The Nordic Africa Institute invites applications for the position of Researcher in Urban Studies

The researcher will conduct research within the field of urban studies. The institute’s research has been organized around 4 distinct clusters in order to deepen intellectual interaction and collaboration between researchers. He/she will be part of the research cluster Urban Dynamics.

The researcher will also participate in the activities pertaining to NAI´s scholarship programmes, planning seminars and workshops, and information dissemination. All researchers at the institute are expected to contribute to raising external funds.

Principal Qualifications 

• A PhD degree in a social science or humanities discipline particularly in urban studies.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong writing ability and capacity to present complex issues in a readable form for both academic and non-academic audiences.
• Contacts with researchers, policy makers and other relevant actors.
• Capacity for interaction with actors outside the academic community. Familiarity with the goals and strategies of key Nordic and international organizations and institutions.
• Knowledge of Nordic and African institutions and civil society organizations.
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.  

The application

The application should contain:

A.  A proposal not exceeding 5 pages. It should include the applicant’s

1. Research questions, theory and method
2. Network strategies (with particular reference towards Africa and the Nordic countries)
3. Strategy for dissemination of research results (including a statement of intent on how to contribute to policy advice).

B.  A complete CV with a list of publications.

C.  Copies of the applicant’s own publications relating to his/her urban research (a maximum of three publications, in three copies each).

D.  The names and addresses (phone, fax, e-mail) of at least two referees.

As part of the interview, shortlisted candidates will be required to make a presentation to staff before the actual interview.

Contract period will be two years with the possibility for extension of two years. Salary is negotiable within the current levels at the Institute.

Contact persons:

Eva-Lena Svensson, Human Resources Manager, +46 18 56 22 12.
Trade Union representatives: Agneta Rodling (ST-ATF) and Ingela Dahlin (SACO). All can be reached at +46 18 56 22 00.

For more information about NAI’s ongoing research activities, grants, library services and publications is available on the Institute’s website: www.nai.uu.se

The application should be sent:

a) preferable by email to nai@nai.uu.se. (Including publications to the extent possible or by indication of internet addresses where they might be available).

b) in hard copy by regular post to The Nordic Africa Institute, P. O. Box 1703, SE–751 47 Uppsala, Sweden

Closing Date for applications: 30 January 2012

NAI is committed to an Equal Opportunities Policy in employment and since the institute strives for a balanced proportion of men and women, women are particularly encouraged to apply for the position.