Are you interested in plants and research in rainforests? Would you like to join a team of scientists and researchers at the NCF that has been conducting tropical rainforest research and ecological restoration in the Western Ghats mountains for over 20 years?
Applications for this position are now closed.
We are looking to hire a Research Assistant to coordinate and conduct ongoing research activities related to long-term forest monitoring, tree phenology monitoring, and rainforest restoration. The position includes a three-month probationary period and extends for a total of one year, with the possibility of further extension based on mutual agreement and fund availability. The position will be based at the Rainforest Research Station in Valparai in the Anamalai Hills, Tamil Nadu, and involve travel to other field sites in the Western Ghats.
The selected candidate will work with a diverse team and contribute to:
Maintenance and data collection on tree population dynamics, regeneration, and carbon cycling, in 1-ha long-term forest monitoring plots.
Fortnightly monitoring of the leafing, flowering, and fruiting cycles of multiple rainforest tree species along phenology trails.
Monitoring recovery in rainforest restoration sites.
Qualifications and Desired Capabilities
Required
A postgraduate degree. Applicants with postgraduate training in ecology, forestry, or wildlife science will be preferred.
Prior experience with field data collection for ecological research.
Preparedness and enthusiasm for intensive fieldwork in rainforests.
Desired
Plant identification skills, or an eagerness to learn plant identification.
Experience in data entry and management using spreadsheet and statistical software.
Spoken communication in English and Tamil.
A valid driving licence and experience driving two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
What we can offer you is a fulfilling full-time job, a great field experience, wonderful colleagues, and a chance at contributing to exciting rainforest research and restoration efforts. Salary will depend on your qualifications and experience, roughly in the range of Rs. 25,000 to 35,000 per month.
Application Procedure
Please send an application package to apply@ncf-india.org comprising (1) your cover letter; (2) your CV; (3) your statement of purpose highlighting your interests and suitability for the advertised position (maximum: 500 words); and (4) names and email addresses of two referees. Please mention “Application: Research Assistant Western Ghats” in the subject line of your email.
Please apply by 15 November 2021; however, the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. The position is for Indian citizens only. Women and those from under-represented groups or disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.