Position Description:
I am looking for 2 research assistants to work on a new project on the role
that forest ecology (e.g. forest patch size and food abundance) and human
activity play on the behaviour (e.g. feeding ecology and ranging patterns)
and conservation of the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) in the Middle
Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This project is part of a longitudinal study on
the socio-ecology of the Barbary macaque started in January 2007 (for more
information about the field site and work in Morocco, please visit our
website/blog: http://barbarymacaque.blogs.
Work at the field site is physically and mentally demanding. The field site
is between 1,400 and 2,000 m a.s.l. and weather conditions can vary
dramatically across the year, with temperature ranging between 35ºC to -5ºC
and snow in the winter months. Hence, interested individuals should be
physically fit. The field site is in the beautiful cedar and oak forest of
the Atlas Mountains and it is close to the Moroccan imperial cities of Fez
and Meknes.
The successful applicants will live in the town of Azrou in an apartment
block with basic amenities including wireless internet access and hot water.
The accommodation will be shared with me and 1 research assistant already en
route, which would make a total of 4 people, once both positions are filled.
These positions would be particularly suited for individuals who wish to
expand their field experience and immerse themselves in a wide-ranging
project. It is my hope that we can work as a friendly, close-knit team,
sharing responsibilities and ideas as we progress.
The main responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
1) Habituation of additional monkey groups for the data collection.
2) Collect ecological data (e.g. climate, phenology) on the forest used by
the macaques.
3) Collect behavioural data (e.g. activity budgets, ranging patterns) on the
monkeys.
Qualifications/Experience:
Previous field experience (not necessarily with primates) is essential.
Applicants should:
• Have a background and strong interest in conservation biology, ecology,
primatology or related fields.
• Have a sound knowledge of ecological (e.g. transect and quadrat methods)
and behavioural (e.g. scan and focal sampling techniques) data collection
methods.
• Be prepared for long days in the field in a challenging environment.
• Be open-minded and independent, prepared to adapt to living in a foreign
culture, and able to work as part of a team.
• Being able to speak French/Arabic would be an advantage; being able to
speak English is essential.
• A valid driving license would be useful, but is not essential.
Salary/funding:
This is an unsalaried post, and in order to help cover the basic living
costs involved with the project applicants will be required to contribute
£170/200EU per month. This will cover rent, internet and utility bills, and
should be sufficient to cover food costs also.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The research assistant will be responsible for their own health insurance.
Term of Appointment:
We hope to fill these positions as soon as possible, so early availability
is a bonus when applying. In addition, given the time required to
familiarise applicants with individual monkeys, and the time required to
ensure scan/focal agreement between observers, we would ask that applicants
can commit for no less than 6 months (longer would be desirable).
Application Deadline:
Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the
positions are filled.
Comments:
To apply please send a cover letter discussing your suitability for this
position, your CV, and the contact details of two academic referees. Please
do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, and I shall get
back to you as soon as possible, via email or Skype if you prefer.
Contact Information:
James Waterman
james.o.waterman@gmail.com
