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Volunteer needed as a field assistant in behavioral ecology of frogs in Borneo

by Sara Gomez Garcia on July 1, 2014

Volunteer needed as a field assistant in behavioral ecology of frogs in
Borneo. We are seeking for a highly motivated research assistant to help
with a study in bioacoustics and parental care behavior in frogs in Brunei
Darussalam, Borneo. This is a unique opportunity to work in one of the
biodiversity hotspots in the world and for anybody that is looking for more
experience in field work in the areas of ecology and behavior.

*Duties:*

The volunteer field assistant, after an initial training period will assist
collecting behavioral data of the smooth guardian frog of Borneo. Data
collection includes recording vocalizations, video recording, taking
behavioral notes and continuous sampling of transects. In addition, lab
work is required analyzing the recordings of the previous nights. The
assistant is expected to work in harsh conditions. This study requires
hiking in rough/muddy/steep terrain sometimes carrying heavy equipment for
extended periods of time (5 –  6 hours). The forest is full of biting
insects and the occasional leech. The assistant would have to shift his/her
sleeping schedule because most of the work is done at night. A typical
night goes from 7 pm to 2:30 am.

For more information about the project contact johana.goyes@uconn.edu

*Living Conditions:*

We will stay at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre in Brunei
Darussalam. The Centre is surrounded by lowland and ridge Dipterocarp
forest with small areas of riverine and heath forest which have never been
logged. We will be living in a wooden building in shared rooms. There is
bathroom facilities and filtered watered. There is electricity at given
times during the day. Internet access is limited (once every 3 weeks
traveling by boat to the nearest town).

*Eligibility:*

Perfect opportunity for advanced undergraduates or recent graduates in
Biology or related areas. The volunteer must be enthusiastic, well driven
and willing to learn. Have a strong work ethic and good ability to get
along with others in tight living conditions is essential.

*Duration and dates:*

For the upcoming field season we are looking for one or two volunteer
staring in late July/early August 2014. The volunteer field assistants are
expected to stay at least three months, but a stay until mid December is
preferred.

*This is a complete volunteer position*. The volunteer will have to cover
his/her travel expenses (flight to and from Brunei) as well as
accommodation at the KBFSC. Meals and accommodation is around $45USD/per
day. If the application is successful, students can ask for a letter of
invitation which they can use for funding applications.

If interested, please e-mail your cv, a cover letter stating the reason why
would you like to participate in the project and for how long are you
interested in staying, and a recommendation letter.

Contact information: johana.goyes@uconn.edu

Johana Goyes-Vallejos
Ph.D Candidate
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Connecticut
75 N. Eagleville Road, Unit 3043
Storrs, CT 06269-3043 U.S.A
Office: TLS 379
E-mail: johana.goyes-vallejos@uconn.edu

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