Hiring Organization: New York University - Luca Pozzi

Date Posted: 2011-07-22

Position Description: Seeking a field assistant to participate in a study of the phylogeny and phylogeography of dwarf galagos (genus Galagoides) in Tanzania. The primary responsibility associated with this position is the collection of genetic data (ear clips and/or hair follicles) in different sites in Tanzania. Field assistants will help with trapping the animals (e.g., setting the traps, baiting, etc.) and collecting morphological measurement and genetic samples (including handling the animals). The filed assistant will also be involved in collection of basic behavioral and bioacoustical data, and GPS point locations.

The research will be mainly conducted at night, starting ~1h before sunset. Accordingly to the site conditions, the fieldwork will continue for all the night or just focused on two periods 5pm-midnight and 5am-7am (just before sunrise). Workdays will be quite long, with data collection at night and data entry and organization during the day. At least 6 different sites will be visited between October and December 2011, and at least 10-15 days will be spent in each locality. The field assistant should be confortable in moving quite often from one site to another. Accommodation will be either in research stations/hostels or in tents within nature reserves (to be determined).

Successful applicants will be trained in all of the specific field methods to be employed in this study, and the position provides an excellent opportunity to gain substantial experience in fieldwork research.

Qualifications/Experience: Applicants should have a BS or BA and have had coursework in animal behavior, behavioural ecology, zoology, primatology or other relevant fields. Expertise in trapping and handling animals is not required, as successful applicants will receive training in the data collection methods used in this project. However some experience in field biology and any previous experience with capturing and processing animals especially are preferred. The applicant should have experience in scientific research, and must be able to follow protocols closely and collect data in a systematic fashion.

Applicants must be comfortable spending whole days in the field and must be both physically and mentally fit for long and challenging workdays. Critical personal characteristics for this position are being a hard worker, being reliable and self-motivated, being able to follow instructions carefully, and being able to work independently. Applicants must be fluent in English, should have lived in or traveled to developing countries in the past, and should enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.

Salary/funding: The position does not pay a salary, but funds are available to cover lodging and meals while working on the project.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging): Funds to support a field assistant’s accommodations, food, and travelling within Tanzania are available. You will be responsible for all other expenses, including flights to and from Tanzania ($1500-1700 from the US), visas, health and travel insurance, field clothing and other personal items. Equipment directly related to data collection will be provided.

Term of Appointment: September/October 2011 – December 2011 (3 month commitment is required)

Application Deadline: Until position is filled.

Comments: If interested, please send me the following via email:

- A letter of intent, indicating why you are interested in this position and why you are suitable, including your previous experience, qualifications, and future career goals;

- A C.V.;

- Complete application form available on my website http://www.lucapozzi.me/fieldwork-applicants.html (Your references should preferably be people who have supervised you in a research capacity (professors or research supervisors) and who will be able to provide information about your experience, training, and suitability for fieldwork.)

I will review all applications and be in contact asap to schedule a phone/skype interview.

Contact Information: Luca Pozzi 25 Waverly Place New york, NY 10003 USA

Telephone Number: + 1 212-998-8578

Website: http://www.lucapozzi.me

E-mail Address: luca.pozzi@nyu.edu