JOB- Senior Researcher: The Multidimensionality of Space, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Bonn Posted by: Wagma Bromand Vacancy Announcement Senior Researcher: The Multidimensionality of Space ZEF (Center for Development Research), Bonn, Germany Department of Political and Cultural Change Applications before 31 July 2013 Description: The work is part of the BMBF-funded competence network ‘Crossroads Asia’ (crossroads-asia.de), and in particular the head office of the network located at the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn. In addition to carrying out project-related research, the position contributes to the general activities of the Department of Political and Cultural Change at ZEF. Crossroads Asia pursues the development of a ‘new area studies’ approach, making mobility and related thematic figurations the basis of the network’s scholarly research. The geographic focus of the network comprises the area from eastern Iran to western China and from the Aral Sea to northern India. The aim of this Senior Researcher position is to contribute to the network’s research by conceptually and methodologically developing research expertise on the multidimensionality and relativity of space. Inspired by the ‘spatial turn’ in the social sciences, ‘space’ itself becomes a research object and category of area studies. The traditional connection of physical/ geographic space and area-specific academic disciplines is critically reflected and questioned. The successful candidate will develop ‘space’ as an explicit research focus and perspective at ZEF and for Crossroads Asia by bringing conceptual expertise and developing methodological approaches to spatial analyses in collaboration with network colleagues. Drawing on the empirical research of other work packages, the spatial analysis of social processes is hoped to yield theoretical insights into the multidimensionality of space, into local spatial realities which are socially constructed through interaction as well as into their relations to the externally defined borders of the conventional world regions of Central and South Asia. Tasks: - Develop a conceptual model of the multidimensionality of space, based on the empirical research conducted in the network’s work packages with regard to the geographical regions studied by Crossroads Asia - Coordinate and contribute to the development of a methodology specific to the ‘new area studies’ approach developed by the network (keyword: ‘mobile methodologies’) for tracing emic (process) definitions of space - Closely cooperate with project colleagues on the topics outlined above with the aim of synthesising the research outcomes of separate work packages by focusing on sociospatial relations and their relevance in defining ‘area’ - Actively publish (together with network colleagues) synthesis work in channels of the international academic community as well as the German public (2 Crossroads Asia Working Papers, 1 peer-reviewed journal publications) - Actively participate in and contribute to project activities and provide guidance to the project on topics related to the multidimensionality of space and its relevance to rethinking present concepts of ‘area’ and of ‘area studies’ - Tutor PhD students working on related topics - Contribute to ZEF’s interdisciplinary doctoral programme by teaching in the interdisciplinary and disciplinary courses - Contribute to additional core tasks of the Department of Political and Cultural Change at ZEF Start and duration: From 01 September 2013 to 31 December 2014; with extension depending on a project extension. Requirements: - Postgraduate Social Science or Area Studies University Degree (PhD preferred) - Publication record of former work on topics relevant to the social construction of space or on the research region of South and Central Asia - Research/Work experience in South or Central Asian countries - Effective interpersonal communication skills including ability to work harmoniously in a team - Proven track record in network building - Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take on unexpected tasks - Advanced writing skills in English - Flexibility to travel both in country and region - Local language skills (i.e. Russian, Farsi, Hindi, Urdu, other) would be an additional plus Additional information: For more detailed information, please contact: Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge, ZEFa, Bonn, Mail: [email protected], Phone: 00-49-228-731718 Submission of Application: Please send your complete set of application documents (incl. Letter of interest, CV and supporting documents) to: Ms. Nelli Nokkala, Center for Development Research, Zentrum für Entwicklungsforschung (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 1-3, 53113 Bonn, Germany, Mail: [email protected]
Posted on: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 15:40:41 +0000
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