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The Project
The Kalahari Meerkat Project is a long-term field project investigating the ecological causes and evolutionary consequences of cooperative breeding. We are looking for field assistants to spend one year at our study site in the South African Kalahari Desert, collecting behavioural data on our habituated meerkat population.

What we offer
Field assistants will receive extensive training in field- and data skills such as animal handling, radio-tracking, observing animals in the wild and working with databases. Accommodation and food will be provided, and we will contribute €300 towards travel expenses following successful completion of the 12-month field season. We also offer a limited number of full travel stipends for applicants from the African continent. All assistants receive a monthly payment to cover some additional personal expenses. We also provide basic satellite internet connection, with a usage allowance per month, any extra usage would be at the assistant’s own cost.

Thinking of applying?
• Successful applicants usually have a good degree in the biological sciences and interest in animal behavioural studies.
• Applicants should have the ability to work and live with about 30+ people in a highly social environment, but be able to also work alone, for extended periods of time.
• Applicants should be physically fit, hardworking, mentally strong, prepared for physically challenging work, and long days in the field.
• In addition, the successful applicants may often be called upon to work longer hours on duties unrelated to their primary work, but for research station maintenance and communal
living.
• Applicants will have the opportunity to take up to three weeks of holiday during their time at the project only if they stay for 12 months, but otherwise will rarely be able to leave the reserve.
• Due to the isolated location of the site, conducting field work in often extreme weather (high temperatures in summer, and low temperatures in winter), and being away from friends and family for long periods, both the physical and mental comfort of the applicant may be affected. The applicant should thus be self-sufficient, self-motivated, and passionate about their work.
• As it takes some time to learn the necessary field skills, we will only consider applicants who are able to stay for 12 months, and applicants should be in possession of a valid driving license.
• Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we require new applicants to be fully vaccinated before arrival. Depending on changes to the pandemic situation, quarantine upon arrival may be necessary and would be fully provided for in self-contained accommodation.

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