In the lab, we are analyzing behavioral, genetic, and environmental data related to monkeys with different types of color vision living in rich tropical environments. We also analyze tissue and fecal samples to genotype the monkeys that we are studying. Diverse types of data require organizing, visualizing, and analyzing to generate new insights into the visual ecology and social behavior of sympatric primates. In the field, we study animals at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station https://www.tiputini.com/, situated in one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, with 10 species of monkeys. We have also collected environmental data in the Kibale forest of Uganda, which has 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees. Lab work will provide experience in data organization and analysis, use of data bases, and critical thinking about the results. Field assistants will be trained in data collection and archiving methods, including behavioral sampling on digital devices, radio-telemetry, database manipulation, non-invasive sample collection, etc. It is a privilege to work at the field station, but because of its remoteness and the expense, the number of students who can work there is very limited. This is a collaborative project with the laboratory of Dr. Anthony Di Fiore in the Department of Anthropology at UT. We also collaborate with Dr. Maria Jose Endara at the Universidad de las Américas in Quito, Ecuador to learn how chemical properties of food sources influence food selection by the monkeys.
Qualifications/Experience: For the data analysis, the ability to work with spreadsheets is the minimum requirement, but facility with statistical software such as R is desirable. Experience with databases such as Access would be a plus. Students who wish to participate in molecular genetic analyses of biological samples from the monkeys should have basic lab experience in molecular biology such as PCR and gels, etc. For the field, knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required. Experience with collecting systematic data in a scientific context is preferred, and a strong interest in primate behavior and ecology is a must. The position requires a substantial amount of data management; therefore the ideal candidate must be comfortable using Excel and learning to use diverse software applications. Applicants must be in good physical and mental condition; feel comfortable being far away from family and friends; be emotionally mature, energetic, and VERY patient; have an excellent eye for detail; not be afraid of bugs, snakes, or being alone in the forest; have very good social skills, especially in small groups; and be able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work.
This is an ongoing project. For the lab portion, no salary is available, but there are various scholarships and fellowships that students can apply for. Often, students can receive research credit to satisfy some of their academic requirements. For the field work, living expenses will be covered (see below). Applicants must pay their own round-trip airfare to Quito, Ecuador (cost varies) and for travel within Ecuador to and from the research station (circa US$200). Assistants are also responsible for health insurance and any necessary immunizations (proof of yellow fever immunization is required; vaccination against typhoid, rabies, hepatitis, etc., are all also strongly recommended), and their own personal field clothes and gear (backpack, insect repellent, digital watch with a chronometer and timer, headlamp, water bottles, etc). Under unusual circumstances, applicants with exceptionally strong credentials and demonstrable financial need may request support for travel costs, but approval would have to be given before assuming the position. We will pay the station fees for each assistant. Station fees include on-site lodging in comfortable cabins, laundry!, and three meals daily. There are hardly any additional costs while at the station once the fees are covered.
For the lab-based analyses, students are expected to be reliable and conscientious about maintaining a regular schedule of participation. They will also be challenged to develop ideas about the relationships between the measurements and behavior and ecology of the monkeys. The field work is rigorous, demanding, and rewarding. It is likely that every day you will see something you have never seen before. Assistants may be expected to work about 12 hours in the field each day, beginning early in the morning, about 20 days out of each month. The terrain in the research site is quite hilly in places, seasonally floods in others, and the climate is often hot, humid, and rainy – this is a rainforest just south of the Equator in which 3 to 4 meters of rain falls a year – thus persistence, maturity, dedication, good humor, and an excellent work ethic are extremely important. Preference will be given to applicants with previous outdoor experience in demanding environments.
