jeudi 30 juillet 2009

Field Research Primatologist

Hiring Organization:
Orangutan Appeal UK


Position Description:
Orangutan Appeal UK is looking to recruit a primatologist as part of the next phase of the Post Release Monitoring Project. This pioneering research involves the long term monitoring of rehabilitated orangutans in a protected reserve of 120,000ha - Tabin Rainforest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia. This is a challenging terrain (particularly in the rainy season), and home to elephants, wild boar and sun bears.

This position entails the monitoring of 4 rehabilitated orangutans that have been raised at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, based at a research camp. The primatologist will be responsible for: supervision of daily data collection, leading a small team of Malaysian research assistants, planning schedules and logistics for the camp, team and orangutans, and ensuring that the methodology conforms to project requirements.

Based at the research camp for a minimum of 6 months, the primatologist will be living in basic forest conditions: camp has generator and running water, but no major appliances. The successful candidate will be required to work the equivalent of a six day week shift (to be agreed), plus a holiday allowance. The remaining 6 months will be spent preparing and processing the data and report writing.

It is essential that the candidate is an excellent communicator who can voice concerns or raise issues before they become problems. Regular close contact with the Appeal is vital, and there will be requirement to liaise with external research and government organizations, which will call for a good deal of tact and diplomacy.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated, hardworking and amicable candidate to make a significant contribution to primate conservation research.

Qualifications/Experience:
Masters degree minimum (Primatology or similar) - essential.
Field experience in tropical rainforest conditions, and ability to live/work in a remote and isolated place under hard physical and psychological conditions.
Experience of leading a team.
Must be willing to work under the direction of Orangutan Appeal UK.
Must be able to commit for at least 1 year, but preferably 2 – 3 years.

Salary/funding:
£10,000 per annum.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accommodation and food provided at research camp.
International and domestic flights, and related travel expenses will be covered/ reimbursed after 6 months. Health insurance and vaccinations also provided.

Term of Appointment:
Starting Autumn 2009

Application Deadline:
ASAP

Comments:
To apply, email a covering letter, CV and contact details for 2 referees.

Contact Information:
Sue Sheward/Sarah Green
11 Forest Hall, Lyndhurst Road,
Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QQ
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
+44 (0) 1590 622966

Fax Number:
+44 (0) 1590 622966

Website:
http://www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk

E-mail Address:
orangutanappealuk@btinternet.com