Postdoc in Climate & Conflict Studies – CLIMCON

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Postdoc in Climate & Conflict Studies – CLIMCON

Join Utrecht University as a postdoc in the CLIMCON project and explore how armed groups shape the climate-conflict nexus in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.

Deadline Published Vacancy ID 4634

Academic fields

Behaviour and society

Job types

Postdoc

Education level

Doctorate

Weekly hours

32—40 hours per week

Salary indication

€3378—€5331 per month

Location

Princetonlaan 8a, 3584CB, Utrecht

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Job description

The Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning at Utrecht University is looking for a two-year postdoctoral researcher for the NWO-funded project 'Centring Armed Organizations in the Climate-Conflict Nexus' (CLIMCON).

Your job
The CLIMCON project aims to generate new insights into the multidirectional links between climate change and armed conflict. Comparing two areas of protracted armed conflict in the borderlands between DRC, Burundi and Uganda, CLIMCON will examine how the emerging effects of climate change shape processes of armed mobilisation and how armed conflict in turn shapes vulnerability to climate change. To capture these interacting processes, it will focus on armed organisations and their supporters, including elites.

You will be part of a research team consisting of two PhD candidates and the Principal Investigator Judith Verweijen. Your main role will be to develop and conduct research exploring local perceptions and experiences of climate change, armed conflict and their interactions, including through participatory mapping. You will also contribute to developing and executing research on the effects of climate change on armed organisations and their supporters.

This includes:
  • developing and refining, together with the PI, the research instruments;
  • conducting and overseeing fieldwork in eastern DRC, Burundi and Uganda;
  • (co-)authoring publications based on the field research.

Requirements

  • You have a PhD in Conflict Studies, Political Science, Human Geography, Anthropology, or a related discipline.
  • You have good understanding of the field of climate security and experience working on armed and resource conflict in Africa’s Great Lakes region, as reflected in your publications, and you have experience collaborating with researchers from the region.
  • You have experience conducting fieldwork in eastern DRC, Uganda or Burundi (at least two of the three countries) and with working with researchers from the region.
  • You have a track record in developing and implementing innovative qualitative research methods and adequate research instruments.
  • You have experience with conducting research on combatants and armed groups.
  • You are fluent in French and English (excellent oral and written communication skills).
  • You can work both independently and in collaboration with colleagues.
  • You have considerable experience with academic publishing as reflected in your publications record.
  • Command of Swahili and Kirundi is considered a plus.

Conditions of employment

  • A position for two years, starting ideally on 1 August 2025;
  • a working week of 32 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
  • 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
  • a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Employer

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

Working at Utrecht University

At Utrecht University, we work together towards a better future for all of us. You are invited to contribute to a better world.

Will you join us?