Become a PrimatesPeru Research Assistant
We are looking for volunteers to serve as research assistants on this project. New volunteers will replace others on a rolling basis.Job Description
You will be assisting the two main researchers at the site in monitoring the behavior and reproduction of five groups of saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis). Three of these groups are habituated and will be the primary focus of the investigation. You will also assist in trapping the tamarins twice during the study in order to record morphometrics, obtain genetic material and tag individuals so that they might be individually identified.
Here are some of the specific tasks you will participate in:
1. Daily follows of individual tamarin groups
2. Making behavioral observations during follows
3. Using a GPS to get positional data on ranging patterns of groups
4. Setting up and monitoring traps
5. Assisting during processing of animals once trapped. This will include:
a. Photographing individuals
b. Recording data as obtained from the individuals
c. Storing DNA samples (painlessly, and with NO harm to the individual)
This is a great opportunity for a student interested in a graduate program in biology, conservation, ecology or anthropology. You will learn how to record behavioral data, track primates using sound as well as radio telemetry, and really learn to survive in the rainforest. This project is unique in that it involves more than just observations of behavior. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn how to handle wild animals (while keeping in mind both your own and their safety)and record morphometrical and health data from wild tamarins. A wildlife veterinarian on site will be on hand to assist during all such procedures. Training will take about 1-2 months.
A Typical Day
Field work will be divided into two sessions: trapping and behavior
During trapping sessions, research assistants will assist in trap construction, baiting and monitoring. Traps will be set up in locations frequented by groups and every morning will be baited with fruit. Volunteers will then trade off shits and monitor traps for activity, noting the behavior of saddle-back tamarins in response to the trap. We will work from 6am to 5pm every day and either return to the camp for lunch or take it with us.
During behavior sessions, volunteers will get the opportunity to learn to track primates by sound and sight. We will attach a radio collar to an individual in each group and begin the day by locating a group before sunrise. Follows will include tracking of the animals from their sleeping site one morning to the sleeping site they choose that night. These days will be 8-10 hours long and we'll be on the move except for when the tamarins take naps (usually in the afternoons), a welcome respite for both the researchers and the primates!)
Volunteer Requirements
Ideally, volunteers should have pas experience working/or living in a tropical country, preferably in South America. More importantly, a background in science that allows you to understand the scientific method, basic research terminology, and maintainance of data records is vital.
Past Experience
The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
- Degree or expected degree in a life science or anthropology
- Knowledge of at least basic Spanish
- Good physical and mental health
- Ability to hike long distances (> 6 miles) in a day
- Ability to carry a moderately heavy pack
- Cheerful, optimistic approach to work
- Ability to be independent of family and friends for extended periods
- Commitment to the project during days of work (5/6 days a week)
- Ability to work with Microsoft Office for data entry/backup
- No fear of snakes, insects, etc.
Estimated Costs
Lodging at CICRA comes in three forms:
- Large cabin, solar powered electricity all day, attached bathroom ($40 per diem)
- Concrete dormitory, attached private bathroom, electricity from 6-9:30pm ($30 per diem)
- Wooden dormitory with attached shared restroom, 2 to a room ($28 per diem)
- Cabins, shared restroom within short walking distance, possibly 2 to a room ($25 per diem)
These costs include three large meals a day (packed for you if you need to take them with you to the field), snacks for those in-between hours, clean water, showers (cold), and office space and laboratory space.
Flying to Lima is cheapest on Spirit Airlines. A typical flight booked a few months in advance from Chicago to Lima costs $500.
Travel within Lima is more expensive because LAN is the only airline functioning well and has a complete monopoly on air travel within the country. It costs ~ $600 to get to Puerto Maldonado, from which you take a boat to CICRA
The regular boat leaves once a week from Puerto on Friday mornings and costs $25 each way. ACCA will help with getting you onto the boat.
Stipend
Welcome to the world of field research. Currently, there is no research stipend and volunteers are responsible for getting to the field site and paying for their stay there. Looking into grants and scholarships will be a practical thing to do at this point (Explorer's Fund, National Geographic, college specific travel grants, etc.). For a long-term volunteer some amount of air travel will be reimbursed at the end of their term. These things are subject to the availability of funds, which in turn are based on grants. Should we get the money we are applying for we will certainly update this section with regards to reimbursements. We are willing to write reports on your work in case you require them for college credit.
Time Commitment
Training will take 1- 2 months so a minimum commitment of 3 months is required. The duration of the project is 9/10 months so a longer commitment of 6 months will be ideal.
Ready to Sign Up??
Submit an application using this FORM. You will need to answer a few questions, submit a personal statement and a resume, and provide the name of an individual providing you with a recommendation letter. The letter will have to be emailed to us at
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with a clear indication as to whom it is meant for. It must arrive within 2 weeks of the submission of your application. We will respond to you with the following:
- either a few more questions/clarifications regarding your application (via email)
- or, if you are accepted directly, a login and password to the portion of this website meant for registered users. This will give you access to reading material, travel assistance, and much more!
