A Primate In Need

Dear Biologists,

For the last five years I have been dedicated to conservation research through
practical field work, with both wild and captive species and have gained a strong
academic background in related subjects. I am passionate about making a
contribution to our knowledge of species diversity and behavioural ecology.

Apart from my recently completed MSc in primate conservation, and prior to
this, a BA Honours degree in anthropology, specialising in primatology, I have
been working in the Peruvian rainforest collecting data in the Manu National
Park. The data I was gathering was from a wild, nocturnal and cryptic species
of primate; the owl monkey (Aotus nigriceps), for a project I
designed. This research not only involved intensive field work during the day
and night, but also an outreach aspect involving the training of an interested
local person from the Harakumbut community employed as my assistant. In
addition, at the research station where my project was based, I gave lectures
to university students and local school groups on owl monkey ecology. This role
has given me skills such as devising data collection methodology, ethogram
making, data inputting, data analysis, teaching, project proposal writing for
project fund-raising, managing projects/ teams abroad and guest lecturing.

Apart from carrying out my own field research, I have gained experience working
as part of a team on well established projects such as Professor E. Fernandez-
Duque’s Social Monogamy in Free-Ranging Owl Monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai)
of Argentina Project. This encompassed intensive field work; capturing, radio-
collaring and collecting DNA from wild owl monkeys in association with the
University of Pennsylvania. I have also worked as a teaching assistant (primate
ecology) for Professor A. Nekaris, Oxford Brookes University, at a Costa Rican
Biological Field Station. This position involved assisting intensive teaching
of primate ecology to ten university students by; helping to present lectures,
leading observations on wild primates, teaching field methodologies and aiding
students in the development of their own research projects.

Outside my specialism in primatology, my experience broadens to include animal
care, anatomy and an interest in a wide range of species. This is demonstrated
by my dedication over the years to voluntary museum curatorial work, marine
mammal surveying and zoo keeping. In my current voluntary position at the Grant
Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy I am employed in the task of updating
taxonomic species records across the animal kingdom; identifying a host of
bones, skins and wet specimens from the collection. To complement this job, I
continue to satisfy my interest in field work and love of observing wildlife by
monitoring cetaceans as a voluntary trained surveyor for ORCA (Organisation
Cetacea). This work regularly finds me spending weekends transect sampling in
the North Sea and Bay of Biscay.

As well as working with wild animals, I have treasured my experiences learning
about captive species whilst working at London Zoo for six months. During this
time my duties involved enrichment, cage refurbishment, diet and liaison with
the veterinarian. One of my main interests whilst working as a keeper was
nutritional health of Neotropical primate species, and I take great pride from
this time in having identified necessary dietary changes for a red faced- black
spider monkey (Ateles paniscus) suffering from a bowel disease which
were approved and implemented to overwhelming success. This position, gave me a
huge insight into the role of zoos in conservation as well as teaching me about
animal husbandry and its connection to ethology.

All these roles have required meticulous attention to detail, accuracy and
patience. Whilst I strive to remain committed to front line conservation and
research through practical work, I also endeavour to develop my academic
capabilities beyond further education. I understand that constant appraisal is
useful in research and I continuously review my own expertise as a scientist,
reading and critiquing articles in order to contextualise my own work and find
ways to develop essential skills and take advantage of new technology. For
example, I recently completed a seven week course called Statistics Made Simple
at Reading University and an Introduction to ArcGIS so as to broaden my
knowledge of statistical analysis and geographical software. Currently, I am
applying these new skills in the dissemination of my current research; co-
authoring a manuscript with primatologist Dr G. Donati, Oxford Brookes
University on diurnal behaviour of wild owl monkeys.

The reason I am writing to you is because despite my commitment to the field of
conservation, through primatological research, I have been unsuccessful in
finding suitable employment in the UK. On the whole the problem seems to be
that I am either over or under qualified. I would be flexible in the area of
research that I would be prepared to work in. I have the following employment
related questions for you:

1. Would you advice me to complete a PhD in an area of primatological research?
I have identified some possible research questions and an appropriate professor
who I could work under. Do you think this could open up more employment
opportunities for me than there are currently? Finally do you think my age
will go against me, I am 27 and don't want to leave making the decision too
late.

2. Should I embark upon yet more unpaid internship positions to further qualify
me which could lead to employment? Most recently I was selected as a second
choice as an intern at the Institute of Zoology, London, however I am not sure this
would be the most valuable use of my time since it doesn't guarantee a job although
it will be good experience and may expose me to further contacts.

3. Where is the best place to seek suitable research positions? My knowledge of
employment opportunities comes from environmentjobs.co.uk and the Primate Info
Net website but I have a feeling there may be better sources.

Any suggestions and advice you have would be most greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for
your time.

Yours Sincerely,

Shenaz Khimji.