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Research Assistant Wanted(download pdf version) |
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Description: The Lemur Conservation Foundation
(LCF) is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of
lemurs through captive breeding, non-invasive scientific
research, education, and reintroduction. At LCF’s 100-acre,
non-public, AZA certified Myakka City Lemur Reserve in Florida,
the lemurs live naturally in two fenced, pristine forests, yet
are readily available for educational and research projects
conducted by undergraduate and graduate students from national
universities. LCF maintains the Mianatra Center for
Lemur Studies at the reserve, a learning center and virtual and
digital library about all things lemur that is open for research
and education by appointment. In Madagascar, LCF partners with
Tampolo Forest Station on the island’s northeast coast, to
encourage environmental sustainability and education to help
forestall deforestation in addition to promoting collaborative
research projects and a researcher exchange program. The reserve is currently home to seven different species of lemurs in both semi-free ranging habitats and traditional captive habitats. Please note that the Myakka City Lemur Reserve does not house education program animals and physical contact with the lemurs is not allowed. The Director, Research and Education is seeking trained, experienced research students to assist in a study group introductions and habitat use of ringtailed lemur, Lemur catta, and Sanford’s brown lemur, Eulemur sanfordi. Responsibilities will include using focal animal sampling and group scans to collect data five days a week and regular data entry. Project specific training will be provided and research assistants must pass inter-observer reliability tests prior to collecting project data. Students will hone a broad range of research and conservation skills in preparation for further education or conservation activities. If committing to more than three months, research assistants will have the opportunity to design and conduct their own research project at the reserve.  Duration:minimum of 3 monthsQualifications:To qualify for this competitive position, applicants must have a bachelors degree in a related discipline and have successfully completed coursework in field methods. Experience in field research is preferred. Applicants should be comfortable living in community housing in a rural setting and must have their own vehicle for transportation to and from town (for groceries, etc.) Applicants should be able to handle the challenges of field work, including uneven terrain, flooded terrain, insect pests, and semi-tropical weather conditions; applicants must provide their own health insurance and provide proof of a negative Mantoux (Tb) test conducted no more than nine month prior to the starting date.Support:On site housing is provided. Research Assistants share accommodations with interns and other researchers, all of whom live together in a four bedroom house and share cooking and cleaning duties. Each bedroom may be shared with one or two other students. A living arrangement such as this is conducive to open discussion and interaction among peers, and home life is often a continuation of the day in the field; therefore, it is essential that candidates can combine these two areas. Field equipment and materials will be provided.How to Apply:Interested candidates should submit a cover letter articulating the following:
All application materials should be sent to:Monica
Mogilewsky Alternatively, materials can be sent electronically to: manager@lemurreserve.org. Please use "Research
Assistant" followed by the name of the applicant as the subject
line for e-mail correspondence. |
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