Post doctor in sustainability science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We invite applications for a bright, creative, energetic researcher based at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies in Lund, Sweden. The applicant will be part of the project Migration, Transformation and Sustainability ‘MISTY’, funded by VR. The project goal is to expand theories of transformation to explain how societies can shift from current trajectories of unsustainability given the limitations of governance and economic structures, social norms, and identities.

In particular, the researcher will work on lifecourse, identity and collective action in sustainable transformations. This research examines how new migrant populations contribute to transformations to sustainability. It addresses issues of lifecourse, resource and consumption intensity dimensions of mobile populations. It further examines issues of identity, place attachment, and the potential for sustainable citizenship. The researcher will also contribute to the overlooked influences and possible contradictions between governance of sustainability and the governance of migration and assess how current migration governance supports or hinders the transformations of societies towards sustainability.

The position is within the interdisciplinary environment of LUCSUS, the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (https://www.lucsus.lu.se/). LUCSUS includes about 30 staff (faculty, postdocs, and PhD students), who study a range of issues from global environmental governance to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. LUCSUS also runs an international master’s programme in sustainability science (LUMES, http://www.lumes.lu.se/), with about 50 students each year from 20+ countries.

The position will be supervised by Principal Investigator Prof. Emily Boyd, Director at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS). She is an expert in the social science dimensions of climate change and sustainability science. The project also involves working in Mozambique with partners at Eduardo Mondlane University and also within a large consortium of partners in University of Exeter, University of Liege, University of Ghana, Clark University, University of Amsterdam, University of Dhaka.

Position Instructions

Research Focus - (80% time)

Contribute in-depth mixed methods investigations at the individual level: in-depth intensive life histories and surveys of consumption behaviour and attitude. Engage in participatory and action research with planners and migrants in Maputo. Data collection on Individual level data on resource consumption, environmental awareness, place attachment, migration intentions and socio-demographic variables. Data collection on civic engagement with migrant populations and urban planners using visual methods often used in public health and urban planning. This data collection involves action research to build empathy between urban planners and the hidden populations or hidden perspectives of new populations. Maintain excellent data and analysis records following open data practices. Lead analysis and writing of peer-reviewed publications. Contribute to stakeholder engagement and outreach to involve government, non-government, and private interests in the research design through dissemination.

Administrative and Service Focus- (20% time)

Contribute to project management and reporting, including contributing to reports to funders, outreach materials for stakeholders, and regular website and social media updates. Co-supervise MSc student theses and teaching in sustainability science.

Required Qualifications:

The applicant must have a PhD degree not older than 3 years at the application deadline in related field (sustainability, environmental studies, geography). An established research record, including record of successful collaboration and co-operation with others, particularly interdisciplinary collaboration.

Excellent qualitative and quantitative skills, including strong proficiency in interview techniques , participatory/action research and a strong grounding in field methods and fieldwork in Africa and understanding of migration, urban informal settlements. Please address these skills directly in your application.

Ability to work creatively and independently in designing and leading research, while also taking direction as part of a team. Management experience of research teams (e.g., supervision of students or research assistants). Excellent academic writing skills, including leading the development of well-argued and clearly written scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. Strong scientific integrity and ethics. Fluent in written and spoken academic English.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of Portuguese and experience of working in Mozambique and some knowledge of migration studies and urban contexts. Some experience with governance of migration, transformations, experience working with stakeholders in research. Experience in popular science writing and communication (blog posts, social media). Website management and design.

Application instructions

The application should include a cogent research plan describing an area of research interest in the context of sustainability, migration and transformations. In particular, the plan should propose efforts to examine linkages between migration, sustainability and transformations in urban areas and with different kinds of data including novel participatory approaches to engage and scale up governance of migration for transformations to sustainability. Articulating the links to the Sustainability Development Goals is encouraged.

The successful application will demonstrate feasibility by asking a clear and focused research question and contain a research design of sufficient detail to answer the question. (The actual research carried out over the course of the postdoc may change from the proposed plan.)

A complete application consists of:

Cover page: Short motivation of the applicant and connection with the position, including how this position serves future career goals. Include name and contact information of applicant (1 page max)

CV: Academic and professional background, detailing relevant experience, particularly research. Any publications (separate peer-reviewed, technical reports, and popular science or outreach). Any teaching experience. Include names and contact information for three academic or professional references who can speak to your professional and teamwork abilities. At least one should be a former or current research supervisor. Research Proposal: Project title (max. 20 words) Project abstract (max. 200 words) Main research proposal text (max.1200 words); Research question(s) or hypotheses, in the context of their relevance to MISTY’s goals; Research plan, including methods and feasibility; Expected outcomes and significance; Include at least one figure showing a conceptual overview of your proposal, and any expected results. Applications must be submitted in Times New Roman (12 pt), 1.5 line spacing, and margins 2.5 cm.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.