Doctoral Position in Peace and Development Research – with a focus on civil society mobilization in the Middle East and North

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 55 900 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Peace and Development Research at the University of Gothenburg is a leading site of interdisciplinary enquiry. The research environment consists of ca 50 researchers using a broad range of approaches to investigate various themes in peace and development in different regions of the world. These themes include, but are not limited to, conflicts, security, gender, human rights, global political economy, migration, regional and global governance, and resistance.

Peace and Development Research at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, announces a doctoral position with a focus on civil society-based mobilization and civil resistance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The MENA region is facing several sustainability challenges – such as climate change, inequality, authoritarian regimes, armed conflicts, and human rights abuses – and different popular and civil society-based campaigns are seeking to address them. The project proposal of the PhD candidate shall therefore relate to this focus area. We welcome project proposals that use qualitative and/or quantitative research methods to study how civil society actors mobilize support for their contentious claims and engage in different civil resistance practices to effect socio-political change to address sustainability. Projects may address civil society mobilization on and across different levels and/or scales, and in different parts of the region. We especially invite projects that examine how global processes – such as migration flows and diasporas, regional and global governance, or technological shifts – enable and constrain the action of both civil society groups and their opponents.

The purpose of undertaking doctoral studies is to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting independent research within the field of Peace and Development Research. The doctoral studies comprise one year of coursework and three years of research, culminating in the production of a dissertation that makes a significant and original contribution to the research field. The knowledge and skills that are acquired during the studies should be applicable to postdoctoral research or other professional work. The position is salaried and covers four years (full-time equivalent, fixed term), beginning in August 2021. The doctoral candidate may undertake departmental duties corresponding to up to 20% of a full-time position, in which case the duration of the appointment will be extended accordingly. There are no tuition fees.

We are looking for a candidate with interest in social mobilisation, civil society and resistance in the MENA region. The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills in English. If the project uses a qualitative approach, proficiency in relevant MENA languages is advantageous.

Applicants must fulfil both general and specific entry requirements.

An applicant meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if they have obtained (Higher Education Ordinance Ch.7, Sec.39):

An applicant meets the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies if they have obtained (Higher Education Ordinance Ch.7, Sec.40) at least 60 higher education credits in the field of international relations, peace and conflict studies or global development studies or another university education of equivalent depth and breadth. Applicants who have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad will also be considered to meet the specific entry requirements.

Applicants will be assessed based on the general and specific eligibility requirements and their estimated ability to benefit from the study programme. The assessment places particular focus on:

• A research proposal (max 2,000 words including references) that presents some preliminary ideas about how the applicant envisions that their PhD work will contribute to research on the focus area indicated above. The research proposal will be assessed for the applicant’s ability to formulate a research problem and his/her familiarity with and handling of methodological and theoretical issues. The research proposal should suggest a research problem (including purpose, aims and research questions) and indicate tentative ideas on theory, research design, methods, and data, as well as a provisional timeline. Use Harvard (author-date) referencing.
• A Master’s thesis, academic publications and/or other relevant works. These will be used to assess the applicant’s ability to formulate and delimit research problems and to analyse and present research results.
• A CV summarizing education, relevant work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant skills.
• Grades achieved in undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
• Interviews will be held with shortlisted applicants.

The applicant’s skills, experience, creativity, and excellence in research are also assessed based on the points above.

Decisions on the shortlist will be made in March and final decisions in April 2022.

The Head of Department makes all admission decisions at the third-cycle level. This decision cannot be appealed.

Admission to doctoral (PhD) studies may also be granted to persons who remain employed by an external organization willing to fund their doctoral studies (a so-called collaborative PhD, samverkansdoktorand). The assessment procedure for these applicants is the same as for other applicants. In such cases, the university and the external organization will enter into a special agreement.

For further information regarding the position

Dr. Arne Wackenhut, Senior Lecturer

[email protected] , +46317865478

Dr. Michael Schulz, Professor

[email protected] , +46317861380

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/unionrepresentatives

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system.

The application must include:

• A research proposal of maximum 2,000 words.
• A Master’s thesis and/or any other relevant academic works or publications. Submitted texts must be written in Swedish/Scandinavian or English. Any translated versions must be accompanied by the original text.
• A CV. We encourage applicants to use the Europass CV format (https://europa.eu/europass/en/create-europass-cv ).
• Copies of diplomas and/or academic transcripts verifying that the general and specific entry requirements stated above have been met. Evidence of other relevant qualifications.
• The names of two references and their contact information. NB! No letters of recommendation will be considered.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete. No changes or additions are allowed after the final submission date.

For questions regarding the handling of the application portal or technical problems, please contact [email protected]

Closing date: 28 of February 2022

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salaries for doctoral students are regulated in a local agreement at the University.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed will not be returned.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we will use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.