The aim is to conduct a PhD-project on racial inequalities and power relations in the humanitarian sector. While Humanitiarian studies have deconstructed universalist claims of humanitarianism, Critical Race Theory and Decolonial Studies have uncovered the racial bias of developmentalism. This project will bring together these two academic fields and produce and analyse fresh empirical data on the topic. It will offer a study of racism, race relations and inequalities within humanitarian organizations with a focus on an internationally well known humanitarian player (NGO, International Organization, etc.). This research will thus contribute to the urgent discussion on postcolonial hierarchies in the humanitarian sector.
The position contributes to the BMBF-funded collaborative research network ‘Postcolonial Hierarchies in Peace & Conflict’. The network investigates how historically sedimented postcolonial hierarchies are reflected in contemporary conflict dynamics and what implications this has for sustainable conflict transformation in the future. The network is composed of the Philipps-University Marburg, University of Erfurt, University of Bayreuth and the Arnold-Bergstrasser Institute in Freiburg. The PhD position includes a conceptual involvement in projects of the network, among others the virtual virtual encyclopedia, the international fellowship program, and the public relations of network.
The following are required for application:
- Successful completion of an M.A. (or comparable) in the field of history, anthropology, political sciences, philosophy or African studies and good knowledge of English (German, French and non-European language are an asset)
- Work sample (e.g. Master's thesis, longer seminar paper, essay, etc.)
- a project outline (2–3 pages incl. timetable) of the planned dissertation
- Curriculum vitae (without photo)
The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is explicitly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Club "Familie in der Hochschule e. V.", and has successfully participated in the HRK audit "Internationalization of the University". Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.
Deadline for applications: January 31, 2022. Please apply online via the Application Portal Uni Bayreuth with the required documents indicating the password „Humanitarian Aid“. The recruitment interviews will be held tentatively on February 7th and 8th 2022.
The documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with data protection requirements.