Research Assistantship Program: http://bit.ly/2D36A01
Program dates: May 27 – July 30, 2018
Application deadline: April 15, 2018
Minimum commitment: 4 weeks
Start dates: June 3 or July 1
Community Disease Ecology: FPI's disease ecology program launched in 2012 and is
now one of the most comprehensive studies of gastrointestinal parasites in South
America. We use microscopic and genetic tools to evaluate parasite infections in
noninvasively collected fecal samples. Parasite infections reflect environmental
change, community interaction, animal behavior, and population stability. With
baseline data on parasites from 11 primate species at our field site, we can monitor if
and how climate change may be altering parasite-host relationships. Those joining this
program will help us collect longitudinal data on the local primate assemblage, as well
as usher in data from new taxonomic groups. Among the many questions we hope to
tackle with these data, our goal is to expose new ecological linkages between
Neotropical animals.
Qualifications: This project is open to applicants of any background. Since this is a
training program, field experience is helpful but not required.
Participants will be required to obtain the following vaccinations: Typhoid, yellow fever,
and tetanus. In addition, proof of health insurance coverage while at the field station is
mandatory.
Applicants must complete an application and provide two references before the
interview process begins. Enrollment will remain open until May 1st, or until all slots
are filled.
At the end of the program, research assistants will be able to:
*Track primates by movement and vocalizations, as well as radio telemetry
*Work off trail systems, and conduct full-day follows
*Conduct behavioral observations on known-individuals (scan and focal animal
sampling)
*Record data on feeding ecology
*Correctly sex individual primates
*Collect GPS data on species movements to create a large, overarching primate
movement database
*Demonstrate proficiency 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
Eligibility
*We are currently recruiting participants with the following requirements. If you are
uncertain if you are eligible, 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
participant’s 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.
The $450/week program fee for this program covers:
- All food and lodging at the field station
- Travel to the field station from Puerto Maldonado and back (approximately 6 hours)
- The use and maintenance of specialized equipment (telemeters, GPS, etc.)
- Personalized instruction from principal investigators and field team leaders
Application Deadline: April 15, 2018 - first come first serve
Appeals to majors: Anthropology, Evolutionary Biology, Veterinary Science.
Training areas: Sample collection and preservation, off-trail navigation, telemetry,
land-use mapping, census data collection.
Research Assistantship Program: http://bit.ly/2D36A01
Program dates: May 27 – July 30, 2018
Application deadline: April 15, 2018
Minimum commitment: 4 weeks
Start dates: June 3 or July 1
