Hiring Organization:
UCLA
UCLA
Date Posted:
2013-09-23
2013-09-23
Position Description:
The Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Project has been running for 23 years, and (funding permitting) will continue for many years to come. Each year we accept about 6 interns who stay a full year and participate in data collection. The project currently monitors 11 social groups of monkeys. Virtually all monkeys are well habituated, and their genetic relationships are known, as well as social histories dating back several years in most cases. The primary focus of research currently is coalitions, alliances, and male life history strategies. Application instructions and a detailed guide to working on the project are on the following website:
http://capuchinfoundation.org/support/internships.html
Please read the detailed guide to working on the monkey project BEFORE applying or contacting the project, as this will answer virtually all questions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to read the book "Manipulative Monkeys: The Capuchins of Lomas Barbudal," which is a popular science book documenting not only the first 15 years of scientific research, but the life style of researchers working at this site.
The Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Project has been running for 23 years, and (funding permitting) will continue for many years to come. Each year we accept about 6 interns who stay a full year and participate in data collection. The project currently monitors 11 social groups of monkeys. Virtually all monkeys are well habituated, and their genetic relationships are known, as well as social histories dating back several years in most cases. The primary focus of research currently is coalitions, alliances, and male life history strategies. Application instructions and a detailed guide to working on the project are on the following website:
http://capuchinfoundation.org/support/internships.html
Please read the detailed guide to working on the monkey project BEFORE applying or contacting the project, as this will answer virtually all questions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to read the book "Manipulative Monkeys: The Capuchins of Lomas Barbudal," which is a popular science book documenting not only the first 15 years of scientific research, but the life style of researchers working at this site.
Qualifications/Experience:
There are no absolute criteria, and we try to hire people with a blend of different talents. But some traits that help are good grades (>3.3 GPA), some prior Spanish training, and prior experience studying animal behavior and working in the field. Skills in auto mechanics, construction (for house repairs), computer maintenance and website design would be nice additional perks. The most important trait in a field assistant is strong work ethic and the ability to make a firm commitment for a year. Please do not apply if you are the sort of person who signs contracts and then backs out, as such behavior is highly damaging to the project (as well as to your own reputation). It is also highly desirable for applicants to have done some reading in primatology (not just websites, but journal articles and books, including some from this project) before applying.
There are no absolute criteria, and we try to hire people with a blend of different talents. But some traits that help are good grades (>3.3 GPA), some prior Spanish training, and prior experience studying animal behavior and working in the field. Skills in auto mechanics, construction (for house repairs), computer maintenance and website design would be nice additional perks. The most important trait in a field assistant is strong work ethic and the ability to make a firm commitment for a year. Please do not apply if you are the sort of person who signs contracts and then backs out, as such behavior is highly damaging to the project (as well as to your own reputation). It is also highly desirable for applicants to have done some reading in primatology (not just websites, but journal articles and books, including some from this project) before applying.
Salary/funding:
None. However, one or two field manager positions (which pay a real salary in addition to room and board) will open in around the start of 2013, and these positions will almost certainly be chosen from this year’s group of interns. Until we hear back about several pending grants, we will not know what level of funding we provide. See below.
None. However, one or two field manager positions (which pay a real salary in addition to room and board) will open in around the start of 2013, and these positions will almost certainly be chosen from this year’s group of interns. Until we hear back about several pending grants, we will not know what level of funding we provide. See below.
Support
provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Minimally, we can guarantee free housing and some contribution towards food costs. Interns must feed themselves when away on vacation and visa trips. Currently interns are expected to pay ~$120-$150/month of their food costs, and the rest of the costs are covered by the project; however, these estimates change over time as grant support changes, so the applicant should inquire about current conditions. If pending grants are funded, then interns will have their food costs covered entirely by the project. Assistants must buy their own medical insurance and plane tickets to the site.
A field site manager will be selected from among the interns, and that person will earn a salary. Please, when you apply, specify the minimum among of financial support you would need in order to be a viable applicant, and state dates of your availability.
Minimally, we can guarantee free housing and some contribution towards food costs. Interns must feed themselves when away on vacation and visa trips. Currently interns are expected to pay ~$120-$150/month of their food costs, and the rest of the costs are covered by the project; however, these estimates change over time as grant support changes, so the applicant should inquire about current conditions. If pending grants are funded, then interns will have their food costs covered entirely by the project. Assistants must buy their own medical insurance and plane tickets to the site.
A field site manager will be selected from among the interns, and that person will earn a salary. Please, when you apply, specify the minimum among of financial support you would need in order to be a viable applicant, and state dates of your availability.
Term of Appointment:
Minimum one year. Start dates are flexible, but we need people to start immediately (November 2013 and every couple of months thereafter.)
Minimum one year. Start dates are flexible, but we need people to start immediately (November 2013 and every couple of months thereafter.)
Application Deadline:
Rolling deadlines: Try to apply at least 3 months before desired start date if possible. We will be hiring 3 more people between the months of November 2013 and July 2014, and would prefer people who can start sooner rather than later.
Rolling deadlines: Try to apply at least 3 months before desired start date if possible. We will be hiring 3 more people between the months of November 2013 and July 2014, and would prefer people who can start sooner rather than later.
Comments:
These internships are excellent preparation for graduate school. Interns who finish their terms have always received admission to high quality graduate programs (>50 of our past interns have gone to graduate school).
These internships are excellent preparation for graduate school. Interns who finish their terms have always received admission to high quality graduate programs (>50 of our past interns have gone to graduate school).
Contact
Information:
Susan Perry
Dept. of Anthropology, Box 951553, UCLA
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1553
USA
Susan Perry
Dept. of Anthropology, Box 951553, UCLA
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1553
USA
Telephone Number:
310-267-4338
310-267-4338
Fax Number:
310-206-7833
310-206-7833
E-mail Address:
sperry@anthro.ucla.edu
sperry@anthro.ucla.edu