Hiring Organization: Field Projects International Position Descriptions:
Sensory Ecology: FPI is looking for research assistants to help investigate sensory perception among two tamarin species in southeastern Peru. Primates are often heralded as a group of mammals that rely more on their vision than their olfactory senses. Tamarins are a particularly special group in which to examine the role of vision because they display a sex-biased variation in color perception. We use feeding experiments to test the reliance of tamarins on vision, olfaction, and taste in the wild. We also explore sensory ecology in relation to a variety of stimuli, such as familiar/unfamiliar alarm calls, urine, or scent-gland compounds. Participants will learn how to conduct the experiments, record behavioral data, and perform basic data analysis in the field. Primate Communication: This project is focused on two species of tamarin in southeastern Peru (Saguinus imperator and Leontocebus weddelli). Tamarin mating systems are exceptionally flexible, ranging from pair-bonded monogamy to polygamy, even within the same species. Their vocalizations, which encode information on the producer?s age, sex, and reproductive status, may be integral to identifying mates and guiding dispersal. We aim to catalog the vocalizations of emperor and saddleback tamarins, and test whether calls can identify potential mates. We will also continue collecting data on adult scent gland morphology and scent-marking behavior, another main form of communication among tamarins. With olfactory communication, we want to understand the mechanisms that underlie the behavioral and physiological phenomenon known as reproductive suppression. What forms of communication from dominant females are responsible for suppressing maturation of subordinate females? Wildlife Handling: This program trains participants to assist with FPI's annual mark- recapture program, which is primarily focused on two species of tamarin in southeastern Peru (Saguinus imperator and Leontocebus weddelli). As part of our ongoing long-term monitoring project begun in 2009, each participant will handle upwards of 25 animals, gain valuable knowledge of their biology, learn to record morphometrics, collect and process a variety of samples, and become competent in several roles that are vital to a successful health screening program. Community Disease Ecology: FPI's disease ecology program launched in 2012 and is now one of the most comprehensive studies of gastrointestinal parasites in South America. We use microscopic and genetic tools to evaluate parasite infections in non- invasively collected fecal samples. Parasite infections reflect environmental change, community interaction, animal behavior, and population stability. With baseline data on parasites from 11 primate species at our field site, we can monitor if and how climate change may be altering parasite-host relationships. Those joining this program will help us collect longitudinal data on the local primate assemblage, as well as usher in data from new taxonomic groups. Among the many questions we hope to tackle with these data, our goal is to expose new ecological linkages between Neotropical animals. Qualifications: This project is open to applicants of any background. Since this is a training program, field experience is helpful but not required. Participants will be required to obtain the following vaccinations: Typhoid, yellow fever, and tetanus. In addition, proof of health insurance coverage while at the field station is mandatory. Applicants must complete an application and provide two references before the interview process begins. Enrollment will remain open until May 20th, or until all slots are filled. Salary/funding: These are unpaid positions. Research assistants are responsible for all expenses related to their travel to Puerto Maldonado, Peru, as well as for the program fees that will cover equipment, training, lodging, and meals at the field station. The $450/week program fee for this program covers: - All food and lodging at the field station - Travel to the field station from Puerto Maldonado and back (approximately 6 hours) - The use and maintenance of specialized equipment (telemeters, GPS, etc.) - Personalized instruction from principal investigators and field team leaders Application Deadline: May 20, 2017 - first come first serve
