Open Call: Research Chair on Forced Displacement in Southeast Asia

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 10 APRIL

The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University is launching an open call for the position of Research Chair on Forced Displacement in Southeast Asia. This exciting role provides the opportunity and scope for an emerging to mid-career scholar to help shape research trajectories on refugees and displacement in the region, to play a pivotal role in advocating for protection and support for displaced people, and to develop innovative curricula which work with multiple actors across disciplines and helps mentor emerging scholars from the region.

As part of a five-year funding commitment awarded to RCSD by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC / CRDI), the Research Chair will form part of a growing global network of knowledge leaders working on displacement from and in the global south in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Requirements

Essential requirements for the position:

  • A national of any country in Southeast Asia
  • Hold a PhD in any field across the social sciences, including anthropology, sociology, international relations or political science;
  • A record of 3-5 publications in peer-reviewed academic journals or the production of other recognized research outputs on issues of forced displacement;
    A native speaker of a Southeast Asian language, and excellent written English (Thai language is desirable, but not required).

The ideal candidate should have:

  • A strong theoretical foundation on mobility and migration, displacement and refugees, or human rights, and a track record of contributing knowledge which engages with contemporary theoretical issues.
  • Several years of experience working in displacement contexts in Southeast Asia or with displaced communities, and strong knowledge of current trends in the region regarding refugees and diverse forms of mobility.
  • A proven commitment to grounded methodologies and the production of knowledge alongside community and civil society.
  • A demonstrated passion to support and mentor graduate students and early career researchers from the global south.
  • Some experience engaging with state actors on policy settings or in advocacy and current knowledge of the present legal and policy context.
  • Understanding and experience of the challenges and sensitivities involved in working in cross-cultural professional and research settings.

Salary/benefits

60,000 baht per month inclusive accommodation and government social security. Four weeks of paid annual leave.

Start date

Ideally April 2022, but this may be adjusted for the appropriate candidate

To apply

Those interested in the position, please submit

  • A full CV
  • Certified copies of all academic transcripts
  • A copy of an ID card or a passport
  • A personal statement which includes a vision for the research chair and how you would fill the major requirements of the role, experience working or researching on displacement/refugee issues, and view of the contemporary displacement context in Southeast Asia.

All the document including a cover letter should be submitted to RCSD Director at rcsd@cmu.ac.th
Closing date: 28 February 2022, or until position is filled.

RCSD is an equal opportunity research center, and we are committed to empowering minority and marginalized communities. We therefore encourage applications from female candidates, as well as candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Full details included in PDF below: