PhD Researcher at the University of Bremen

At the University of Bremen, the Collaborative Research Center 1342 “Global Dynamics of Social Policy” invites applications for the following academic position -under the condition of job release-

PhD Researcher
Salary Scale TV-L 13, part-time 65%, start date: as soon as possible.
The position is a fixed term position until December 31, 2021.
Reference number: A26/18*

The position is part of the Collaborative Research Center “Global Dynamics of Social Policy” (Globale Entwicklungsdynamiken von Sozialpolitik) funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and will be located within the project “B09: The Rise, Decay and Renaissance of Social Policy in Africa”

Project Description
The CRC comprises 15 projects and is divided into two sections. Projects in section A mainly rely on macro-quantitative techniques to analyse and explain social policy dynamics in a global perspective. In the projects of section B, the mechanisms that link international interdependencies and national determinants to the spread, inclusiveness, and generosity of social policy dynamics are analysed by applying qualitative case study analyses.

Project B09, led by Prof. Dr. Klaus Schlichte and Dr. Alex Veit, focuses on mechanisms in the emergence, decay, and recent renaissance of social policy in six African countries. Health care, education, and food aid policies in the period from 1918 to 2018 are reconstructed and researched in a comparative perspective. By identifying similarities and differences between Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, we investigate the role of international, transnational and domestic influences in the evolution of social policy development in Africa.*
Responsibilities*

The PhD researcher is responsible for the research and analysis of the case of either Senegal or Uganda. To this end, the researcher will undertake archival research in Europe and Africa, conduct interviews and field research in the respective country, and provide in-depth written analyses of the case-study. S/he will cooperate with other team members in the comparative analysis of Senegal or Uganda with other cases and the preparation of joint publications. The PhD researcher will also contribute to the larger tasks of the CRC by co-organising issue-related conferences and workshops, as well as presenting research results at international conferences.

The successful candidate will prepare a PhD dissertation thematically related to the project, to be completed by December 31, 2021.

Requirements

–   M.A. Degree in Political Science, African Studies, Sociology, History, Anthropology or a related discipline.
–   Knowledge of history and politics of Senegal or Uganda.
–   Expertise in one or more of the following fields: history, politics, international relations, social policy and development cooperation of African states.

–   Experience with qualitative methods and archival research.
–   Quantitative research skills are an asset.
–   Fluency in English, both spoken and written.
–   In case of an application in regards of the case of Senegal, also fluency in French.

–   Language skills in Luganda, Wolof and Swahili are an asset.
–   Willingness to conduct field research in African contexts.

–   Working knowledge of German preferred (or strong interest and willingness to learn German)

The University of Bremen has received a number of awards for its diversity policies and offers a family-friendly working environment as well as an international atmosphere.

The University is committed to a policy of providing equal employment opportunities for both men and women alike, and therefore strongly encourages women to apply for the positions offered. Applicants with disabilities will be considered preferentially in case of equal qualifications and aptitudes. The University of Bremen explicitly invites individuals with migration backgrounds to apply.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Alex Veit (veit@uni-bremen.de).

Applications including a cover letter, CV, copies of degree certificates and one writing example (excerpt of M.A. thesis or essay), should be submitted by February 20th, 2018

University of Bremen
InIIS
Dr. Alex Veit
Postfach 330 440
D-28334 Bremen
or by Email (including up to two PDF files; reference number) to Claudia Herold (herold@uni-bremen.de).

The costs of application and presentation cannot be reimbursed.