The SOLiDi consortium and University of Leicester are looking for a talented and motivated researcher to join the International Training Network and write a PhD on solidarity in diversity.
The rise of national populism and far-right parties in Europe poses a big threat to all forms of solidarity, especially solidarity between members of various ethnic-cultural groups. European democracies should therefore identify the conditions that can encourage and promote solidarity in diversity, taking into account the social inequalities and unequal positions of power between various groups. The EU-funded SOLiDi project has developed a training and research program to train 15 PhD researchers in relevant theories, research methods and ethics in the fields of sociology, human geography and educational sciences. The training and research program will also focus on paradigms of social change, studying how scientific insights on solidarity in diversity can be applied in different policy contexts and organisations. Ultimately, the project will provide professionals and institutions with insights and instruments for building cohesive European societies. SOLiDi is a consortium consisting of 10 universities and 23 non-academic organisations.
Scientific objectives
This project examines the experiences of LGBT migrants and the places and practices through which they experience solidarity in diversity. Using qualitative methods it will compare the experiences of LGBT migrants amongst: (1) those who have migrated from Eastern or Southern Europe; (2) those joining well-established diasporic communities in the city (especially from South Asia); (3) international students. The project will investigate the places and practices that enable them to feel that they ‘belong’ in the city, as LGBT migrants.
Tasks and Responsibilities
· You perform independently scientific research within a collaborative international research consortium
· You deliver written reports of your research on a regular basis
· You prepare a doctoral thesis on the topic of solidarity in diversity
· You publish scientific articles related to the research project
· You support the valorization of research results into tangible deliverables
· You participate in, and contribute to, scientific meetings and conferences, presenting your research to the scientific community
· You actively participate in outreach activities aimed at promoting your research to a wider audience
· You collaborate with the other members of the consortium to advance your research and training
· You participate in the tailor-made training programme
· The selected candidate will take part in the following planned secondment: academic secondment to the KU Leuven (Belgium) and non-academic secondment at Trade Sexual Health, in Leicester (UK).
About the host institutions
The University of Leicester is a research-intensive
university located in one of the UK’s most diverse cities. We are Citizens of
Change, we tackle today’s global challenges, addressing inequality and
supporting societies and communities locally, nationally and internationally.
The researcher will be based in the School of Geography, Geology and the
Environment, and a member of the Critical and Creative Geographies research
group. The University has a lively, interdisciplinary research network on
Migration, Mobility and Citizenship. For more information: https://le.ac.uk/gge
KU Leuven is an institution for research and education with
international appeal. The researcher will be based in the Geography division of
the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. For more information:
https://ees.kuleuven.be/geography/
Profile and Requirements
You hold a master degree in Human Geography, Sociology or Anthropology.
You obtained outstanding academic results.
You are interested in interdisciplinary, theory-oriented empirical research and have strong analytical skills.
You are a team player and are sensitive to diversity.
You have strong communication skills.
You are fluent in academic English (speaking and writing) with IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Your academic qualities comply with the requirements
stipulated in
https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/research-subjects/human-and-social-geography
Applicants can be of any nationality, but have to comply with the “Mobility Rule”:
Candidates may apply for up to three ESR positions in the SOLiDi project, but should mention explicitly the other ESR positions for which they apply in their personal statement.
Benefits
The selected candidate will be employed by the host organisation. The guaranteed PhD funding is for 36 months (i.e. EC funding).
A competitive salary, plus mobility and family allowances. Moreover, funding is available for technical and personal skills training and participation in international research events.
The selected candidate will benefit from the designed training programme offered by the host organisation and the SOLiDi consortium.
The selected candidate will participate in international secondments to other organisations within the SOLiDi network and in outreach activities targeted at a wide audience.
Additional information
Informal enquiries to Professor Gavin Brown ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr Katy Bennett ([Email Address Removed]).
Candidates apply in the host institution. They provide:
· a CV, including their skills and educational and career trajectory and their place of residence and place of main activities (work, studies, etc.) in 3 preceding years (max. 3 pages, font 11 or higher)
· a personal statement, explaining their motivation (up to 2 pages, font 11 or higher)
· building on the project description
(https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/solidi/research/) write a one page
outline of the research questions, approach and research design of your PhD
project
· the name and contact details of two referees who can comment on your skills, experience, and suitability for postgraduate research (referees will only be contacted for candidates invited to interview)
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