The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD) at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, is announcing the position of Research Coordinator for the project “Understanding the Present, Preparing New Beginnings: Co-producing Knowledge on Inclusivity in Burma,” funded by the Henry Luce Foundation from August 2023 to July 2027.
This project aims to create a deeper understanding of ethnic inclusivity in the key areas of federal democracy, resource governance, and education in Myanmar. Key activities involve enhancing the research capacity of ethnic researchers and education providers from Burma, with the main objective of advancing the co-production of knowledge on ethnic inclusivity through research, exchange, interaction, and dialogue.
The Research Coordinator will take the lead in supporting the research capacity development of the ethnic researchers, enabling them to conduct research on the the social and political enablers and obstacles to ethnic inclusivity.
Through these activities, the Research Coordinator will help setting up the “Center for an Inclusive Burma (CIB)”, a small research hub on Burma Studies at RCSD to provide a space for dialogue and knowledge exchange among various key actors from Myanmar and beyond, including academics, representatives of CSOs, NGOs, and ethnic groups.
Major Responsibilities:
- Collaborating with the Principal Investigator, Project Administration, Research Assistant, and other relevant staff to implement the project according to the project timeline and proposal.
- Advancing knowledge in the field of ethnic inclusivity in Burma, with a focus on federalism, education and resource governance. This involves coordinating, monitoring, and mentoring research activities and small research projects conducted by researchers from different ethnic groups.
- Mentoring and advising grant recipients and strengthening their research capacity. This includes assisting them in all phases of their research endeavors, such as data analysis, writing, and presenting research results.
- Supporting and coordinating the development of research training programs and workshops for teachers and ethnic researchers. This includes identifying resource persons and managing the development and delivery of training sessions, workshops, and related teaching materials.
- Facilitating interaction and dialogue among researchers from different ethnic groups and ethnic education organizations, and building networks of diverse ethnic researchers in Myanmar, Thailand, and the borderland.
- Facilitating and coordinating the publication of various research outputs by grant recipients.
Required Qualifications:
- Candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
- MA or PhD in Southeast Asian studies, with a focus on social sciences such as anthropology, sociology, political science, or other relevant fields.
- Familiarity with social science research and strong knowledge of current trends in ethnic politics, e.g., debates on federalism, and resource governance in Myanmar.
- At least 2 years of experience in coordinating research in the areas of ethnic relations, ethnic conflict, resource governance, or education in Myanmar.
- A demonstrated commitment to supporting, supervising, and mentoring researchers to strengthen their social science capacity.
- A record of publications in academic journals or other recognized research outputs on issues related to ethnic relations, ethnic conflict, federalism and democracy, or resource governance in Myanmar.
- Strong teamwork skills.
- Applicants with Burmese language skills will receive special consideration.
Salary/Benefits: ranging from 38,000– 48,000 baht per month, inclusive of Thai government social security, depending on capacity and experiences.
Start Date: (Ideally) 1 August 2024
If you are interested in the position, please submit the following documents:
- A full CV
- Certified copies of all academic transcripts
- A copy of an ID card or passport
- A personal statement that includes your vision for the role of Research Coordinator and how you would fulfill the major responsibilities. Please also include your experience working on or researching the issues addressed in the project.
- Two reference letters
All documents, including a cover letter, should be submitted to the RCSD Director at rcsd@cmu.ac.th.
Closing Date: 15 July 2024