Postdoctoral Researcher in Humanitarian Design (F/M/D) Job in Colombia Recruiting by Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

L'Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement recrute un/une

Postdoctoral Researcher in Humanitarian Design (F/M/D)

ACTIVITY PERIOD: 01.09.2024 – 28.02.2027 (2.5 years)

ACTIVITY RATE: 100%

application deadline: 15.05.2024

Introduction:

The Future of Humanitarian Design (HUD) explores how emerging technologies, processes of aesthetic design, and engineering insights can be combined with knowledge from international relations to tackle the crisis facing humanitarianism. To do so, the project is constructed as a form of experimental action research in which social scientists will collaboratively work alongside architects, engineers, and others to lead the co-design of three technological interventions designed to prevent violence in humanitarian contexts. The goal is to 1) explore how we might work with ‘theoretical’ and ‘critical’ social scientific insights in the world of humanitarian practices and beyond, 2) see how social science can be more closely ‘bridged’ with engineering, architectural, and design practice to prevent violence, and 3) therein, take up the urgent task of working collaboratively across the sciences to develop practices that improve the conditions of some of the most vulnerable populations in the world. To achieve this, HUD is a collaboration between the Geneva Graduate Institute, the University of Copenhagen, the Art and Design School in Geneva, and the EssentialTech Center at EPFL Lausanne. It partners with organizations including Médecins sans Frontières (doctors without borders), Terre des Hommes, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and research institutions in Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. More information about the project is available here .

Mission, role and activities:

As part of the project, the recruited postdoctoral researchers will join this interdisciplinary and transvocational team , having the opportunity to travel and work in relevant field sites (Colombia, DRC). They will work on core project research collaboratively with the entire team, as well as pursue independent research related to the project themes and their own interests.

PROFILE:

We are seeking to recruit a researcher with excellent interdisciplinary competencies that cut across one or more of the following core areas:

• Science and technology studies;
• The political/social theory of technology;
• Design (theory, materiality, aesthetics, arts);

• Humanitarian Action, and related fields of practice, broadly conceived.

In addition, expertise and experience working in the following areas is desirable:

• An area studies or anthropological interest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and/or Colombia;
• Political violence and/or violence prevention from a global perspective.

In addition to these areas of specialization, the following skills and qualifications are expected/desired :

• An excellent doctoral degree within a discipline related to the above foci, broadly conceived (required);
• A strong interest and experience in interdisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary research (required);
• Excellent English-language writing and speaking skills (required);
• A willingness to take on independent responsibilities and leadership tasks (required);
• Proficient communication skills and an ability to work independently as well as in teams (required);
• A willingness to travel to relevant field sites and other locations as part of the project (valued);
• Experience with participatory action research and co-design methodologies (valued);

• Proficiency in one or more of French, Spanish, Swahili, Lingala (valued).

Dossier and Applications

For details on how to complete your dossier and submit applications, please see below:

• A letter of motivation
• A CV with a list of publications
• Three writing samples
• An independent research project to be developed during the post-doc
• The names of two references to be contacted in case of shortlisting.

What you can expect from us:

The successful Postdoctoral researcher will get the opportunity to:

• Carry out an independent research project falling within the scope of the HUD.
• Participate in internal HUD activities such as seminars, workshops and exhibitions.
• Engage in the HUD related fieldwork and co-design workshops at the field sites (Colombia, DRC).
• Contribute to collective HUD related publications and exhibitions.
• Engage with the students at the Geneva Graduate Institute and the other HUD institutions.
• Familiarize yourself with the work of the HUD partner organizations.
• Connect to the interdisciplinary research community of the Geneva Graduate Institute.
• A cosmopolitan community
• A motivating, human, and inclusive working environment
• A thriving working environment with a dynamic international team.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability status, race, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

For more information, candidates are encouraged to consult the project’s website .

Please note that offers received by post won't be considered.