Job: 2 Postdoctoral Fellowships (2019-2020)
Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
The Sociology of Land, Environment and Sustainable Development
TWO postdoctoral fellowships, each tenable for two years, are available in the SARChI Research Chair in the Sociology of Land, Environment and Sustainable Development held by Prof Cherryl Walker at Stellenbosch University. Applications are invited from suitably qualified researchers who are keen to contribute to the expansion of this research programme through their individually designed Research and publication projects as well as their active participation in the Chair’s larger research programme.
Scope of research programme
The central concern of the Chair is to deepen our understanding of the complex web of social and environmental dynamics within which societal commitments to sustainable development must be grounded, through an investigation of these issues in and through the Karoo region of South Africa. The Karoo is a compelling research site in itself, given its deep and more recent history and arid environment. It is of particular interest in the present conjuncture because of several globally networked developments that are being laid down on top of unresolved concerns around social inequality and bio--‐diversity conservation, and themselves recalibrating relationships to land, environment, space and place. These developments include mega‐astronomy projects such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope in the Great Karoo and investments in renewable (wind and solar) and, potentially, non--‐renewable energy projects (e.g. ‘racking’. More information on the Chair and its research activities is available at www.cosmopolitankaroo.co.za. Research proposals that address issues around land, agrarian and water reform in the Karoo as well as science and technology studies, including in comparative perspective, are encouraged, but all well-conceived proposals will be considered.
Requirements
- A PhD in a relevant field, awarded within the last five years
- Evidence of strong scholarly performance (publications, research networks, etc.) and a commitment to take this forward through the postdoctoral fellowship
- Commitment to working in a collegial manner as a member of a research team
- Interest in working with and mentoring postgraduate students.
Previous experience working on social--‐ecological and/or science and technology issues in the Karoo may be an advantage but is not a prerequisite.
Applications
Applications should include 1) a detailed letter of motivation, in which applicants set out their proposals for their individual research project(s) and their relevance for and alignment with the SARChI Chair, 2) a comprehensive CV, 3) transcripts of their academic qualifications, 4) at least one example of recent, written work (e.g. a published article or chapter from a PhD), as well as 5) the names and contact details of at least two referees who should also be requested to forward their confidential reports to Prof Walker by the closing date.
Applications or requests for more information should be sent to Prof Cherryl Walker at cjwalker@cluttersun.ac.za.
In addition to looking at the Research Chair’s website, interested persons are also advised to consult the website of Stellenbosch University for more information on postdoctoral fellowships at the University: https://www.sun.ac.za/english/research--‐innovation/about. (Note that postdoctoral fellows are not appointed as employees of the University and are therefore not eligible for any employee benefits.)
The Chair reserves the right not to make an award or awards.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 AUGUST 2018