PhD fellowship - 'Peri-Urbanization in Africa', University of Copenhagen

PhD fellowship - 'Peri-Urbanization in Africa'

Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. 
The Department of Geography and Geology of the Faculty of Science offers a PhD position on rural livelihoods and agricultural transformation in Africa. The position is open for appointment from September 30th 2012.
 
Job description
Most large cities in Sub-Saharan Africa are characterized by rapid expansion into the surrounding areas in a largely uncontrolled manner and with little compliance with urban planning strategies. This creates sprawling low-density development that is uneconomic in terms of land use with low accessibility due to inadequate transport infrastructure.
 
With special reference to the rapid peri-urbanization process, the PhD study should research into the challenges related to urban planning, service provision and mobility and address how these processes are connected with rural-urban mobility patterns. It is expected that the PhD study will be using both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the current intra-urban mobility patterns with focus on the role of - and interplay between - the core areas and the peri-urban areas. The research may include spatial analysis based on satellite image interpretation. 
Place of employment and work will be the Department of Geography and Geology, Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 Copenhagen and the PhD candidate will be attached to the research group Environment and Society in Developing Countries. 
The study will be conducted as part of an EU-funded international research project RurbanAfrica in collaboration with partners in several European and African countries. See more information on the project at:
http://geo.ku.dk/english/research/research_group_/environment/research_projects/
Thus, the PhD study will imply extensive fieldwork in one or more of the case countries and participation in project activities (e.g. workshops, PhD seminars etc. in and with African and European partners). 
Qualifications
The candidate is expected to have a master degree in geography or other relevant degree. We expect that the candidate will publish in international peer−reviewed journals, write a PhD thesis within the project duration of three years and assist in teaching within the Department. Highly motivated candidates with a relevant MSc degree are encouraged to apply. 
Terms of employment
The successful PhD candidate will be offered a full-time PhD position for a period of three years, contingent on a satisfactory performance, with the specific intent that it results in a PhD degree and scientific publications. It is a prerequisite for the appointment as a PhD-fellow, that the person concerned can be registered as a PhD-fellow according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 18 of 14. January 2008. Information about the PhD programs at the Faculty of Science can be found at http://www.science.ku.dk/phd/
 
The salary depends on seniority, as agreed between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations within the range of 25,500-30,500 DKK/month (approximately 3,400-4,100 Euro/month). 
Further information including a detailed project description can be obtained from associate professor Jytte Agergaard, e-mail ja@geo.ku
 
General information on the Department of Geography and Geology can be found at geo.ku.dk and information on the research group on Environment and Society in Developing Countries is available at http://geo.ku.dk/english/research/research_group_/environment/
 
How to apply
Applications must include (i) a motivation for the application (0.5 A4 page), (ii) a statement of research interests, (iii) curriculum vitae including list of publications, (iv) a copy of MSc diploma, (v) a short abstract of the MSc thesis or equivalent, and (vi) the names, e-mails, telephones and addresses of 2-4 referees. 
Applications must be received no later than September 7th 2012 through the job portal of the University of Copenhagen at http://www.ku.dk/english/available_positions/vip/
 
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
Interviews are expected to be held on September 17th 2012. 
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
 
Apply online

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.
Deadline: 07-09-2012
Publisher: Faculty of Science