Hiring Organization:
University of Toronto
Date Posted:
2011-03-07
Position Description:
I am looking for a field research assistant to help collect animal behaviour data and botanical data in Ankarafantsika National Park in northwestern Madagascar between May and August of this year. My study is a multi-disciplinary project which involves collecting data on lemur and bird feeding behaviour during tree focal observations (nocturnal and diurnal), collecting fruits and seeds, conducting controlled germination trials at the field station, measuring fruit colour using a spectrometer, and conducting adult plant and seedling sampling both near the field site and at a temporary camp set up in fragments approximately 4 hours hike away from the main field site.
The majority of your time will be spent watching animals (birds and lemurs) as they come to feed on certain fruiting trees, recording their behaviour, and opportunistically collecting fruits and seeds. I am looking for someone who is able to spend the great majority of the summer in Madagascar (early May until mid-August of this year). Much of the research will take place adjacent to an established village and research site (Ampijaro). At both sites we will be living in tents.
Qualifications/Experience:
Anyone who has an interest in primates, birds, plants and/or conservation and community ecology is welcome to apply. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for real-world research experience in behaviour, biology, botany or ecology prior to applying for grad school. A working knowledge of conversational French (or Malagasy!) would be great but isn't necessary. Because we will be sharing research facilities and camp with international researchers, an outgoing and/or friendly personality is helpful. Being able to rough-it (live in tents, eat basic food, spend most of your time outside with very rudimentary services/facilities) is required.
I am also happy to provide time for students interested in pursuing their own side projects in the field.
Please email me a letter of interest (1 page or less) and a resume or CV. I will contact all interested and qualified applicants within one week to set up a phone interview.
Salary/funding:
No salary or funding is currently available.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
It is likely that I will be able to provide some financial help in offsetting the costs of camping fees, and food in the field. However, travel to and from the country (perhaps the greatest cost, currently round-trip flights from North America are between $2000-$3000) will be up to you. Additionally, I will not know what the funding situation is for sure until the summer, so it is important that assistants do assume taking on the costs of camping all summer, along with travel to and from Madagascar, and travel within the country.
Term of Appointment:
early May - mid-August 2011
Application Deadline:
ASAP
Contact Information:
Kim Valenta
312 Brunswick Avenue,
Toronto, ON M5R2Y9
Canada
Telephone Number:
416-875-9299
E-mail Address:
kim.valenta@utoronto.ca