Data coordinator for the A.P.E.S. (Ape Populations, Environments, and Surveys) database and A.P.E.S.mapper projects
The Department of Primatology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN), Leipzig; Germany is looking for a data coordinator to join the A.P.E.S. and A.P.E.S.mapper projects. The A.P.E.S. (Ape Populations, Environments, and Surveys) database is a joint project of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group and the Department of Primatology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. The aim of this project is to compile and synthetically analyze ape survey information to provide an accurate and objective global picture of the distribution and status of great apes, and thus inform long-term management and conservation strategies for these taxa. For additional information about this project, please visit http://apes.eva.mpg.de.
The A.P.E.S.mapper project is a joint initiative of several institutions (MPI EVAN, World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Jane Godall Institute etc.), which aims to present the spatial and non-spatial ape population information compiled by the A.P.E.S project in a user-friendly way, within the context of important environmental and anthropogenic variables.
The position to be filled comprises a variety of tasks. The top priorities are the formatting of ape survey datasets, the uploading of these datasets into the main database, and the generation and updating of GIS layers related to the following information: data availability, population status, threats, and conservation opportunities.
The candidate will work closely with other members of the A.P.E.S. team, including assistants, PhD students, IT staff, a database manager, and members of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group as well as other international institutions with whom we are collaborating. The candidate should possess good communication and organizational skills, along with the ability to disseminate technical and non-technical information to a wider audience. Fluent English is a prerequisite.
The candidate should have extensive experience with data processing programs (such as Excel), GIS, and remote-sensing software (e.g. ArcGIS, Idrisi, ENVI), as well as experience with species distribution-modeling. Excellent statistical knowledge and analytical and programming skills (e.g. R) are required. Ideally, the candidate should also have experience using databases such as PostgreSQL, or if not, should be willing to acquire the necessary skills.
The MPI Department of Primatology offers a stimulating international working environment, and encourages the successful candidate to develop ideas to make the best possible use of this unique resource. The position is initially funded for one year (approx. 33000 Euros), but depending on the performance of the candidate, an extension of the position is possible/expected. Applications will be considered until a suitable applicant has been selected; however, the earliest starting date possible is preferred. In a cover letter, the applicant should describe his or her scientific and quantitative background, technical expertise, and give a brief statement of his or her research interests and past experience. Please submit this letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for two references via email to Hjalmar Kuehl, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Leipzig, Germany. Email: kuehl@eva.mpg.de
For more info, contact:
Hjalmar Kuehl, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Primatology, Leipzig, Germany. Email: kuehl@eva.mpg.de
Tel: +49-(0)341-3550-236