Junior Research Fellow

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 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.

The School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg invites applications for a ten-month full-time research fellowship in Peace and Development research. The position forms part of the three-year (2021 – 2023) multi-disciplinary research program The perils of long-term peacebuilding in Cambodia and Mozambique. The geographical focus of this part of the project is Cambodia (Mozambique is dealt with elsewhere). The project is funded by the Swedish Scientific Council and involves scholars from Sweden, Mozambique and Cambodia.

Description of the research project
The aim of this project is to pursue in-depth research of two well-documented and “successful” peacebuilding cases and as such address the long-term effects of intensive peacebuilding, with a view to identifying weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the implementation of liberal peacebuilding. It will contribute explicitly to the contemporary shift in peacebuilding policy towards a more contextual, human-oriented, and inclusive peacebuilding that takes into account the lessons learned regarding the long-term processes instigated by peacebuilding. In achieving this, it interrogates the trajectory of peacebuilding through an historical analysis as well as a contemporary one. Our central research problem is: What, given the long trajectory of peacebuilding initiatives and their implementation, does not work and why in Cambodia and Mozambique? There is a curiously similar development and timing in the two cases. In assessing this we will seek to identify the provenance of the recent tensions in both cases (which are jeopardising peace and stability). Particular research questions are theoretically and conceptually driven. They focus on long-term dilemmas of peacebuilding; the dynamics of ex/inclusion; the significance of grounding peace with the population; and, the possibility of an adaptive peacebuilding. This announcement focuses on the Cambodian case.

Job assignments
In close collaboration with other scholars within the project, the research fellow will:

(a) contribute to the theoretical/conceptual framing of long-term peacebuilding;
(b) assemble and review research literature and policy documents from a wide variety of sources pertaining to the Cambodian case;
(c) design and pursue qualitative research for the Cambodian case;
(d) write single-authored, and participate in joint-authored, publications;
(e) participate in suitable seminars, workshops and conferences.

The project includes funds for fieldwork as well as some funds for participation in programme meetings, regional workshops and international academic conferences.

Employment
The position is a full-time employment for ten months with the standard conditions for Swedish universities. Interviews will be held in August 2021. Starting date is January 1st 2022, or per agreement.

For further information regarding the position
Please contact professor Joakim Öjendal, joakim.ojendal@gu.se

Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

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

The complete ad is available at: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/vacancies

Closing date: 31st of May 2021
The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

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


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.