Job Description: Volunteer field research assistant needed for summer research project in Bocas del Toro, Panama. The project is for a Masters thesis looking at the role of local and novel coloration in deterring predation of the poison frog Oophaga pumilio. Clay model frogs will be used to estimate predation on two islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Models will be placed on transects across the islands, left for 2 days, recovered and then scored for bite markings. The applicant will help with making the model frogs, setting out and picking up the models in the forest as well as entering data. Study sites will be reached by boat and hiking through forest and the applicant should be prepared for long days in the field. The project will run from mid-June until the end of August at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institutes (STRI) Bocas del Toro Research Station, however, start and end dates for applicants are flexible. To apply: please email a single document with cover letter, your resume/CV, dates you are available to work and names, phone numbers and email addresses for 2 references to Josh Traub at jtrau...@jcu.edu
Qualifications: Applicants must be self-motivated with a strong work ethic and in good physical condition as work will be in humid forest locations which will be reached by boat. Preference will be given to applicants interested in herpetology. Knowledge of Spanish is encouraged, but not necessary. Preference will be given to those willing to stay for duration of project.
