Download VOLUNTEER POSITION: LAB / FIELD ASSITANT AT THE TAÏ

VOLUNTEER POSITION:
LAB / FIELD ASSITANT AT THE TAÏ CHIMPANZEE PROJECT (CÔTE D’IVOIRE)
We are offering 1 volunteer position to help monitoring the health of the chimpanzees in
the National Park, collect indirect health data and run the field lab for the Taï Chimpanzee
Project in Côte d’Ivoire.
In cooperation between infectiologists of the Robert Koch Institute (Berlin) and primatologists
of the Max Planck Institute for evolutionary Anthropology (Leipzig) we are investigating
pathogens of wild chimpanzees living in Taï National Park, Ivory Coast. For our project
„Great Ape Health Monitoring“ we are looking for a volunteer who enjoys both working in the
field and in the laboratory. This work does not include direct work with the chimpanzees but
the involvement in more field oriented projects (e.g. catching arthropods) is required. The
field laboratory is situated in Tai National Park, Ivory Coast at one of the research camps,
mostly isolated from the rest of the world. However, various other students and assistants
live at these camps as well.
Task description:

Carrying out diagnostic analyses based on PCR techniques for onsite diagnostics
(necropsy samples collected by our field vet), maintenance of the lab

Collection of arthropod vectors in the forest for a specific project

Assistant to the camp manager

An initial training (4 weeks) of lab and field methods at the RKI in Berlin
Qualifications and Requirements:

Background in Biology/ Veterinary Medicine or a related field

Basic lab experience is required (extraction of DNA, performing PCR)
Deutscher Platz Nr. 6
D-04103 Leipzig
Tel.: ++49-(0)341/3550-0
Fax ++49-(0)341/3550-119
[email protected]
www.eva.mpg.de
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
Previous experience with field work, especially in tropical forests, is preferred but not
required

Be motivated, independent and responsible

Be physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in hot/humid conditions

Basic knowledge of spoken French
Salary / Funding:
Volunteers are self-funded. However, accommodation at the field site is provided and one
airfare (Germany – Côte d’Ivoire – Germany, at a reasonable max.) as well as permit fees
will be reimbursed after completed tenure. Current living costs are about 150€ per month,
which volunteers have to provide themselves together with suitable clothing, health
insurance and vaccinations.
Start and Term of Appointment:
As soon as possible (preferable starting from Feb 2014) including a minimum of 8 month in
the field.
Comments:
Applications including a cover letter stating experience, detailed CV, and the names and
emails of two referees should be sent electronically. Evaluation process starts immediately
and continues till all positions are filled.
Contact:
Fabian Leendertz
P3 – Epidemiology of highly Pathogenic Microorganisms
Robert Koch Institut
Nordufer 20
13353 Berlin
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0049 -30-18754 2592
http://www.rki.de/EN/Content/Institute/DepartmentsUnits/ProjectGroups/P23/P23.html
http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/research-groups/chimpanzees/field-sites/
Deutscher Platz Nr. 6
D-04103 Leipzig
Tel.: ++49-(0)341/3550-0
Fax ++49-(0)341/3550-119
[email protected]
www.eva.mpg.de