The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University (CMU), is pleased to announce an open call for the position of Research Chair on Forced Displacement in Southeast Asia. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced scholar to lead transformative research, advocate for displaced communities, and mentor emerging academics while contributing to the evolving field of migration and displacement studies.
Funded by a five-year commitment from the International Development Research Center (IDRC) starting 2022, the successful candidate will join a global network of knowledge leaders tackling displacement challenges across the Global South in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Chair position provides an exceptional opportunity to:
- Lead pioneering research on forced displacement, refugees, and migration in Southeast Asia.
- Develop interdisciplinary curricula and mentor the next generation of scholars.
- Advocate for displaced communities and influence regional policies.
- Support and guide young scholars from Southeast Asia in advancing the field.
Eligibility Criteria
- A citizen of any Southeast Asian country, with preference for candidates from Myanmar.
- A Ph.D. in a social science discipline such as anthropology, sociology, international relations, or political science.
- A strong publication record, with 3–5 articles in peer-reviewed academic journals or equivalent research outputs on forced displacement.
- Fluency in a Southeast Asian language and excellent written English; proficiency in Thai or Burmese is desirable.
Preferred Qualities
- Solid theoretical grounding in mobility, migration, displacement, or human rights, with an ability to engage with contemporary debates.
- Extensive experience working with displaced communities or on displacement issues in Southeast Asia.
- Commitment to grounded methodologies and co-produced knowledge alongside communities and civil society.
- Experience mentoring graduate students and early-career researchers, particularly from the Global South.
- Familiarity with policy advocacy and engagement with state actors on displacement-related issues.
- Sensitivity to and experience in cross-cultural professional and research settings.
Salary and Benefits
Monthly salary: 60,000–80,000 THB (inclusive of accommodation and social security).
- Four weeks of paid annual leave.
- Visa and work permit support for non-Thai candidates.
Start Date
Ideally January 2025, with flexibility for the right candidate.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- A detailed CV, including contact information for at least two referees.
- Certified copies of academic transcripts.
- A copy of a national ID or passport.
- A personal statement addressing the following:
– Vision for the role of Research Chair.
– Relevant experience with displacement/refugee issues.
– Perspectives on contemporary displacement in Southeast Asia.
Applications should be submitted by email to the RCSD Director at rcsd@cmu.ac.th.
Closing Date
December 20, 2024, or until the position is filled.
About the Position
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Host Organization: RCSD, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University
Duration: Full-time, ideally two years, ending in December 2026.
This position aims to build on RCSD’s existing strengths in producing grounded and co-produced research on displacement. While the Research Chair will cover Southeast Asia broadly, emphasis will be placed on the upper mainland region, including Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, particularly Myanmar border areas.
Key responsibilities include:
- Defining and advancing a research agenda on forced displacement in Southeast Asia.
- Developing and teaching courses for international graduate students and organizing workshops and short-term training programs.
- Mentoring graduate students and early-career researchers.
- Publishing research outputs and facilitating community and civil society engagement.
- Advocating for displaced communities and contributing to policy dialogues.
This role offers reduced teaching and administrative obligations, providing the flexibility to shape a personalized research agenda. The Chair is also encouraged to work with scholars at risk, creating safe academic spaces for displaced researchers.
About RCSD and CMU
Located in the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, RCSD is a leading research center under the Faculty of Social Sciences, committed to the co-production of knowledge through transdisciplinary approaches. Our mission is to empower communities, inform public discourse, and foster democratic culture through grounded research. CMU provides a supportive academic environment and a green, spacious campus at the foothills of Doi Suthep-Pui mountain. RCSD is an equal-opportunity institution, encouraging applications from women and candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds. For more information,
contact rcsd@cmu.ac.th.