Position Description:
We are looking for 3 research assistants to join a PhD project investigating tourism related to wild Barbary macaques in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco. Data collection will be conducted from January 2012 to January 2013.
The project, led by the University of Roehampton (UK), is an interdisciplinary study investigating the human/primate interface in a tourist environment. This study will offer experience in a large range of data collection methodologies from both biological and social anthropology: behavioural, ecological, endocrinological and ethnographic data collection. The project is part of The Barbary Macaque Project, a longitudinal study into socio-ecology directed by Dr. Bonaventura Majolo of the University of Lincoln, UK and Professor Mohamed Qarro of Ecole Nationale Forestière d'Ingénieurs, Rabat, Morocco.
The living conditions at the field site are very comfortable. The accommodation is located in the town of Azrou where we rent a flat which has electricity, internet access, hot shower, etc. The work is physically and psychologically very demanding. The field site is between 1,400 and 1,900m above sea level and weather conditions can vary dramatically across the year, with temperature ranging between 35ºC in the summer to -10ºC and snow in the winter months. Interested individuals should be physically fit, have previous experience with field work and be prepared to work long hours in challenging conditions.
Working on this project would provide a great opportunity to gain experience in a broad range of data collection methodologies, and also to discover Moroccan culture. The Barbary Macaque Project has a fast growing reputation and a number of previous assistants (including myself) have progressed into funded post-graduate positions after completing their fieldwork. We also have a blog with various posts from past and present researchers, which can give a good idea of the forest, town and research conducted by the project: http://barbarymacaque.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/blog/
Qualifications/Experience:
This exciting project, based on interdisciplinary methodology, will require highly motivated, flexible and sociable assistants to collect data on wild primates, tourists and the local community. I am looking for people with the following attributes:
• Previous field experience is desirable. Priority will be given to applicants who have experience of behavioural data collection on wild and/or free-ranging primates. A strong interest in primatological and social anthropology research is a must.
• The ability to speak English is essential, and a second language would be a bonus (French, Moroccan Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or German).
• You need to be highly reliable, patient, enthusiastic, have a positive attitude and be committed to scientific research.
• You must be mentally and physically fit, and be prepared to work long days in the field in a challenging environment.
• You must be sociable, prepared to adapt to living in a foreign culture and tolerant about tourists’ behaviour.
• Applicants should be comfortable with living away from friends and family for a prolonged period.
• Driving license is desirable.
Salary/funding:
No funding or salary is available.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accommodation is provided but flights and living expenses are to be covered by the applicant; the latter should cost approximately £150 per month. The successful applicant will need to cover their own health and travel insurance. A contribution to flight expenses (up to £ 150, equivalent to return from Europe to Morocco) might be available for a commitment of 8 months minimum.
Term of Appointment:
Ideally, 12 months starting in January 2012 until January 2013. Application for a shorter time will also be reviewed; however a commitment of 6 months minimum is required for the position. Review of applicants will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Application Deadline: Until position is filled.
Comments: In order to apply please email a cover letter explaining previous experience, interest and suitability to the position along with a CV (including details of 2 referees) and details of your availability. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Contact Information:
Laëtitia Maréchal
University of Roehampton
Holybourne Avenue,
London SW15 4JD, UK
marechal11@roehampton.ac.uk