Post doc in Sustainability science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The position

We invite applications for a bright, creative and energetic post doc to be based at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies in Lund, Sweden. The applicant will be part of the project “(Mal) Adaptation to extreme urban heat: At what cost, to whom?” funded by the Swedish research council FORMAS.

The project aims to examine how inequality interacts with adaptation responses to extreme urban heat and to identify the institutional conditions required for building socially sound and climate-resilient cities. We are interested in examining these questions in the context of the Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the city of Accra in Ghana. Located in a climatically vulnerable region, the city shares features of many metropolises in the global South, where sweltering heat is intertwined with mounting inequality, growing urban population, and uneven development. By using a mixed-methods approach, we integrate quantitative techniques and qualitative methods to collect and analyze data on how the benefits or costs of adaptation policy responses are distributed among different social groups.

The successful applicant will be appointed for two years collaborating with the project team’s members for data collection and analysis drawing on empirical evidence in Accra, Ghana. The position will be supervised by Principal Investigator Maryam Nastar, associate professor at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS) and in collaboration with Prof. Frederick Ato Armah at the University of Cape Coast.

Position Instructions

Research focus (80% time)

The main research tasks for the position will be linked closely to the broader project objectives as follows:

• Addressing the urgent call for research regarding the impacts of heatwaves and related adaptation responses in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Mapping out the adaptation gaps and maladaptation practices linked with various socio-economic factors.
• Developing an analytical framework to provide robust explanations of causes of uneven impacts of adaptation responses, essential for formulating inclusive adaptation policies and practices.

The tasks include both desk-based research and extensive fieldwork, including carrying out the surveys and interviews with field assistants in different neighborhoods in Accra. The candidate is expected to lead on, and contribute to, academic and popular science articles resulting from the project.

Administrative and service focus (20% time)

The main administrative tasks for the position relate to project coordination and reporting, including contributing to reports to funders, outreach materials for stakeholders as well as science communication and regular website and social media updates of project progress. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to co-supervise MSc student theses and teach on the course related to issues of climate change adaptation, urban development, and inequality.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the position will have the following specific qualifications:

• A PhD degree in interdisciplinary applied studies such as sustainability science, human geography, sociology, political ecology or a related field.
• Experience in conducting fieldwork, working with stakeholders and teams in research and awareness of research ethics.
• Experience with research methods relevant to the project (e.g., quantitative methods, qualitative interviews, household surveys, participatory methods and workshops).
• Interest in interdisciplinary research across natural and social sciences, for instance combining climate change studies with critical urban studies or political sociology
• Demonstrated academic writing skills, including leading the development of well-argued and clearly written scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Candidates should be fluent in written and spoken academic English.
• Demonstrated the ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary, inclusive and international research environment.
• Enthusiasm to contribute to teaching at LUCSUS and to work with master students.

Desired qualifications

In addition, the following qualification strengthen a candidate’s profile:

• Familiarity with theories and concepts relevant to the project (e.g. a relational approach to inequality, poverty and vulnerability, intersectionality and/or uneven urban development).
• Management experience of research teams (e.g., supervision of students or research assistants).
• Experience in popular science writing and communication (blog posts, social media). Knowledge of Twi and Ga languages

This Post doc is a 2-year position.

Application instructions

The application should include a cogent research plan describing an area of research interest in thecontext of the project. The plan should describe the specific focus of the proposed research and outline the kind of methods and theories that the applicant would draw on.

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 and public communication.
• List of publications (separate peer-reviewed, technical reports, and popular science or outreach).
• Research Plan: Project title (max. 20 words), project abstract (max. 200 words), main research proposal text (max.1200 words) including 1. research question(s) or hypotheses, in the context of their relevance to the project aims 2. Analytical foundations (theories and concepts) 3. Research methods and feasibility and 4. Expected outcomes and contributions in line with the project goals. Applications must be submitted in Times New Roman (12 pt), 1.5 line spacing, and margins 2.5 cm.