Overview

The Department of Anthropology is seeking a full-time research assistant to help manage the long-term databases associated with the Kibale Chimpanzee Project, a research project on the behavioral ecology of wild chimpanzees living in the Kibale Forest, Uganda.

What You'll Do

This is a one-year limited term appointment with the opportunity of possible renewal based on funding and continued successful performance in the role.

The Research Assistant will handle the below duties:

• Maintain long-term project database of the Kibale Chimpanzee Project by uploading new research data received from research field site in Uganda to the database. This includes cleaning incoming data sheets and uploading them into a Microsoft Access database. Coordinate transfer of research data between research field site in Uganda and the U.S. File and maintain paper sheets of research data. Scan and digitize paper sheets of research data.

• Assist students and researchers in extracting research data from the database by writing macros and queries that will facilitate quick data retrieval. Assist graduate students and undergraduates and other researchers in accessing long-term data from the project databases. This includes teaching new students how to use the databases.

• For the Kibale Chimpanzee Project, maintain a project server that will allow researchers and students at Harvard, Tufts University, and the University of New Mexico, as well as those at the research field site, to access newly scanned and digitized research data immediately.

• Assist researchers with data analysis and write-up of publications using the long-term data from either project. This includes ongoing research projects on aging, development, and aggression.

• Using Adobe Lightroom, scan old photographs and slides related to the field research project to create a photographic database for research use that could be accessed by students and researchers.

• Work towards migrating the current Microsoft Access Database to a newer web-based platform.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, biology, or related field and 3-5 years of related laboratory experience OR Master’s degree and up to one year laboratory experience
• Facility using computer software applications, including Microsoft Access and Excel, statistical software systems and applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting behavioral research with primates or other animals (relevant coursework may count towards this experience)
• General familiarity with field research and behavioral coding systems
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

This is a hybrid role expected to be on campus at least 3 days each week. This position might involve (infrequent) travel to the University of New Mexico, where primary research collaborator is located, to research field site in Uganda, or to conferences.

Pay Range

Minimum $48,500.00, Midpoint $60,750.00, Maximum $73,000.00
 

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.