Research assistant – casual position
Start date: April 14, 2025
Application deadline: April 04, 2025
Supervisor: Dr. Keith Williams
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview
This project will explore the Shipibo-Konibo onto-ethico-epistemology of ayahuasca use and will make some general suggestions for a). revitalizing this traditional practice among the Shipibo-Konibo in the face of acculturation associated with ayahuasca tourism, and b). decolonizing Western encounters with this sacred medicine. The Shipibo-Konibo are one of a small handful of Amazonian tribes with a long history of traditional use of this medicine, and as such, have a highly sophisticated system of thought and practice around ayahuasca (Brabec de Mori, 2011; Favaron & Bensho, 2022). A quick search for “ayahuasca” using Google Scholar (anytime, any type of publication) yielded 34,900 results. Based on my own familiarity with the psychedelic literature, I estimate that no more than six publications include an Amazonian Indigenous co-author and none of those (to my knowledge) are written from an Indigenous perspective. We take seriously Viveiros de Castro’s (2015) suggestion that Indigenous Peoples are “theoretical agent(s) rather than passive subject(s)” (p. 56) and that Indigenous philosophical systems must be understood on their own terms rather than ‘colonized’ by Western theory. This proposed work will involve the preparation of a manuscript for publication that centres Shipibo-Konibo philosophy amidst the avalanche of interpretation of the ayahuasca experience by anthropologists and other scholars, medical practitioners, and New Age enthusiasts. We were invited to participate in this project, as co-investigators, by Dr. Pedro Favaron – a humanities professor and poet at the Pontifica Universidad Católica del Perú. Pedro is a Mestizo Peruvian scholar who has been adopted into the Shipibo-Konibo community through marriage with Chonon Bensho, his wife and research collaborator who is a Shipibo artist and thinker. This work stands to make an important contribution to the psychedelic studies literature. Based on my knowledge of the field — this paper, once published, will be the only scholarly work that explicitly foregrounds Amazonian Indigenous philosophy, on its own terms, out of the thousands of published works that deal explicitly with ayahuasca.
Specific activities include, but are not limited to
The primary job duties for the field research assistant (GRA-2) will include identifying appropriate peer-reviewed literature, synthesizing ideas, and preparing sections of a paper that will be submitted for peer review. Participating in the editing process, post-peer review, may also be part of the work depending on the speed with which we receive feedback on the paper.
The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Keith Williams at Athabasca University. Dr. Williams will provide adequate training for the literature review, writing, and identification of appropriate journals for publication that will be required.
Qualifications
Successful candidates will have a prior credential or expertise in a field relevant to this study such as anthropology, philosophy, environmental studies, herbalism, etc. A deep interest in the subject as well as an ability to meet deadlines is also required. Experience preparing peer-reviewed publications would be a strong asset.
This project will involve close mentorship by the project lead with a focus on theoretical research and academic writing for publication, both of which will be beneficial for aspiring scholars.
This opportunity is only available to Athabasca University students.
How to apply
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. kwilliams@athabascau.ca. Applications should include (as a single PDF file) a brief cover letter that summarizes your skills, interests and experience; a current resume or curriculum vitae; an unofficial copy of your transcript; and the contact information for 1‐2 references.
Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Athabasca University and the researchers are committed and seek to support equity in employment and research opportunities. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous people, people of colour, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, and other historically marginalized groups. Applicants are welcome, but not required, to self‐identify in their letter of application.
For more information on this Research Assistant Opportunity, please contact Keith Williams, PhD at the coordinates below, on or before Friday April 4th .
Hours per week are approximate and may vary based upon activity. This position has a maximum of 40 hours.
Dr. Keith Williams
kwilliams@athabascau.ca