/ Research
Research Associate: Cannabis Africana - Drugs and Development in Africa
University of Bristol, UK
The University of Bristol is seeking to appoint a highly motivated Research Associate with knowledge of southern Africa to join an exciting new project on Cannabis Africana: Drugs and Development in Africa, funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The project is an international collaboration between the Universities of Bristol and Cape Town and aims to develop a deeper understanding of cannabis in Africa, focusing not only on its 'traditional' uses, but on its contemporary growth as an economic cash crop and source of livelihoods in a global context where drug policy is in flux.
A research asociates responsibilities will include: collecting and analysing documentary and archival data; conducting ethnographic research and qualitative interviews with individuals involved in the cannabis trade and its control, within the ethical and risk-related frameworks set by the project; co-organising policy and academic workshops in Africa and in the UK; co-authoring policy papers and peer-reviewed articles; and making an important contribution to the project’s social media presence.You will work under the direction of Dr Gernot Klantschnig and spend at least two months of the project conducting fieldwork in southern Africa.
Requirements
You should apply if you have a social sciences/humanities background and relevant postgraduate qualifications and training (PhD, Masters) or equivalent experience. You will have robust knowledge of the southern African context and experience of using qualitative research methods, in particular interviewing, as well as a sound grasp of the ethical issues arising in research on sensitive topics. You should have the ability to work collaboratively with practitioners, policymakers and other researchers.
For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Gernot Klantschnig (gernot.klantschnig@bristol.ac.uk)
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.