Title: Wild Primate Health Program Hiring Organization: PrimatesPeru
Position Description: There are few places better suited for a community-wide primate research program than Los Amigos, boasting 11 different primate species. Some of them are rare, some are extremely abundant, some compete for food while others have found a special dietary niche (e.g., the howler monkeys are the only folivores or leaf eaters in this forest, while the saki monkeys the only seed-predators). There are some major limitations, however, to conducting field research at the community level. For one, its hard to find the time to observe 11 different species to the same extent. Its not as simple as hanging out with one social group from each species, because how could one know that a single group fits the norm? Instead of launching a massive behavioral research program, we are counting on another method to obtain large amounts of data from each species. Our special method has everything to do with fecal samples (or as we call it, poop). We can identify an individual primate, determine its sex, tell if it is sexually mature, if it is experiencing high stress, and describe its health status (particularly in terms of parasites and disease): thats all from a single fecal sample. If we collect from them consistently over time, we can eventually follow parasites and diseases as they spread through populations and maybe even jump between species (an exceedingly important consideration for humans). We can also conduct population genetics on these monkeys, which among other things, is a major tool for monitoring primate conservation status. Our task in the field is pretty straight forward. One: find each species. Two: follow social groups as they go about their daily routines. Three: preserve the samples in a variety of ways that enables us to access DNA, hormones, parasites, and dietary data. At the end of the program, research assistants will be able to: -Track primates by sight and sound -Work off trail systems using a GPS -Habituate groups of 11 different primate species including: saddleback tamarins, emperor tamarins, Callimico, squirrel monkeys, brown and blonde capuchins, titi monkeys, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, saki monkeys (in conjunction with the saki project), and night monkeys -Conduct long and short follows, learning how to adapt to the different styles of tracking these different species -Collect GPS data on species movements to create a large, overarching primate movement database. -Become proficient in collecting and storing primate fecal samples in field conditions, including participating in downstream applications like endocrinology and parasite analyses. Input sample and movement information into databases for further analyses. Qualifications: We welcome enthusiastic, reasonably fit, and self-motivated students and young scientists to join this year-round project. We require a minimum of 8-week time commitment from research assistants that join this project. If you want to gain substantial experience with ALL 11 primate species at our field site in one training program, then we encourage you to apply. Learn how fecal samples, which can be amazingly informative, are used to identify individuals (using genetics), determine parasite infection status (parasitology), measure stress levels (endocrinology), and analyze diet (seed morphology). We are currently recruiting participants with the following requirements. If you are uncertain if you are eligible, contact us to confirm. -Must be at least 18 years of age by the time the training program begins -Demonstrate a grounding or strong interest in zoology, biology, or anthropology -Previous field experience is not required, but previous research experience (either outdoors or in the laboratory) will be a plus -Must be able to justify why this program is important to them and what they hope to gain from it -Able to provide a letter of recommendation from a source that can substantiate the participants experience and skills -Unafraid of insects, reptiles and the jungle in general -Must be in good physical condition, with the capability to walk 4 miles a day while carrying field equipment -Participants will not be discriminated against for medical conditions they might have if we determine that being on this project will not pose an immediate risk to their health. -Willingness to adjust your schedule to primate daily activity patterns. This can require waking up early, sometimes by 5 am, and going to bed early. -Due to the nature of the work and weather constraints, participants MUST be willing to be flexible about their days off. Assistants will typically have one day off per week; however we cannot guarantee a set schedule each week. -Participants must sign waivers of liability for this project and for the field station before their participation in the project is finalized -Participants must be willing to maintain long hours in the field, but also return to complete data entry in the evenings -Assistants will have the opportunity during days off to explore various attractions at the field site, such as searching for the resident anaconda at Pozo Don Pedro or looking for endangered giant river otters at Cocha Lobo. Salary/funding: This is a volunteer program - it costs $2250 to attend the program for a minimum of 6 weeks. Additional weeks are prorated at $375 per week. Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging): The program fee for all programs cover the following: -Transportation to and from the field station once per participant -Lodging and meals at the field station -Training and activities related to the program provided by experienced instructors -Access to the internet while at the field station, although it is slow and dependent on the weather The program fee does not cover the following: -Travel from your home to Puerto Maldonado in Perú -Medical insurance, which is a requirement for the program -Food and stay in Puerto Maldonado (available for cheap) -Costs related to exigent circumstances under which a participant requires an early departure from the field station -Medical costs of any kind -Binoculars each participant must bring their own pair of binoculars -Field boots, headlamp/flashlight and other personal effects required for the program Term of Appointment: July 20, 2014 - year-round (Minimum commitment 6 weeks) Application Deadline: May 10, 2014 for start dates in July and August. Applications accepted on a rolling basis for start dates in September and beyond. Comments: More information is available on travel requirements (http://primatesperu.org/travel- to-los-amigos/) and the Los Amigos Field Station (http://primatesperu.org/cicra/) where the program will take place. Please see our website (http://primatesperu.org/get-experience/research-volunteers/) for all payment and cancellation policies, as well as other research opportunities with PrimatesPeru. Contact ad...@primates-peru.org for further information if needed. Website: http://primatesperu.org/get-experience/research-volunteers/ E-mail Address: ad...@primates-peru.org If you wish to make changes to this posting, visit pin.primate.wisc.edu/jobs/edit/3483.
