We are looking for volunteer research assistants to help with an ongoing project (Ecology and Behaviour of South American Primates) in two locations in Colombia (Magdalena Valley and Llanos). The Magdalena Valley project is located in a private cattle farm named San Juan del Carare. The farm is surrounded by several forest fragments that contain white faced capuchins; brown spider monkeys; owl monkeys and red howler monkeys. The Llanos project is located in Tomo Grande Reserve; Vichada and the gallery forest in the reserve contains red howler monkeys; owl monkeys and tufted capuchins; which are the focus of this project. Each species has at least one troop well habituated and most individuals in each group are identified. This long-term project is aimed at understanding how parasite dynamics change according to social structure and what socio-ecological variables shape the social structure of each species.
Volunteers/students will be part of a team and each person will be responsible for the following:
What do volunteers get out of it?
Interested applicants should send the following documents via email to: nf.galvis229@uniandes.edu.co and a.link74@uniandes.edu.co as soon as possible: CV indicating previous field experience and relevant coursework; cover letter indicating describing your interest in the project; two references that can speak to your experience; skills and training in relevant areas. Applications will be evaluated in the order they are received. The position will remain open until filled.
Five volunteer field assistant positions are currently available.
June to December, 2018
6 months minimum
Adults of both sexes 20+
These positions are open to anyone with an interest in animal behaviour, ecology, botany or other related fields. No specific experience is required for the position, however, the ideal application should: 1. Have a background in biology, anthropology, primatology or a related field; 2. Have a healthy dose of patience and persistence; 3. Be physical able to hike in variable terrain, for extended hours; 4. Be willing to walk through dense vegetation in pursuit of monkeys; 5. Be able to work in a team, as well as independently 6. Have excellent attention to detail; 7. Be enthusiastic, motivated, mature, reliable and highly committed to scientific research; 8. Did we mention patience?
No salary is provided, but all meals, accommodations and local transportation will be covered by the project.
Hacienda San Juan del Carare, Proyecto Primates Field Station, Magdalena Valley
