Field Assistant/Research volunteer

   Inkawu Vervet Project, South Africa

Within the framework of a large collaborative project between the
universities of Neuchatel (Dr. R. Bshary), Zurich (Drs. C.P. van Schaik
& M. Krützen) and St. Andrews (Dr. A. Whiten) on the evolution of social
behaviour in vervet monkeys (/Cercopithecus aethiops/), the Inkawu
Vervet Project is currently looking for highly motivated field
assistants. Applicants that want to use this opportunity as a jumping
board to help them pursue a post-grad degree (MSc. or PhD) in
Behavioural Ecology, Anthropology, Evolutionary Psychology or any
related field are especially encouraged to apply.

Assistants will help 2 PhD-students and 1 on-site post-doc with the
habituation of and data collection on a targeted 10 groups of wild
vervet monkeys at our field-site in Kwazulu-Natal, South-Africa.
Behavioural data (both observational and experimental) and invasive
genetic samples (ear-clips) are currently collected on 6 groups (each
equipped with GPS/VHF loggers), with an additional 3 groups already
identified for habituation in the near future.

Assistants are expected to spend a minimum of 6 months in the field in
order to qualify for full financial compensation of travel expenses to
South Africa, on-site lodging and meals. Assistants available for
shorter periods are also welcome to apply, but will not have these
expenses fully reimbursed. All applicants are responsible for their own
field equipment (hiking shoes, bush clothes, rain gear, etc.), as well
as vaccinations and travel insurance. Research equipment (handheld
computers, binoculars and VHF-receivers for telemetry) are provided.

Successful applicants are proficient in English, have excellent social
skills, and are able to work within a large, interdisciplinary research
team under field conditions.

Applications consisting of a motivation letter (1 page) and curriculum
vitae (up to 2 pages) can be sent electronically to Erik Willems
(e.willems@aim.uzh.ch) who can also provide additional information
upon request.


Dr. Erik P. Willems
Postdoctoral Researcher
Anthropological Institute and Museum
University of Zurich
Winterthurerstrasse 190
8057 Zurich
Tel: +41-(0)4463 55435
Fax: +41-(0)4463 56804