05/09/2018
Do you have the Right Stuff?
We are looking for volunteers to participate and train as underground astronauts (actually as scientists and lead excavators) working in the extreme underground environments of the Rising Star cave system where the early hominid species Homo naledi was discovered in 2013. As with the previous call, successful applicants must be fit, capable, ideally have some experience in caving, possess strong demonstrable excavation skills, climbing skills, not be claustrophobic and work well in teams under very stressful, often dangerous conditions. Of course, one must be able to fit through, and climb up and down the Chute (squeezes within the Chute approach 18cm). Applicants must have at least a Masters degree in a suitable field of study (archaeology, geology, palaeoanthropology etc.) but preferably engaged in a Ph.D. program or already have their doctoral degree. Candidates must be available from mid-October 2018 through the first week of December and have passports valid for travel to South Africa. Along with participation in the adventure of a lifetime, travel costs, food, accommodation and a reasonable living stipend will be paid to successful applicants. Strong preference will be given to applicants from the continent of Africa, but all qualified applicants are invited to apply. If you want to know what the job will be like, you can get a good idea by watching the documentary Dawn of Humanity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuuSAz9Qb9c which was filmed during the original Rising Star expedition. The possibility of future scientific involvement and employment with the project is good for individuals who show an aptitude for this rewarding but dangerous work. Applicants should send a CV, at least two professional references, and a letter of motivation to Dr. Bonita de Klerk of the LRB Foundation at [email protected]
I look forward to hearing from you and please share widely with your networks!
Lee