*Field Assistant Position*: Ecologist/Agroecologist *Gamo Highlands, Southern Ethiopia* *Dates: *August 15th 2008 - February 15th 2009 (6 months) *Application Deadline:* June 15, 2008
*Project Description:* This position is for one full-time plant ecologist to assist in a doctoral research project on population structures of crop and tree species in a remote agricultural ecosystem in southern Ethiopia. The Gamo Highlands are located in a remote mountain range rising out of the Ethiopian Rift Valley to elevations over 4500m, and are the home of one of the planet's most ancient and diverse subsistence agricultural systems. The goal of the project is to identify barriers to/pathways for gene flow in key species that may affect both the potential for ongoing evolutionary processes and the ability of farmers to adapt their cultivation strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions. The field portion of this project involves collection and preservation of plant material for genetic analysis, household surveys regarding farmer exchange of genetic material, and collection of environmental, topographic, and geographic data. * Requirements/Qualifications:* The research assistant will be an integral part of project design, sampling, and data collection throughout this six-month period. The assistant should have or be working towards a degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field, and have research experience, including field work. Experience working abroad and in remote, rural areas is preferred. Interest in rural/international development and agriculture is welcome. This position involves living and working in a remote, mountainous area with minimal to non-existent amenities (eg running water, electricity). It involves working closely with Ethiopian farmers through translators and local assistants – willingness/ability to pick up languages quickly is a plus. The position involves walking long distances over rough terrain, often with a pack. Most importantly it involves being flexible and able to cope with everyday inconveniences, crises, and changes of plans which may, and will, arise of the course of this study. * Salary:* Travel and Expenses. The chance to live and work in an amazing place which few people in the world will ever see. *To apply:* Please send a cover letter, CV, and names and contact info of 2 references by June 15 to: Leah Samberg [EMAIL PROTECTED] And please contact me at this email address with questions or for more information.
