Rute Mendonça (PhD student, University of Pretoria) and Jack Thorley (PhD student,
University of Cambridge) are looking for a volunteer research assistant to help with their exciting experiments involving captive Damaraland mole-rats, Fukomys damarensis. The study site is at the Kuruman River Reserve, in the South African Kalahari Desert.
Our research questions relate to individual variation in the display of helping behaviour and it’s underlying physiological consequences in the cooperatively breeding Damaraland mole-rat.
We are looking for applicants that are available for a 12 month period to start at the beginning of September 2015. Shorter availabilities can also be considered.
The position mainly involves data collection (behavioural observations and collection of blood, sperm and urine samples), but other general tasks related to animal husbandry will also be expected. Working weeks will typically be 6 working days and 1 flexible day-off. Working days are
usually long, starting at 7 am and often not finishing before 7 pm.
Applicants should be hardworking, enthusiastic, physically fit, and prepared for long hours of observations. A degree in biological sciences is preferable but not required. Driving license desirable.
Costs of food and accommodation while at the project will be covered. The successful applicant will be part of a larger community of volunteers and researchers on site working on a variety of social taxa.
If you are interested in this position send your CV and cover letter to Rute Mendonça (rutemmendonca@gmail.com) and state in your email what is your availability and when you’d be ready to start. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a Skype interview.
Deadline: 7th August 2015 (the position will remain open until filled)
