Research Associate Positions (ERC project DISACT: Disappearing Act)

The University of Cyprus (Department of Social & Political Sciences) is seeking to appoint up to two Research Associates (Special Research Scientists) as part of the ERC-funded project Disappearing Act: Reconstructing the Crime of Disappearances in Times of Political Violence (DISACT). 

DISACT is a 5-year ERC - Funded Project (consolidator grant: 101086935) based at the University of Cyprus. 

The project will investigate the logic of the crime of disappearances in repressive and (post)conflict settings. It will explore the historical origins of the crime, the rationale for violent (state and non-state) actors to deploy it, and the processes underpinning its international diffusion. 

The successful candidate(s) will conduct their research on the French counter-insurgency strategy on Algeria and its long-term legacies in shaping the repertoires of violence. In particular, we are looking for the following profiles: 

Researcher 1 (France): Your role will entail preparing a comprehensive review of the literature associated with the French counterinsurgency strategy in the 1950s; organizing and engaging in extensive archival research (e.g. military manuals and military archives); drafting reports and (co-)authoring publications. Fluency in French is required for this post. 

Researcher 2 (Algeria and the wider Maghreb): Your role will entail reconstructing the institutional legacies of colonial violence in Algeria. You will be tasked to prepare a comprehensive review of the literature associated with the institutional legacies of colonial violence in Algeria and the wider Maghreb; organizing and engaging in extensive fieldwork/interviews; conduct systematic archival research; draft reports and (co-)authoring publications. We would particularly welcome applicants with previous research experience in Algeria or the wider Maghreb. Fluency in Arabic is essential. 

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD (completed or near completion) in Political Science, History, Sociology, or any other related discipline.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience in relevant research methods.

Interested candidates should submit the following items, in PDF or Word format, via email to Mr Ioannis Trimithiotis – Email address: [email protected] by April 15th 2024. 

• A statement with a short description of academic and/or research experiences as well as the reasons for applying for the specific position (maximum two pages) – please indicate explicitly the specific post you are applying for [e.g. Researcher #1 (France), or Researcher #2 (Algeria and the wider Maghreb)].
• A detailed curriculum vitae in English (contact address and telephone number should be included).
• Copies of transcripts of MSc/PhD degrees and official transcripts of each degree.
• The names and contact details of at least two University professors from whom references may be requested. 

For more details and other information, interested applicant may contact Dr Iosif Kovras or Mr Nikandros Ioannidis by email: [email protected] and [email protected] – or by telephone: +357 22894565 

Disclaimer

The project is funded by the European Union (ERC, DISACT, 101086935). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them