Field assistant in Democratic Republic of Congo

Field assistant

Hiring Organization:
Max-Planck-Institute for Evol. Anthropology



Position Description:
For an ongoing study on the behavioural ecology of bonobos, we are
searching for one field assistant. The work of the assistant will
include collection of data on the ecology and behaviour of bonobos at
Lui Kotale, Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Currently, field work is focussed on one habituated community.
Candidates are expected to contribute to ongoing projects by
collecting behavioural data and field samples to supplement the work
of other field workers (senior researchers, post-docs, PhD students).

Qualifications/Experience:
Essential requirements are high resistance to psychological and
physical stress, and basic skills in collecting behavioural and
ecological data. Field work requires long-distance walking (up to 30
km per day) and working time often exceeds 10 hours per day. Given
the difficult terrain and the extreme climate, work demands not only
physical fitness but also high motivation. The proximity to other
persons can lead to psychological stress and candidates must be able
to adapt to the extreme living conditions at the field site.

As most members of the research crew speak English, this language is
usually sufficient for communication within the research team.
However, for communication with local assistants skills in French and
African languages such as Lingal are required and cadidates with such
skills will be preferred.

Salary/funding:
300 Euro per month

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals,
lodging):
The project will cover all costs for visa and the expenses for
domestic flights. It also contributes up to 800 Euro to the
international return ticket. This money will be re-imbursed only
AFTER successful completion of a 9 month term of appointment.
The project provides food (a melange of local food and some western
food) and offers lodging (in tents) at the field site. Note that
expenses for food and lodging during stays in Kinshasa on the way in/
out are NOT covered by the project. Expenses for private field
equipment, medicinal supplies and insurances can NOT be covered by
the project.

Term of Appointment:
9 months

Application Deadline:
March 1st 2008

Comments:
The field site is located in the province of Bandundu, Democratic
Republic of Congo. Applicants are expected to be well informed about
the past and current political situation in the Democratic Republic
of Congo, and about the risks coming from tropical diseases.

Contact Information:
Dr. Gottfried Hohmann
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04103
Germany

Telephone Number:
++49 341 3550 208

Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/files/species.htm

E-mail Address:
hohmann [ à ] eva.mpg.de