SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

 

I am seeking two research assistants to assist with the collection of behavioural and genetic data on Indo-Pacific humpback and bottlenose dolphins in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Research assistants are needed between February and April 2008. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project for a minimum of one month. Applicants willing to participate for the whole 3 months will be given preference.

 

 

DUTIES: Assistants should be prepared to work long hours (06:00 to 16:00 hours depending on weather conditions) and be expected to participate in the following duties: photo-identification, video, and behavioural data collection. Aboard the research boat assistants will be required to assist in boat piloting and handling, and participate in all regular duties related to the maintenance of the boat and research equipment. Field work is demanding but you will have a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and genetic sampling of marine mammals. Such experience will prove valuable to anyone hoping to pursue a career in wildlife ecology, animal behaviour, and conservation biology.

APPLICANTS SHOULD:

  1. Have a background in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field.
  2. Have a genuine interest in pursuing postgraduate studies in marine mammal ecology and behaviour.
  3. Previous field experience with photo-identification and boat handling skills would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite.
  4. Be enthusiastic, hard-working, team oriented, and have a positive attitude.
  5. Be adaptable, flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means: 1) sometimes we will be stuck onshore for long periods of time, 2) sometimes we will have long consecutive fieldwork days, and 3) fieldwork during weekends may be required.
  6. Be prepared to rise early in the morning and work long hours in a small boat and in hot weather.
  7. Be able to commit for a minimum of 4 weeks (though applicants willing to commit for the whole 3 months will be preferred).

COMPENSATION: Unfortunately I am unable to provide salary or housing and research assistant will be responsible for travel to Brisbane and their own living expenses. Living space will be provided during surveys and fieldtrips outside of the Brisbane area (e.g. Stradbroke Island). These trips will take place once a month and last a week depending on weather conditions.

 

HOW TO APPLY: If you are interested, please provide a short CV, two reference letters, and a letter explaining your interest in the project and career goals to Guido J. Parra (g.parra@uq.edu.au) by 5th of January 2008.

 

 

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Guido J. Parra, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

School of Veterinary Science
University of Queensland
St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia

Ph: (07) 3365-3066  Mob: 0437630843
Fax: (07) 3365-1255  Email: g.parra@uq.edu.au

Webpage: http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/index.html?page=47564&pid=47559

Behavioural Ecology Research Group: http://www.uq.edu.au/berg

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