Hiring Organization: School of Biological and Conservation Sciences - University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg)

Date Posted: 2011-07-23

Position Description: We are looking for a volunteer veterinarian to assist on a Post-doctoral project investigating the physiological flexibility of torpor expression according to different habitats. Specifically, we will be investigating the effect of deforestation on pattern of heterothermy. Typically, the effects of deforestation on Malagasy fauna have been examined in terms of alterations to diet, behavior and population genetics. However, the effect of deforestation on physiological alterations remains unknown. Impaired heterothermy, that is, the inability to maximize energetic savings through torpor and hibernation, is likely to have important energetic consequences for all Malagasy heterotherms. It is not known, for example, whether impaired heterothermy decreases breeding success, and hence fitness. For many of the rare, endemic heterotherms in Madagascar under threat from habitat destruction and deforestation, the answer to this question is crucial in terms of conservation objectives. To answer this question body temperature and metabolic measurements will be measured continuously in both males and females mouse lemurs of both species. This study will be conducted on wild mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus, Microcebus ravelobensis) in the dry deciduous forest of the Réserve forestière d’Ampijoroa in the Ankarafantsika National Park located about 110 km southeast of the town Mahajanga in northwestern Madagascar. The applicant will be expected to work on 4-6 days a week. The field assistant will be involved in trapping animals during the night (2-3hours) and helping the post-doctoral student on laboratory experiment during the day. All animals will be released the night after. Appropriate training on animals handling will be provided. This position is ideal for veterinary students aiming to gain experience in fieldwork and data collection.

Qualifications/Experience: Candidates must possess a valid license to practice veterinary medicine supporting skills to practice small surgery and animal management. Applicants should have some experience in animal care and husbandry. Previous field experience is not necessary. Successful applicants will have an excellent level of physical fitness and be able to work independently under isolated and demanding conditions in a hot environment with snakes, spiders and bugs. The applicant should be willing comfortable living under basic conditions. Accommodations at the field site are rustic but adequate (tents, toilet, showers, well water, electricity). Internet and cellphone reception can be gained by a 20-minute walk. The language in our team is English and French. Knowledge of French is helpful, but not necessary.

Salary/funding: This is a volunteer position, no wage is currently available. You are expected to provide your own airfare and pay for you own entry visa and health insurance. The costs of your accommodation, camp fees and food costs will be covered. Tent will be provided.

Term of Appointment: 1 month or more according to volunteer expectation. The main work will begin the 2nd until the end of September 2011, but behavioral experiments will last until the end of January 2012 if the candidate would like to stay.

Application Deadline: Target application date is July 31st 2011, but open until a suitable candidate has been found.

Comments: To apply, email the following to canale.c.i@gmail.com: • Your current CV. • A cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you are interested in this position, listing all relevant veterinary experience and details. Bibliography on the subject will be sent before if needed.

Contact Information: Canale Cindy Private Bag X01 Scottsville 3209 KwaZulu-Natal, none Madagascar

E-mail Address: canale.c.i@gmail.com