Ph.D. Fellowship in International Environment and Development Studies: Global Politics of Agrarian Transformation
Global challenges regarding energy and climate change, the environment, health, food safety, technology and renewable solutions, use and conservation of land and natural resources, and development of the bio-economy, requires greater effort. NMBU is well equipped to conduct further research in these fields. NMBU's expertise spans entire value chains and includes both basic and applied research.
On 1 January 2014, the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science and the University of Life Sciences merged and became –NMBU, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. NMBU has 1700 employees and 5200 students, and is currently located on two campuses – Ås, about 30 km south of Oslo, and Adamstuen in Oslo. In 2020, the new research- and education-building for veterinary science will be completed and all of NMBU will then be located at Campus Ås.
The Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Faculty of Landscape and Society at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant three-year PhD position related to Global politics of agrarian transformation. The selected candidate is expected to commence with the doctoral studies in September 2018.
Faculty of Landscape and Society has 1300 students and 180 staff. It comprises five academic departments, devoted to research and education in the fields of urban and regional planning, property management and law, landscape architecture, international environment and development studies, and public health.
Faculty of Landscape and Society offers two PhD programmes:
- Society, Development and Planning
- International Environment and Development Studies
About the Department and PhD Programme
Noragric is engaged in education, research, institutional collaboration and assignments. With a PhD programme, three Master’s programmes and a Bachelor’s programme, the Department has 45 scientific staff, 35 doctoral candidates and 450 students.
Research and researcher training pursue high quality, interdisciplinary knowledge in the fields of development, agriculture and food security, natural resources and the environment, governance and international relations, conflicts and human security.
Theme of the PhD project
Global politics of agrarian transformation
The Department invites projects that explore the role of actors, power relations and policies in shaping the increasingly globalized politics of agrarian transformation. We call for critical analysis within or across the following thematic foci:
- Power relations in agro-food systems change;
- Technological innovation in relation to alternative agrarian futures; and/or
- Forms of rural agency in the face of agrarian change, such as through farmer organizations, social movements and civic action.
Proposals should aim for a comprehensive and dynamic understanding of the interaction between some or all of the following: actors in farming, government, private sector, civil society and science. They should pursue a global perspective with a grounding in experience from the global South; and employ innovative, interdisciplinary methods, such as but not limited to: ethnographies of organizations and agrarian initiatives; analysis of discourses and narratives; mapping of social agency, networks and impact; or analysis of norms and normative thinking. Projects with a gender-sensitive approach are encouraged. Thus, program invites proposals that can advance global agrarian studies and elucidate contemporary struggles about agrarian transformation and social justice in relation to food, gender, labour and democracy.
Main tasks
The PhD Programme comprises mandatory and elective courses with oral and written examinations and a major research component. The applicant is advised to visit the website for detailed information regarding PhD regulations at NMBU and information about the PhD programme at Noragric.
The successful candidate will during the first months of the appointment prepare a plan for how to complete a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period of three years. Subject to mutual agreement the contract may be extended to carry out other academic work, primarily in education.
Academic qualifications
Required academic qualifications
- A research-based master’s degree in a relevant field with a GPA of B or above
- Proficiency in English as a working language at high academic level
Desired academic qualifications
- International research and/or working experience including in the Global South
Personal skills
Required personal skills
- Ability to plan and carry out independent research of high academic and ethical standard
- Ability to engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative work
- High motivation and ability to create and share knowledge
NMBU offers:
- An academic institution with focus on professional development, dissemination and competence
- An interdisciplinary and inclusive environment that provides exciting research and development opportunities and interaction with students and colleagues
- An attractive campus at Ås
- Possibility of a place in a private kindergarten
Remuneration
Employment as PhD candidate follows national guidelines. The selected candidate will be appointed as a PhD candidate for a period of three years. The salary starts at Norwegian public sector scale level 51 (NOK 443 900 per annum) and follows standard regulations concerning academic merit and promotion. Total additional funding available for running expenses during the PhD studies is NOK 96 000.
Application
To apply for this vacancy, please click 'Apply for this job' on website. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Applications should include (electronically) a letter of intent, a draft research proposal not exceeding 1000 words, curriculum vitae, full publication list, copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records (all certified), and a list of two persons who may act as references (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses). Publications should be included electronically within the application deadline. Committee may require further documentation, e.g. proof of English proficiency.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their academic qualifications, the quality of the draft research proposal and previous research as well as other relevant experience. The shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview as a part of the evaluation. Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.
Applicants who lack a master’s degree and/or who submit incomplete applications will be excluded from the recruitment process.
A compulsory contribution of 2% of the monthly salary is made to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
A good working environment is characterized by diversity. The program encourages qualified candidates to apply, irrespective of gender, physical ability or cultural background. The workplace will, if necessary be facilitated for individuals with disabilities.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25, the list of applicants for this position may be made public irrespective of whether the applicant has requested that his/her name be withheld.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/landsam/department/noragric/about/vacancies/node/34284?utm_source=ARMACAD.info&utm_medium=ARMACAD.info