, permit fees, lodging at camp, etc.) will be covered. A small monthly stipend will be provided to ensure that the candidate faces no personal costs during the position.
Please send your application along with related questions to Adriana Luna (al...@ab.mpg.de) by 15th August 2024, including your CV, a short motivation letter, and the contact information of two references.