Advertisement for the Position of Four Field Investigators under International Research Projects at the Department of Geography, Presidency University, Kolkata   Date: 31/08/2026

Applications are invited from motivated and eligible candidates for the position of Field Investigator at the Department of Geography, Presidency University, Kolkata, for undertaking field-based research activities in selected towns of West Bengal under two internationally funded research projects being conducted in collaboration with Charles University, Prague, Czechia.

The proposed field research will examine the interactions between settlement densification, migration, and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) infrastructure . The fieldwork will involve the collection of qualitative and quantitative data through household-level and other field-based research activities.

The field research forms part of the following internationally funded projects:

1. “Rethinking the Urbanisation–Migration Nexus” (Project No. 26-23579S; 2026–2028), funded by the Czech Science Foundation (GA ČR).
2. “A Mobile Society: Opportunities and Risks of New Forms of Mobility for Czech Society and Economy” (Project No. CZ.02.01.01/00/23_025/0008717; 2025–2028), funded under the Jan Amos Comenius Operational Programme (OP JAK) .

The field research will be coordinated by Dr. Saurav Chakraborty, Department of Geography, Presidency University , in collaboration with Prof. Josef Novotný, Charles University, Prague .

Number of Positions: Four (04) Field Investigators

Tenure:The positions are purely temporary and project-based , expected to be available for approximately four months during the proposed fieldwork period of September to December 2026, subject to the research schedule and availability of project funds.The selected candidates will be required to undertake fieldwork in selected towns of West Bengal, including travel to and within the study areas.

Remuneration: E UR 365/- per month per Field Investigator (consolidated), inclusive of HRA, travel expenses, and daily allowances for fieldwork.

The remuneration will be disbursed through Presidency University in accordance with the applicable financial and administrative procedures of the University and the concerned research projects.

Essential Qualification

MA/MSc in Geography or a related discipline from a recognized university/institution. Final-year students may also apply, provided that they complete the required degree before commencement of the fieldwork.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• Prior experience in conducting field surveys, household surveys, interviews, or socio-economic surveys .
• Experience in collecting and managing qualitative and quantitative field data .
• Familiarity with issues relating to urbanisation, migration, settlement dynamics, WASH, or urban infrastructure .
• Basic knowledge of spatial data collection would be desirable.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with households, local communities and other stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to undertake extensive field travel and field-based data collection in selected towns of West Bengal.
• Knowledge of Bengali and/or relevant local languages will be considered an advantage.

Nature of Work

The selected Field Investigators will be expected to:

• Conduct household and/or community-level field surveys in selected towns of West Bengal.
• Collect qualitative and quantitative data using structured questionnaires, interview schedules and other approved research instruments.
• Assist in conducting interviews and interactions with households, community members and relevant local stakeholders.
• Assist in the collection and documentation of information relating to settlement characteristics, migration and WASH infrastructure.
• The enumerators will need their smartphones to collect data
• Maintain accurate field records and survey documentation.
• Participate in field training and orientation before commencement of the survey.
• Undertake field travel and other research-related activities required for the successful completion of the survey.
• Ensure proper and timely submission of collected field data and related documentation to the research team (Prepare accurate transcripts of interviews and qualitative field interactions conducted during the fieldwork and assist in the systematic coding, organisation and management of interview transcripts and other qualitative data in accordance with the research framework and coding protocol provided by the research team).

Application Process

Interested and eligible candidates should submit their application by email to saurav.geog@presiuniv.ac.in with the subject line:

“Application for Field Investigator – International Research Project”

Candidates should submit one PDF file containing the following documents:

1. Cover letter stating their interest in the position (within 450 words) and relevant academic/research/fieldwork experience.
2. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Self-attested copies of educational certificates and mark sheets.
4. Relevant experience certificates/documents, if applicable.
5. Government-issued photo identity proof.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, September 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM .

Date, Time and Venue of Interview

Date: 09.09.2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 11 AM onwards
Venue: Department of Geography, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata – 700073, West Bengal.

The interview will be conducted in in-person mode.

Note

1. Incomplete applications or applications received after the prescribed deadline may be rejected.
2. Candidates meeting only the minimum eligibility criteria may not necessarily be called for the interview. The Selection Committee may adopt additional short-listing criteria based on academic qualifications, relevant experience, fieldwork experience and suitability for the proposed research activities.
3. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the interview. Shortlisted candidates will be notified through email.
4. Candidates must produce their original certificates/documents for verification at the time of the interview.
5. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
6. The above positions are purely temporary and project-based and do not confer any right to claim regular appointment or absorption at Presidency University or any other institution.
7. The engagement of the selected candidates will be subject to the availability of funds and the applicable administrative and financial rules of Presidency University and the concerned research projects.
8. Selected candidates will be required to participate in the necessary fieldwork training/orientation before commencement of the survey.
9. Candidates must be willing to undertake field travel and fieldwork in selected towns of West Bengal for the duration of the engagement.
10. The decision of the Selection Committee regarding shortlisting and selection shall be final.
11. Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidature.

For further details, please contact

Dr. Saurav Chakraborty
Department of Geography
Presidency University
Kolkata – 700073
Email: saurav.geog@presiuniv.ac.in