Research Assistant

• Collect and supervise demographic and behavioral data, including reports from trackers and data technicians.

• Participate in photogrammetry training, image/data collection, and analysis.

• Conduct field data collection 3–4 days a week and data entry 1–2 days a week.

• Enter and manage behavioral, anti-poaching, GPS, and Cyber Tracker databases.

• Take and catalog photos for research and reporting purposes.

• Prepare weekly activity reports, monthly research reports, and long-term datasets with maps and tables.

• Participate in monthly research team meetings.

• Contribute to scientific publications, the DFGFI magazine, and external journals.

• Represent the Fossey Fund at conferences and institutional meetings.

• Support community and educational programs in Rwanda.

• Perform other conservation-related tasks as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Primatology, Biology, Zoology, Anthropology, Wildlife Conservation, or related field.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (preferred).

• Training in animal behavior, primate ecology, or ethology (advantageous).

Experience

• Minimum 1–2 years in primate research, wildlife fieldwork, or behavioral ecology.

• Prior work with habituated great apes (e.g., gorillas, chimpanzees) highly desirable.

• Experience with behavioral observation, habitat assessment, and field data collection.

• Field experience in tropical or montane forest ecosystems (preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in behavioral data collection methods (e.g., focal animal sampling, scan sampling).

• Skilled in GPS, binoculars, rangefinders, and data logging devices.

• Familiarity with data analysis software (R, Excel, BORIS).

• Understanding of gorilla health indicators and non-invasive monitoring.

• Strong knowledge of primate behavior and conservation challenges.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to accurately record observations.

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with diverse groups.

• Physically fit and capable of working in rugged field conditions.

• Fluency in English; French and/or Kinyarwanda is an asset.

• Commitment to conservation ethics and animal welfare.