What you will be doing
This research project puts the role of grassroots institutions, local communities, and local actors central in climate governance. As local actors and institutions (re)shape their adaptation strategies, they also (re)configure existing power relations, and vice versa. Focusing on cases in Southeast Asia, the project aims to identify and better understand various forms and types of grassroots knowledge and institutions, including how these evolve over time. Placing rights-based approaches and inter-scalar dynamics at the center of climate adaptation, it emphasizes the questions of adaptation for whom, by whom, and for what. Combining archival research, oral history, and ethnographical research, it seeks to link past adaptation practices with present and future adaptation strategies. This research project is led by KITLV in collaboration with various partners in the Global South including national universities and civil society organizations in Indonesia and Thailand. The project will start in September 2024 and has a total duration of 3 years.

KITLV is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher for this project. The appointment will initially be for 1 year, with the possibility of extension, depending on work performance and budget availability
The postdoc will carry out archival research pertaining to natural resource governance in Southeast Asia. The Postdoc will focus their research on identifying, tracing, and unpacking various knowledge systems and institutions that could serve as key building blocks in shaping local communities’ responses to climate change in the past and at present.

What you will be contributing

• A PhD in Humanities, specializing in Indonesian history or Thai history or Southeast Asian history;
• Experience in conducting archival research and oral history and good knowledge of the archival landscape in one or more of the following countries: the Netherlands, the UK, Indonesia, and/or Thailand;
• Strong interest in collaboration with local communities and other key partners in the country you will be working in (e.g. national universities, civil society organizations) in co-designing and conducting the research;
• Fluency in at least one of these four languages: Dutch, English, Indonesian, Thai;
• Team player with strong affinity with working in an interdisciplinary and multi-cultural (research) team.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is 3.720 and the maximum salary is [[salarisMax]] gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale [[ufoSchaal]] cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Non Dutch applicants are required to relocate to The Netherlands. If and when necessary, KITLV will apply for the residence permit. Non Dutch employees may qualify for a Tax break (30% Ruling).

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.

KITLV-KNAW

About the KITLV
The Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV-KNAW) is an Academy research institute. The KITLV conducts interdisciplinary and comparative historical research. Its research focus is Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, with an emphasis on Indonesia and the 'Dutch' Caribbean. It is particularly interested in such issues as state formation, violence and citizenship, processes of mobility and the formation of ethnic and national identity. KITLV is active in the humanities, social sciences and comparative area studies and works closely with Leiden University.

Research

KITLV/Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies initiates and coordinates innovative research projects on Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. It engages in research that is theoretically informed, compara- tive, and empirically strong. Research on both regions focuses on contemporary developments as well as on historical themes. This page lists the research projects ongoing at KITLV and in collaboration with other departments and institutions.

More information

For questions you can contact our director, Prof. dr. D. Suhardiman at suhardiman[at]kitlv.nl.