2 research PhD positions
The Centre for Social Studies (CES), University of Coimbra (Portugal), invites applications for 2 PhD positions in the project “MEMOIRS-Children of Empires and European Postmemories”, funded by the European Research Council (nº 648624), and coordinated by Dr. Margarida Calafate Ribeiro.
MEMOIRS focuses on the intergenerational memories of the children of those involved in the decolonization processes of colonies held by France, Portugal and Belgium in Africa. Through interviews of this second generation, and a comparative analysis of the cultures influenced by the postmemory of the colonial wars and the end of empire, Europe's postcolonial heritage will be reinterrogated, and a new understanding of the contemporary continent will be developed.
The project is interdisciplinary: literary and cultural studies, history, sociology, anthropology, arts and international relations.
Duration: from November 1, 2015 to October 31, 2020.
www.ces.uc.pt
Complete call text: http://www.ces.uc.pt/oportunidades/editais/209_209_Edital__Memoirs_2016_EN.pdf
a. Scientific field: Humanities and Social Sciences
b. Admission requirements:
1. Master’s degree in the Social Sciences and Humanities, esp. Literature, Cultural Studies, History (10%);
2. Research experience in postcolonial studies, literary studies or cultural studies (15%);
3. Documented training and experience in using qualitative methodologies in the social sciences (esp. interviews, and documental analysis) (15%);
4. Interest in developing a PhD thesis within the scope of the project’s thematic area and countries (25%);
5. Native or near-native speaker of French, and proficiency in English. Knowledge of Portuguese or a third language relevant to the project is an advantage (15%);
6. Availability for frequent travel (mainly in Europe), including regular stays in Coimbra (10%);
7. Promising academic record, showing critical thinking and interest in interdisciplinarity (10%).
c. Work plan:
Conduct field research under the supervision of the PI. Publish 2 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Co-edit a book. Conclude a PhD within 4 years. Participate in scientific events.
Selected PhD candidates will participate in the project as full team members and contribute to data collection, organization and analysis. PhD candidates will also get involved in research management and networking, among other tasks.
d. Work place:
Tasks will be performed mainly at the Centre for Social Studies facilities (Coimbra, Portugal), or in other locations deemed necessary, and with the authorisation from the PI.
PhD candidates will be based at the University of Coimbra, or develop their PhD at a different HEI under a doctoral cotutelle agreement for joint supervision.
e. Duration of the scholarship contract:
The scholarship are full-time positions for 12 months, starting October 1 2016. The scholarship will be extended until the end of the project, depending on the good performance of the fellows, and on their successful progression in the PhD programme.
f. Monthly allowance: The full-time positions will have a monthly stipend of 980 euros. The Social Security (Voluntary Regime), when applicable, and a Personal Accident Insurance add up to this amount. The project will cover any costs related to fieldwork or to other relevant activities as defined in c.
g. Applications period: May 13 to June 24, 2016
h. Applications must include:
a) letter of motivation in English;
b) detailed CV;
c) copies of degree certificates and of other relevant documents;
d) a writing sample (e.g. excerpt from Master’s thesis, article, etc.); and
e) a PhD thesis proposal within the scope of MEMOIRS.
Applications can be handed in personally at CES’ facilities, or sent by postal mail with stamp due by the final deadline, to the following address:
Centro de Estudos Sociais
Reference: CES-BI/17/2016
A/C Dr. Margarida Calafate Ribeiro
Colégio de S. Jerónimo
Apartado 3087
3000-995 Coimbra
Portugal
CES promotes equal opportunities.