SOUTH AFRICA / Durham University
I am looking for Volunteer Research Assistants to aid with a PhD project, investigating the scale of crop raiding on commercial farms in northern Limpopo. Data will enable strategies for mitigating risk to be evaluated.
Assistants will be expected to carry out behavioural observations of primates on farms, crop damage assessment surveys, group counts, camera trapping and data entry. Assistants will also be expected to interact with local farmers, communicate positively, and have knowledge of the project so that it can be conveyed and promoted.
The positions are suitable for a biological sciences (or similar) graduate or post-graduate, with prior field experience with primates, or with all or any of the techniques mentioned above. Applicants should be enthusiastic, hard working and a flexible team member, with the ability to work independently to a high standard and be competent working unsupervised. Applicants should also be physically fit, ready for long challenging days spent on farms with little or no shade. Possession of a valid driver’s licence (manual) is essential; assistants will be expected to drive themselves to focal farms.
Ideally we would like Research Assistants to start immediately and request a minimum stay of 3 months providing a one month probation period is passed, after which a longer stay can be discussed. Please indicate your availability on your application.
Unfortunately funding is not available for Research Assistants, so applicants should have sufficient funds to cover airfares, accommodation, food, medical insurance and any equipment they require.
The project is based at Mogalakwena Research Centre. Accommodation is in the form of dorm rooms (sleeping 4-6) with a shared ablutions blocks and a communal kitchen. Rent is ZAR 4,000 (GB£264/US$400 at current exchange) per month, which includes use of the Research Centre facilities and internet access.
To apply for the position or for further details please contact Leah Findlay at l.j.findlay@durham.ac.uk. Please include a brief cover letter and CV.
Expires: Dec 31, 2013
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