The Department of Geography and Regional Research is the oldest and largest geographical institute in Austria. It is home to more than 90 researchers in 9 working groups and 3,600 students. Geographical research and teaching at the Institute encompasses both social and natural sciences. This interdisciplinary basis provides a dynamic and inspiring environment for researchers working on the major societal challenges of our time.

The advertised Praedoc position is part of the research project "Cultural Heritage in Motion: Indigenous Knowledge and Mobile Livelihoods in Changing Climates (CuHeMo)" led by Dr. Simon Bunchuay-Peth, and is embedded in the Trans|Form research ground on Population, Environment, Development (led by Prof. Dr. Patrick Sakdapolrak). The aim of this PhD project is to investigate questions related to indigenous environmental knowledge and to explore cultural practices and adaptation strategies of agro-pastoralists to climate change in Ethiopia through theory based empirical and qualitative research.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a University Assistant PraeDoc you will work in a transdisciplinary team in the CuHeMo project.
  
Project details: CuHeMo is an international and transdisciplinary project consisting of a consortium with Wageningen University (Netherlands), Mahidol University (Thailand) and the University of Vienna. The aim of CuHeMo is to investigate the links between mobile cultural lifestyles, cultural heritage and climate change adaptation of indigenous groups in Senegal, Ethiopia (focus of the Austrian project partner) and Thailand. There has been little empirical research done on this topic at the interface between geographical development research, cultural geography and climate change adaptation research and CuHeMo will contribute to closing existing research gaps. The research is theory-led and based on established methods of qualitative social research, multi-sited ethnography and participatory methods (PRA/PLA). The research aims to gain empirical knowledge and to contribute to the theoretical debate in this field. Central research questions of the project are (a) how climate change affects cultural heritage and practices of semi-nomadic groups and (b) to what extent cultural heritage and indigenous environmental knowledge can help to better adapt to climate change. The research is internationally comparative in order to generate more generalised knowledge that goes beyond local case studies.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research & administration, which means:

• The development and completion of a dissertation on the topic of climate change adaptation of indigenous groups, their mobile and cultural ways of living and traditional environmental knowledge (indigenous epistemologies)
• Participate in project activities, conducting scientific empirical field work and other academic activities
• Participation in the preparation of research proposals and acquisition of third-party funding
• Involvement in the working group, carrying out administrative tasks and scientific communication
   

This is part of your personality:

• University degree in (human) geography, anthropology or a related disciplines
• Good knowledge of qualitative social research and/or qualitative and participatory methods 
• Willingness to conduct field research in Southern Ethiopia 
• Some experience in doing field research is an advantage
• Experience in qualitative content analysis
• A background in human geography or cultural geography, migration research, development research or human-environment research is an advantage
• Very good command of written and spoken English
• Ability to work in an intercultural team

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely. 

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary: A basic salary of EUR 2.684,10 (for 30 hours).

Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae 
• Summary of your research interests/dissertation concept (2-3 pages)
• Certificates of your degree/s
• Via our job portal / Apply now - Button