Volunteer needed as a field assistant in behavioral ecology of frogs in Borneo. We are seeking for a highly motivated research assistant to help with a study in bioacoustics and parental care behavior in frogs in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo. This is a unique opportunity to work in one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world and for anybody that is looking for more experience in field work in the areas of ecology and behavior.
*Duties:* The volunteer field assistant, after an initial training period will assist collecting behavioral data of the smooth guardian frog of Borneo. Data collection includes recording vocalizations, video recording, taking behavioral notes and continuous sampling of transects. In addition, lab work is required analyzing the recordings of the previous nights. The assistant is expected to work in harsh conditions. This study requires hiking in rough/muddy/steep terrain sometimes carrying heavy equipment for extended periods of time (5 - 6 hours). The forest is full of biting insects and the occasional leech. The assistant would have to shift his/her sleeping schedule because most of the work is done at night. A typical night goes from 7 pm to 2:30 am. For more information about the project contact [email protected] *Living Conditions:* We will stay at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre in Brunei Darussalam. The Centre is surrounded by lowland and ridge Dipterocarp forest with small areas of riverine and heath forest which have never been logged. We will be living in a wooden building in shared rooms. There is bathroom facilities and filtered watered. There is electricity at given times during the day. Internet access is limited (once every 3 weeks traveling by boat to the nearest town). *Eligibility:* Perfect opportunity for advanced undergraduates or recent graduates in Biology or related areas. The volunteer must be enthusiastic, well driven and willing to learn. Have a strong work ethic and good ability to get along with others in tight living conditions is essential. *Duration and dates:* For the upcoming field season we are looking for one or two volunteer staring in late July/early August 2014. The volunteer field assistants are expected to stay at least three months, but a stay until mid December is preferred. *This is a complete volunteer position*. The volunteer will have to cover his/her travel expenses (flight to and from Brunei) as well as accommodation at the KBFSC. Meals and accommodation is around $45USD/per day. If the application is successful, students can ask for a letter of invitation which they can use for funding applications. If interested, please e-mail your cv, a cover letter stating the reason why would you like to participate in the project and for how long are you interested in staying, and a recommendation letter. Contact information: [email protected] Johana Goyes-Vallejos Ph.D Candidate Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Connecticut 75 N. Eagleville Road, Unit 3043 Storrs, CT 06269-3043 U.S.A Office: TLS 379 E-mail: [email protected]
