Volunteer research assistant - Ecology and social behavior of howling monkeys in Palenque, Mexico

Hiring Organization: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM)

Position Description:
We are looking for volunteers to assist in projects studying the social system and ecology of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Palenque National Park, Mexico. The project investigates the social and genetic factors mediating individual participation in naturally occurring howling bouts and group defense in black howler monkeys (by Dr. S. Van Belle). Assistants will work in a team together with Dr. Van Belle while observing study groups. Observations days runs start at sunrise to sunset during which multiple types of data such as activity and proximity scan samples are collected, in addition to GPS recording of ranging patterns. Resting days will be scheduled regularly as part of the field work.

Qualifications/Experience:
The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
-Be physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in hot/humid conditions.
-Be capable of team work and not have issues with authority figures.
-Have a background in biology/anthropology/zoology/psychology or a related field.
-Be interested in primate behavior, ecology, and conservation.
-Be hardworking, disciplined in following field procedures and be reliable.
-Some knowledge of animal behavior and data collection preferred but not required.
-Enjoy being outdoors and experiencing the tropical rainforest.
-Enjoy being in the culture of southeast Mexico

Salary/funding:
No salary will be provided.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Assistants will be responsible for airfare/transportation to and from Palenque and for food costs. Lodging will be provided by the field project in a comfortable fully equipped house (electricity, hot water, high speed internet, bunk beds, two bathrooms with showers, a large living room kitchen area) about 2 km from Palenque National Park. The town of Palenque is only 2 km away where banking, telephone services, hospitals, supermarkets, drugstores and others are available.

Term of Appointment: 4 - 6 months or more starting Sep/Oct 2012 to Dec 2012/Feb 2013.

Application Deadline: None

Comments:
To apply, please email a recent copy of your CV and describe your research interests and experience, and your availability for this position.

Note on contingencies: Volunteers should be covered by medical insurance when traveling to Mexico. They will need to sign a releasing liability form upon joining the research team in Palenque.

Contact Information:
Dr. Alejandro Estrada
Field Research Station Los Tuxtlas-UNAM
Mexico
aestrada@primatesmx.com
 

 or

Dr. Sarie Van Belle
Dept. of Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
USA
sarievanbelle@primatesmx.com

Website:
http://www.primatesmx.com/

Contact Information:
Sarie Van Belle, none
Mexico

Website:
http://www.primatesmx.com/

E-mail Address:
sarievanbelle@primatesmx.com