Field research assistant (volunteer) – Barbary macaques in Morocco

[Matt Gardiner]

Field research assistant (volunteer) – Barbary macaques in Morocco 

Volunteer field research assistant sought to work with mother-infant interactions in Endangered Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco. 

The Project 

The successful applicant will be contributing to a Liverpool John Moores University PhD project. The project goal is to investigate how socioenvironmental factors impact mother-infant social interactions and behaviour, and how the development of social competence in young Barbary macaques is affected. 

The term of appointment is for six-months, from April – September 2024.  

Accommodation and a flight reimbursement will be provided to the successful applicant (further details below). 

The position 

You will collect behavioural data (both observational and experimental) and non-invasive biological samples (faeces) from the macaque groups, other duties will include entering and organising data, videoing macaque behaviours, logging landscape and environmental features and associated tasks. Training on methodology, behaviours and data collection will be provided. 

The work schedule is generally three-days in the field collecting observational data followed by a day off. You will also be given the opportunity for several additional days off during the appointment so you can explore Morocco. To enable effective data collection the daily working schedule may vary, however, early mornings and long days should be expected. 

Applicant 

This is a great opportunity to gain field experience working with an Endangered primate specie. Full training in data collection methods and necessary skills will be provided; however, some experience in a related field is required. The ideal candidate should possess a keen interest in animal behaviour, primatology, animal psychology or related fields.  

In the forest, we always work in teams with researchers and/or local assistants. Teamwork skills are essential; the candidate must be able to communicate clearly, while also being patient, flexible, and highly sensitive to cultural differences.  Spoken English is required; whilst not essential, French language skills are beneficial. 

Unfortunately, due to budget constraints this is an unpaid, volunteer position. However, your full accommodation costs will be covered by the project, and after successful completion of the six-month appointment a contribution towards your airfare will be reimbursed (£250), and transport from/to Fes airport. So, you just need to pay for your food, daily living expenses and travel medical insurance. In return you will gain experience and training in scientific data collection and get to experience working with wild monkeys in the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains! 

Living conditions & Field site  

Shared accommodation will be provided but living expenses must be met by the applicant. We will be based in an apartment in a small-medium sized Moroccan town, with a kitchen, bathroom (with hot water), communal space, just two minutes' walk to the town center. The town boasts traditional markets an array of shops and cafes, as well as several takeaway food outlets, restaurants and a small French supermarket selling international foods.  

We will be working with multiple macaque troops in varying habitats – ranging from ‘wild’ groups in forested areas to ‘tourist’ groups in human-disturbed locations. All the macaque groups are a short drive from the apartment. The days in the forest are hot, long and involve transversing rugged terrain, so applicants must be resilient and physically able to embark on regular long hikes. 

You will be living in the traditional Moroccan mountain town of Azrou and are expected to be respectful of local customs and beliefs and sensitive to local cultural norms whilst always adhering to cultural expectations. 

 

To apply please email your CV and letter of motivation to Matt Gardiner (M.S.Ga...@2023.LJMU.ac.uk).