Liu Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Liu Institute for Global Issues, at the University of British Columbia, invites applications from outstanding researchers who have recently completed a Ph.D. to hold Postdoctoral Fellowships (PDF) at the Institute, beginning as early as 1 April 2010 and no later than 1 September 2010. There are three Postdoctoral Fellowships available:
- Bottom Billion Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Human Security Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Security and Defence Forum Postdoctoral Fellowship
These positions aim to facilitate problem‐based interdisciplinary research on global issues.
Bottom Billion Postdoctoral Fellowship:
A billion people currently live on less than a dollar a day, the vast majority of them in Africa and South Asia. The Liu Institute invites applications from scholars focusing their research on development among the world’s poorest. We are interested in social and natural scientists working on one of three themes: Development and Environment; Development and Health; and Development and Conflict. We especially encourage applications from scholars in developing countries.
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Human Security Postdoctoral Fellowship:
The Institute regards human security in a multi-dimensional way; we support research in the themes of social justice, sustainability and security (e.g. armed conflict), toward the goal of protecting individuals. For this position, the Institute invites applications from promising scholars with doctorates in either social or natural sciences with a research proposal that supports one of these themes in human security. Areas of interest include but are not limited to peace and conflict, environment and climate, food and basic human needs.
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Security and Defence Forum Postdoctoral Fellowship:
Funded through the Security and Defence Forum Program, the Institute is looking for someone to contribute to its ongoing agenda of activities and research, particularly focusing on Canadian security and foreign policy and on Canada’s efforts to redefine and realize a role in global and regional security environments. While priority will be given to applicants whose expertise and interests fall within these areas, exceptionally qualified individuals working on other questions concerning security, conflict, peace management and multilateral security cooperation also are invited to apply.
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Research
The Institute’s current areas of research are in sustainability, security, and social justice. The Institute is particularly interested in emerging issues that affect large groups of people in different places and need concerted action and new knowledge to find solutions.
The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to enhance the Institute’s interdisciplinary research and learning environment by supporting the Liu Scholar Program, and through involvement with Liu Postdoctoral Fellows, Faculty and Faculty Associates. The Postdoctoral Fellow should expect to participate in Liu events during their Fellowship and present their research in public talks at the Institute.
Postdoctoral Fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Organize retreats, conferences, and coauthoring workshops;
- Profile and publish their research on the Institute’s website;
- Participate in Liu events, including meeting in small invited groups with world-renowned experts;
- Engage policymakers, community and business leaders and activists;
- And develop and enhance their research and career goals through interaction with Liu faculty members, associates and distinguished fellows.
Teaching
We invite Postdoctoral Fellows with two-year terms to teach a graduate course in global issues (these should be innovative, interdisciplinary, and issue-based courses not offered elsewhere at UBC). Course proposals should be included in the application.
Eligibility
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent (or expect to receive a Ph.D. before the start of the fellowship) obtained within the three-year period prior to the start of the fellowship (e.g., received their Ph.D. on or after September 1, 2007 if the start date is September 1, 2010). Outstanding candidates from across Canada and around the world are encouraged to apply. International applicants are expected to have a good working knowledge of English.
Duration and Tenure of Fellowships
Fellowships will be awarded for one- or two-years, with one-year fellowships being renewable for an additional year, subject to satisfactory performance. Awards must be taken up before September 2010 (with the exception of the Security and Defence Fellowship, which begins no later than July 1 2010). International recipients will be provided with support documentation but will be responsible for obtaining appropriate visas and permits. Applicants should indicate their preference for a one- or two-year term.
Value of the Fellowships
Bottom Billion and Human Security Fellowships are valued at $40,000 per year, plus benefits. The Security and Defence Fellowship is valued at $38,000 per year, plus benefits, plus $2,500 for research and travel.
We expect all Postdoctoral Fellows research and fieldwork fund requests to support engagement with scholars at the Institute.
Research and fieldwork funds are available upon request to Liu Postdoctoral Fellows; these requests should support the Institute’s interdisciplinary research and learning environment, as well as the planned research of the Fellow.
The Postdoctoral Fellow will also receive office space and full access to meeting rooms, conference facilities, and staff support at the Institute. Among other things, the Institute can assist with:
- Organizing interdisciplinary research groups;
- Grant applications, retreats, conferences, and coauthoring workshops;
- Connecting with policymakers and activists.
The offices of the Institute are fully equipped including a computer, standard software, connection to a network printer and the Internet, an email account, if needed, and a phone with voice-mail. Office space in the Institute is limited and the Postdoctoral Fellow must use the Institute office as their primary office.
Application
To apply, please email or mail the following to Sally Reay (sally.reay@ubc.ca):
- Letter of application, including an explanation of why you would like to join the Liu postdoctoral program.
(e.g., How do you see the Liu fellowship program contributing to your learning/career goals? How will it build upon your prior interests and accomplishments? How do you envision contributing to the mission and activities at the Liu Institute?).
Please also propose a Liu faculty member to work with you during your time as Postdoctoral Fellow.
- Current academic CV;
- A 1-page abstract of your PhD dissertation;
- Statement of your proposed research (max. 3 pages);
- Two letters of reference;
- A proposal for a graduate course in global issues (if desired).
The next deadline is 15 March 2010, for positions beginning as early as 1 April 2010 and no later than 1 September 2010.
Mailing Address:
Liu Institute for Global Issues
University of British Columbia
6476 Marine Drive NW
Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2
Canada
Requirements for Fellowship Holders
Liu Postdoctoral Fellowship holders will be required to submit a progress report annually as well as a final report at the end of their fellowship term. Fellowship holders will be expected to acknowledge Liu Institute support at presentations or seminars and in published material that result from their Liu Institute supported research.
Questions?
Please contact Sally Reay (sally.reay@ubc.ca).
Please click here to download a pdf of this posting.
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
