If interested, please contact Teague O'Mara directly at [email protected] -------------------------------------------------------------- I am searching for several independent and capable field assistants to participate in data collection for a Ph.D. project that will focus on the development feeding ecology and stress measures of juvenile ring-tailed lemurs at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve.
Beza Mahafaly is located in Southwestern Madagascar. While in the field, assistants will be responsible for conducting full-day behavioral observations and recording GPS ranging coordinates. We will also be collecting fecal samples for steroid hormone analyses, and collecting monthly phenology data for several areas of the forest, both within the reserve and outside. Assistants will learn various field methods relevant for the study of animal behavior and behavioral ecology, as well as study design and what it takes to maintain the daily operations of a field project. This is an ideal position for someone interested in gaining field experience in preparation for a graduate program in anthropology, ecology, or conservation biology. Independent projects are highly encouraged as long as they fit within the data collection protocol of the project. Please email me at [email protected] for a more detailed description of the project and to discuss how your ideas can fit in with the data collection scheme. Also, we may be able to find some small amounts of funding to help these projects so contacting me sooner is better. Camp conditions are very basic, but also very nice. We live in tents and pull our own water from a well, but latrine and shower facilities (via a solar shower) are available. We also pay for a cook who prepares all of our meals from the food we provide. There is no phone or internet access at Beza, but a phone (and cell phone reception) is available in Betioky, approximately 45 km away from the site which can be regularly accessed by ox cart or by bike. Qualifications/Experience: Applicants should have a B.S. or B.A. in Physical Anthropology, Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, or other related field. Previous experience working with primates is not necessary, though experience with animals, camping, and/or working outdoors is strongly preferred. The ideal applicant should have prior experience with living or working in a foreign country, with special preference for developing countries. Knowledge of French is helpful, but not necessary; however, a willingness to learn and use Malagasy is expected. Experience with collecting systematic data in a scientific context is preferred, and a strong interest in primate behavior and ecology is a must. There are no citizen requirements. In general, applicants must be in good physical and mental condition; feel comfortable being far away from family and friends; be emotionally mature, energetic, and very patient. An excellent sense of humor is a must as things often go wrong or are delayed unexpectedly. Salary/funding: None at this time. Applicants must provide: - Round-trip airfare to Madagascar (cost varies) - Immunizations and malarial prophylaxis - Malagasy visa (circa US$80) - MICET facilitation fee (US$350) - Daily station fees (approximately US$200/month) - Own personal equipment (tent, field clothes, binoculars) Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging): I will provide food while at Beza, and internal travel while with me. Some additional support may be available to defray entrance and camping fees at Beza Mahafaly. Term of Appointment: Minimum 6 month commitment; 11 month commitment preferred. Position begins in late March or early April, 2009 and applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Please visit http://www.public.asu.edu/~mtomara/page9/page9.html<http://www.public.asu.edu/%7Emtomara/page9/page9.html>or email me at [email protected] to receive an information pack describing the project and the site in more detail. If still interested, please submit the following (via email) to [email protected]: 1. Letter of interest (please include dates you are available) 2. Curriculum Vitae including relevant coursework, previous field/outdoor experience, and where/how you can be contacted 3. Name and contact info for least two people who can provide information about your experiences, skills, and training (preferably professors, research supervisors, or field school instructors with whom you've worked closely).
