Background:
Para La Tierra is a not-for-profit organisation focused on the conservation of fragile habitats in Paraguay through scientific research and community outreach. We are based at Reserva Natural Laguna Blanca, in Department San Pedro in the east of Paraguay. We are seeking a scientist with experience in socio-biology, behavioural biology and/or ecology who can supervise other researchers. You also need to be able to commit to living at our research station, and overseeing all of Para La Tierra’s scientific projects onsite. Experience of working with primates is a huge advantage.
Para La Tierra invites young researchers to come and realise their own research projects in this understudied and exciting habitat. You will be responsible for supervising these projects and for conducting your own research based on your personal research interests. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for a new challenge in a relatively unknown country, and to lead and conduct their own research with the support of an organisation.
The role is unpaid for 6 months, with the possibility of gaining a paid contract at the end of this period, based on set targets being met.
Responsibilities:
You will be in charge of supervising all intern projects onsite, in close collaboration with the Scientific Director, who lives offsite. You will also be expected to communicate with the interns via email prior to their visit in order to help them begin planning their project. One of these projects is a behavioural and ecological study of a tribe of capuchin monkeys which are resident in the reserve.
You will be expected to conduct your own research project(s) based on your own research specialty/interests. You may also enlist the help of volunteers.
You will be expected to seek funding and prepare grant proposals for your own projects and to collaborate with other members of staff in finding funding for other relevant Para La Tierra projects.
You will be expected to publish the results of your work in scientific journals, and in other media forms where relevant. Intern projects should also be published. It will be your responsibility to ensure that intern projects are of a high enough standard for publication, and to help them to write up and submit their work.
Requirements:
Masters or PhD qualification in biology, preferably zoology related discipline. BSc with suitable experience will be considered.
At least two years experience carrying out research at a biological research station.
Excellent communication skills in English both spoken and written.
Experience in supervision of both volunteers and projects.
Ability to work under pressure and as part of a team.
Good physical fitness and an ability to work in the heat.
Ability to identify relevant grant giving organisations and to prepare grant applications relevant to your own projects and those of Para La Tierra.
Willingness to comply with a schedule with good timekeeping skills.
Excellent organisational skills.
Competence in using statistical analysis programs.
One or more publication in your own research field.
Desired but not essential:
Working knowledge of Spanish.
Previous work experience in the neo-tropics.
Drivers (car and/or motorbike) licence.
Knowledge of GIS.
Para La Tierra provides:
Full bed, board and laundry service.
Access to all onsite equipment.
Access to the internet via wi-fi connection.
Support of volunteers to help with research projects.
Access to leisure activities such as horse-back riding and kayaking.
For more info, contact:
Please send a CV and cover letter along with details of 3 references to paralatierra@ymail.com
Selected applicants will then be invited to prepare a short project proposal and to attend a Skype interview.