The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is recruiting a
Post-doctoral researcher
PERIOD OF CONTRACT: 3.5 years contract,
STARTING DATE : 01-01-2021
ACTIVITY RATE: 70 %
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 12-06-2020
The post-doctoral researcher will work on the project “A Child of its Time: The Impact of World Politics on Peacebuilding” led by Dr. Sara Hellmüller and funded by a PRIMA grant of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).
About the project
UN peacebuilding is at a watershed, sadly illustrated by its failure to adequately address contemporary conflicts, such as in Libya, Syria, and Yemen. In the years immediately following the end of the Cold War, there was a consensus in the international community that peace operations needed to address root causes of conflicts and thus have extensive mandates, including the rebuilding of a liberal state. In recent years, this consensus has waned and different approaches to peacebuilding compete.
This turning point in UN peacebuilding can be understood as part of broader changes in world politics. The increasing influence of Russia and China, as well as other rising powers, such as Brazil, India, and Turkey, challenge US domination in world politics. The proposed project inquires into how this shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world order influences UN peacebuilding.
For more information: https://graduateinstitute.ch/research-centres/centre-conflict-development-peacebuilding/child-its-time-impact-world-politics.
Main tasks and responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Researcher
The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the project leader, Dr. Sara Hellmüller, to shape the content and direction of the project. His/her main contributions are foreseen in two phases of the project.
- First, a qualitative content analysis of conceptualizations of security, sovereignty, and institutions: In this phase, the project team assesses how conceptualizations of security, sovereignty, and institutions have changed since the end of the Cold War. We plan to analyze official statements of three sets of actors in the UN Security Council. First, the USA, UK, and France as traditional powers and members of the P5. Second, Russia and China as rising powers and members of the P5. Third, two rising powers (e.g. Brazil and Turkey). The selected candidate will be in charge of one set of actors. We jointly complement the above analysis with an assessment of UN policy documents recording joint decision-making processes on peacebuilding focusing on UN Security Council thematic resolutions (in contrast to country-specific ones), reports, presidential statements, and meeting records. They reflect the consensus views of member states and thus indicate the degree to which the three sets of actors’ conceptualizations of security, sovereignty, and institutions are considered.
- Second, in-depth case studies of UN peace missions to analyze the impact of changing world politics on their conception and execution: In this phase, we aim to get a detailed understanding of how the shift from unipolarity to multipolarity has influenced peacebuilding in six cases of UN peace missions. In each case study, we will assess two aspects. First, how the empirical manifestations of multipolarity (geopolitical competition and decline of liberal normative order) influenced conceptualizations of security, sovereignty, and institutions. Second, how this, in turn, influenced the conception and execution of peacebuilding. The selected candidate will be in charge of two case studies.
- In addition, the post-doctoral researcher will produce high-quality single-authored and co-authored scientific papers, present research outputs at academic conferences, and contribute to the organization of research dissemination events.
Mission
To contribute to the accomplishment of a multi-year research project by conducting independent and coordinated research in a multi-facetted team.
The candidate’s profile includes the following elements
- PhD in political science, international relations, sociology, social anthropology, or a related discipline, with particular interest and expertise in IR and peace and conflict studies.
- Proven capacity for research of highest academic standards.
- Previous experience with mixed-methods research design is an asset.
- Excellent work ethic, communication skills, and self-motivation.
- Fluency in spoken and written English; further languages are an asset, especially if relevant for the case studies.
How to apply
To apply, please submit a letter of motivation, your complete CV with your publication list, as well as a research proposal (max. 5 pages) specifying how you would like to contribute to the project. The subject heading of the email should read ‘PRIMA Postdoctoral Researcher Position’. The deadline for applications is Friday, 12 June 2020. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.
We thank all those who apply, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability status, race, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation or religion.
For more information, candidates are encouraged to consult the Institute's website: graduateinstitute.ch
Please note that offers received by post won't be considered.