The Institute of Political Science in the Department of Social Sciences, University of Bremen, invites applications for the following academic position (under the condition of job release), starting February 1, 2021, until January 31, 2024:
Research Position/PhD Researcher (f/m/d), Salary Scale: German Public Sector Salary TV-L 13, part-time 65 percent
Geographical Scope: Southern Africa, Maghreb, Middle East, Central Asia
Working Language: German and English
The employment is fixed-term and governed by the Act of Academic Fixed-Term Contract, § 2 (1) Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG. Therefore, candidates may only be considered for appointment if they still have the respective qualification periods available in accordance with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG.
Project Description:
The project “Legitimitätspolitik bewaffneter Gruppen” is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). It is co-directed by Dr. Stephan Hensell and Prof. Dr. Klaus Schlichte and analyses the politics of legitimacy of non-state armed groups.
In academic and public debates these groups are often just labelled as criminals or terrorists. The historical record of such groups since 1945 shows, however, that armed groups often successfully strife for international recognition as legitimate actors. The project starts with the assumption that armed groups practice „legitimacy politics“. Its core research questions are: How do armed groups legitimate themselves, and what are the mechanisms with which they achieve recognition effects in international politics? The project will combine the identification of causal mechanisms of legitimacy politics with process tracing and comparative case analysis (currently planned: Angola, Western Sahara, Syria and Afghanistan). The project promises advances in the political sociology of armed groups and of international relations more generally as well as in the knowledge on legitimizing ideas of non-state violent actors. As a contribution to peace and conflict studies, the project also aims at insights, which can help international actors to react more precisely to the political requirements resulting from the legitimacy politics of armed groups.
Responsibilities of the PhD Researcher:
The PhD researcher will assist in the specification of the theoretical framework and be responsible for the research and analysis of two of four case studies. The researcher will undertake field research and provide in-depth case-studies. S/he will cooperate with the other team members in the comparative analysis of all cases and in the publication and dissemination of the research results.
The possibility to derive a PhD dissertation thematically related to the project is given. A membership in the Bremen International Graduate School for Social Sciences is optional.
Requirements:
- M.A. Degree in Political Science, Regional Studies, Sociology, History, Anthropology or a related discipline
- Research experience in one or more of the regions relevant for the project (Southern Africa, Maghreb, Middle East, Central Asia)
- Expertise in one or more of the following fields: peace and conflict studies, comparative politics, international relations/foreign policy, history
- Experience with qualitative methods of research
- Fluency in English, both spoken and written
- Language skills for one or more of the regions relevant for the project (Southern Africa, Maghreb, Middle East, Central Asia) are an asset
- Willingness to conduct field research
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 Prof. Klaus Schlichte (kschlich@uni-bremen.de).
Applications, including a cover letter, CV and copies of degree certificates should be submitted by 9 October 2020 to:
Universität Bremen
Fachbereich 8
FB8/4 – Reference number A224/20
Universitäts-Boulevard 13
28359 Bremen
or by Email to fb08.bewerbung@uni-bremen.de
Application/interview costs will not be covered by the University.