Volunteer research assistants to work on spider behavioral ecology in Costa Rica
I'm offering two volunteer research positions, both a valuable opportunity to gain experience and resume building while working in a truly interesting system in the beautiful forest of Costa Rica. Project: Nephila clavipes is a species of orb weaving spider common throughout the Neotropics. Frequently, their webs are associated with a number of web invaders, including kleptoparasite spiders, which eat small amounts of prey from their webs. My work is focused on tolerance behavior, and how tolerance effects stealing and aggregations in these spiders. (www.mrfitzge.wordpress.com) Funding: Unfortunately, I have no funding available for students. Im happy to support you in finding funding through your home institution. I may also be able to offer you credit via UW Madison. Your budget will be dependent the amount of time you spend here. Generally, you should budget $1300/month for all meals and lodging. Location: La Selva Biological Station is a large field station in the humid tropical forest near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui Costa Rica. You will have the option to live on the station (near to other researchers, all food and housing included but more expensive) or just down the road (save some money, but need to cook for yourself and less social opportunities). (http://www.ots.ac.cr/index.php? option=com_content&task=view&id=162&Itemid=348) Responsibilities/Needs: Looking for two assistants for the Summer or Fall of 2013 1) Field Assistant: working directly with manipulations of spiders in field environment. Ability to hike and bike in humid and hot conditions, for apx 10 km per day necessary. Will require long periods of staying still in areas with many, (many!) insects, and some night work. 2) Outreach Assistant: Spanish/English Bilingual required. This position will involve speaking about science (both generally and about spiders in particular) to the local Spanish speaking community surrounding La Selva, and facilitating surveys. Experience is helpful, but enthusiasm and enjoyment of community outreach is required. Qualifications: Required: NO FEAR OF SPIDERS. Previous research or outreach experience (with references) At least 2 week commitment for field assistants, 1 month for outreach assistant Helpful: Experience in a tropical environment To Apply: Please send Dates you are available, CV or resume (with all education and research or teaching background), short statement of interest (less than 250 words), and contact information for one reference (Ill need one more after interview) to [email protected] Deadline: Rolling, Applications accepted for any time period during the summer and fall of 2013 Ill look forward to hearing from you! Meghan Fitzgerald [email protected]
