Job Vacancy for Research Assistants

The adaptive nature of culture. A cross-cultural analysis of the returns of Local

Environmental Knowledge in three indigenous societies

Duration of contract: February 2012- July 2013

Empirical and comparative research on human adaptive behaviour through cultural knowledge

is lacking, especially in the case of indigenous societies. Researchers working on this project

will collect data to test the individual returns of local environmental knowledge on particular

socio-economic indicators. To carry out the study, two candidates are needed to serve as

Research Assistant.

 Responsibilities: Research Assistant would work closely with Researcher of the Environmental

Sciences and Technology Institute (ICTA) at UAB (http://icta.uab.cat/formacion/doctorat.jsp)

who will be collecting data for the project and preparing it for analysis. Research Assistant

would help in the collection of panel data in a native society, the Punan (Kalimantan Timur),

mostly as a translator (bahasa Indonesia to English). Data collection would include

administering surveys on local ecological knowledge, household economics, food consumption,

and use of natural resources. Data would be collected during a 16-month period of fieldwork.

Profile: The ideal candidate needs to be fluent in bahasa Indonesia and a good knowledge of 

English would be highly valued. The candidate should have a degree in social or natural

sciences. Candidates should also be comfortable with the idea of living in tropical rain forests

(e.g. heat, mosquitoes, monotonous diet) and tolerance for health problems common in tropical

conditions (e.g., parasites). Candidates should also show interest to learn from other cultures.

Previous field experience would be highly valued. Research Assistant would be encouraged to

pursue their own research plans and collect data for their research, but not mandatory.

Contract terms: Research Assistants will be hired full time during 16 consecutive months (the

period might be split into several periods, if necessary). Medical insurance and expenses while

in the field associated with the research project (i.e., transport) will also be paid for. Fieldwork 

is scheduled to begin in late Feb 2012.

To apply: Interested people should contact Ms. Tezza Napitupulu (tezza.napitupulu@uab.cat

 

).

Due to immediate need, any first suitable applicants will be processed immediately. The

application should include a letter of interest, a current CV, and a contact list of 2

professor/supervisor familiar with the candidate that might write letters of recommendations

(letters will only be asked for short-listed candidates). Other information will also be provided,

by writing an email to the above email address.