MSC primate research student

Position description:

For our ongoing release program we are looking for students who are interested in doing primate behavioural research on our next relase group of about 30 yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus). Most of these animals came in from illegal trade or because they were injured. We aim to release this group back in the wild again in September 2012.

The first research project covers a suitability analyses of all the individuals in the group and as the group as a whole. According to various parameters you examine to what extent individuals, and finally the group as a whole, are suitable for releasing back into the wild. Parameters you could think of are appropriate social behaviour, social position in the group, foraging techniques, human avoidence and predator recognition and avoidence. Final result will be a report from all the individuals and the group as a whole concerning the suitability for the release, as well as recommendations for furher pre-release training.

The second project concerns the pre-release training of the whole group. Based on the results of the release suitability analyses you continue prapring the group for their release. This could involve predator avoidence training, training of foraging techniques as well as accustoming the animals to a new diets which approximates their future diet in the wild.

At this moment we are still looking for funding to build a pre-release enclosure in our wilderness area. Whenever the enclosure is finished the first reserach project can start. Aim is to start the first project in December, beginning of January latest. The second project could start in April/ May. 

Your qualifications/ experience:

* You have at least a BSC degree, but preferably a MSC degree in Biology/ Zoology or any related study

* You have experience with behavioural research, preferably on primates

* You have good knowledge of the Englsih language, spoken and written

* You have strong analytical skills

* You are highly motivated, open minded and flexible

* Preferably you have experience with recognizing individuals in big groups of primates

* You have the concentration, motivation and commitment to observe primates for extended periods, even when it is warm or rains

* You are mentally ad physically fit to work long days, six days a week

* You are emotionally mature and feel comfortable to stay away from family and friends for an extended time

* You have the ability to raise funds to contribute to our release project

Salary/ funding:

You will not receive any salary, but we provide housing for free. Housing will be on site, within our volunteer accomodation or in one of the hostels in town. All other costs, flight, visa and food will be at own expense. Visa will cost between 50-75 pounds, depending on the length of stay. Weekly food and drin expenses will be about 40 pounds, but will of course also depend on your lifestyle.

Unfortunately we can only execute our release program if we get enough funding. At this moment we work hard to get all the funding for the pre-release enclosure, as well the release itself. We would like to ask you to help us and make your own contribution to the program by looking for funding. We will require a minimum contribution of 1000 pounds. In return we will offer you a very valuable and interesting research opportunity at a unique rescue centre in Malawi.