SARChI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2016-2017)
DST/NRF SARChI Research Chair in
The Sociology of Land, Environment and Sustainable Development
Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology
Stellenbosch University, South Africa

A postdoctoral fellowship, tenable for two years, is attached to the SARChI Chair in the Sociology of Land, Environment and Sustainable Development, recently awarded to Prof Cherryl Walker at Stellenbosch University. Applications are invited from suitably qualified researchers who are keen to contribute to this new research programme through an individually designed research and publication programme as well as their active participation in the work of the broader research team.

Scope of Research:

The central concern of the Chair is to deepen our understanding of the complex web of social and environmental dynamics within which societal commitments to sustainable development must be grounded, through an investigation of these issues in and through the Karoo region of South Africa. The Karoo is a compelling research site in itself, given its particular history and environment. It is of particular interest in the present conjuncture because of several globally networked developments that are promising major social and economic benefits (both locally and nationally), while recalibrating relationships to land, environment and place in very different ways. These developments include the major Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope installation, the possible development of shale-gas mining (‘fracking’) in selected areas, as well as a range of alternative energy, mining and conservation initiatives scattered across the region.

While the Research Chair is anchored in a Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, its research programme is inter-disciplinary in scope, straddling the broad fields of development studies, environmental sociology, history, land and agrarian studies, science studies, and related themes. While focused on the Karoo as its primary research site, the research programme is also deeply interested in advancing comparative perspectives and theoretically engaged work.

Requirements:

  • A PhD in a relevant field, awarded within the last five years
  • Evidence of strong scholarly performance and commitment to research and publishing.

Previous experience working in the Karoo may be an advantage but is not a requirement. Post-doctoral fellows are expected to be based at Stellenbosch University for the duration of the fellowship.

Applications:

Applicants should send a detailed letter of motivation, accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum vitae, transcripts of their academic qualifications, at least one example of recent written work (e.g. a published article or chapter from a PhD), as well as the names and contact details of at least two referees, to Prof Cherryl Walker, at cjwalker@sun.ac.za.

Applicants should also request their referees to forward their confidential reports to Prof Walker by the closing date.

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2015.

Enquiries:

Contact Prof Walker at cjwalker@sun.ac.za.

Further information on the SARChI Chair is also available at www.sun.ac.za/sociology