Primatology Research and Intern Supervisor

We are a not-for-profit conservation organisation that protects habitats and species through scientific research and community outreach. We also promote a responsible approach to reserve management where tourists contribute to social; scientific and conservation projects that are designed to have a positive impact.

In this role you will develop your own project studying the behaviour and ecology of the urban black and gold howler monkey population in Pilar. This project is one of only two long-term primatological research programmes in Paraguay and we are looking for an applicant who will drive the project forward. You’ll have access to expert scientific guidance in the field; as well as a strong team to work alongside you.

You will be in charge of developing and supervising primatological intern projects from the moment an intern books through until the publication of their study where applicable. The Supervisor offers both intellectual and logistical support for interns carrying out projects at PLT; including assistance with project design; coordination of fieldwork; carrying out of analyses and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. They are responsible for ensuring that internships are carried out to a high standard; are suited to the intern as well as beneficial to PLT (i.e. publishable); and result in interns leaving happy with what they have learned and achieved. They are also responsible for the physical organisation of papers; literature reviews; project proposals; results; raw data and everything else related to each intern; in the intern hard drive. They are expected to take responsibility for organising and running academic activities; including but not limited to; journal club; debates; and field courses.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Correspond by email (copying the Executive Director into the conversation) with interns before they arrive at the site; ensuring they meet all pre-arrival deadlines; and assisting in the production of a quality research proposal
• Meet with each intern once or twice each week; depending on necessity; in a formal setting to discuss any aspect of their project; especially assisting with troubleshooting and data analysis. Be available at other times to answer their questions
• Coordinate and contribute to the initial setup of intern project methodologies both on paper and in the field; motivating them and ensuring a strong start to their fieldwork stage
• Following initial set-up; visit each internship project at least twice per month; enforcing deadlines for written and presentation aspects of project development and providing feedback and support in these assignments
• Collect and collate all digital materials related to each intern in the “intern database”; including; but not limited to; literature reviews; project proposals; raw data; photographs; statistical analyses; papers consulted; presentations and outcomes
• Organise and facilitate (at least fortnightly) intern/staff/expert presentations; communicating the details of presentations to all staff in advance via the shared calendar
• Coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure interns have volunteer support when necessary
• Host “Journal Club” once a week and encourage all PLT visitors to engage actively in the discussion
• Design a research project which fits with Para La Tierra’s long-term goals
• Conduct the approved project to a high standard; applying for funding and institutional support where necessary
• Submit project updates and publication progress to the Executive Director
• Contribute to furthering PLTs mission wherever possible; including using non-science skills to assist in project development
• When necessary fulfil domestic responsibilities including but not limited to cooking meals; cleaning dishes; doing shopping; coordinating recreational activities; and managing PLT home projects.

With this position; you’ll have the opportunity to work with a young and ambitious team of conservationists within a fast-growing and unique organisation in the neotropics. The post includes full bed and board; as well as monthly stipend of US$400/month for the first 6 months (training period) and increasing to $450/month for the next 18 months; with 6 weeks holiday per year. You must be willing to apply for Paraguayan residency (if not a Paraguayan citizen) and the in-country costs of the residency process will be reimbursed at the completion of the contract. The flights to Paraguay and travel to Pilar are not covered.

You’ll be contributing to ground-breaking research in Paraguay. To apply; please send your CV; a cover letter; two professional or academic references and one character reference to rebecca@paralatierra.org. The recruitment process will also include a zoom interview; and a written project proposal for the direction of the urban howler monkey project.

The post includes 6 weeks holiday per year.