1 research scholarship (CES/26/2023-BI-PROTEMO)

The Centre for Social Studies (CES) – Associate Laboratory - University of Coimbra (Portugal), opens a call for applications for 1 research scholarship (CES/26/2023-BI-PROTEMO) in the project “PROTEMO - Emotional dynamics of protective policies in an age of insecurity” (GA: 101132433), funded by the European Commission, coordinated by Cristiano Gianolla.

CES provides a stimulating intellectual environment in the domain of social sciences and humanities. The project is part of the research line Democracy, Justice and Human Rights. Engaging with the centrality of the democratization of knowledge with the importance of the struggles and experiences of historically oppressed groups, the main objectives of the line are twofold. On the one hand, aims to analyse the persistence of systems of oppression that are intertwined in the structures of racism, heteropatriarchy and capitalism. On the other hand, examine the socio-legal, socio-political and socio-cultural resistances that, in the framework of the modern State and beyond, mark the present of anti-discrimination policies and the constitution of alternative grammars of dignity.

a. Project Description:

Project title: “PROTEMO – Emotional dynamics of protective policies in an age of insecurity”

PROTEMO aims to investigate the emotional roots of protective policies and their emotional consequences for individuals, groups of citizens and non-citizens as well as for democracy, political participation and mobilisation. PROTEMO asks: (1) How do political actors perceive and influence the emotional needs of citizens (and non-citizens) and how does this play out in the policy process? (2) What emotional reactions, judgements and actions elicit protective policies among individuals and publics in society? (3) How do citizens’ emotional reactions feedback on the policy process? Answering these questions allows us to study emotional responsiveness - a crucial yet neglected aspect of representative democracy.

Expected duration of the project execution: 36 months, from January 1^st 2024.

b. Scientific field:

Social Sciences and Humanities

c. Work plan, tasks:

The selected candidates are expected to have the following responsibilities:

- Develop PhD research (already in progress or to begin in 2024) in the framework of the research project line: Investigate social representations of protection and the entangled emotions of Ukrainian refugees and also of people mobilising against the war in Ukraine.

- Support the implementation of the scientific tasks foreseen in the project application, namely, literature review, document research, databases and website maintenance, drafting and editing of reports and publications, field work, data analysis and dissemination activities;

- Support the administrative activities of the project, including the organisation of events, management of communication, review and translation of documents and data, and support of the tasks necessary to implement the project.

d. Applicable Legislation and Regulations:

Portuguese Law nº 40/2004, of August 18 18 (Scientific Research Fellow Statute) and following amendments, FCT’s (National Agency for Science and Technology) Regulations for Advanced Training and Qualification of Human Resources, and Regulations for Fellowships at the Centre for Social Studies.

e. Work place:

The tasks will be performed at the Centre for Social Studies facilities or in other locations when necessary for the good implementation of the work plan, under the scientific supervision of the Principal Investigator, Cristiano Gianolla.

f. Duration of the fellowship contract:

The fellowship will last 12 months, starting in 01 April 2024. The scholarship contract may be extended for equal or different periods, until the end of the project, depending on the evaluation of the work carried out, the financial provisions and the scientific needs of the project.

g. Application dates:

Opens on: 21 December 2023

Closes on: 15 February 2024

h. Application process:

Applications must include:

a) Presentation/Motivation letter with the contest reference (CES/26/2023-BI-PROTEMO) of maximum 2 pages in English in which the candidate addresses at least three points: (1) motivation to be part of the PROTEMO project within the CES team and under which of the two research lines, (2) to what extent education and previous experience match the selecting criteria listed, and (3) they allow to execute the work plan mentioned above.

Important: The motivation letter shall include a clear statement demonstrating the proficiency of the candidate in both English and Ukrainian languages (the statement may refer to where and how the candidate has learned and perfected both languages or if they are native of them).

b) detailed Curriculum Vitae;

c) copies of degree certificates. It is mandatory to be holder of a MA degree by the ending of the tender (note: candidates must meet the eligibility conditions and conditions indicated in point k.)

d) copy of the enrolment on a PhD programme in the academic year 2023/2024 or copy of the enrolment in a non-academic degree (see eligibility criteria below), but integrated in the pedagogical project of a higher education institution (note: candidates must meet the eligibility conditions and conditions indicated in point “k. Mandatory requirements”).

e) One publication, or an unpublished essay (for instance the master thesis or an assignment of a course work) which better represents the writing skills of the applicant and their proximity with PROTEMO research, in Portuguese, Italian or English;

f) other relevant documents for eligibility purposes.

Applications should be sent by email to concursos@ces.uc.pt until the final deadline. Applications must include a clear indication of the reference of this call and to the profile that is applying (CES/26/2023-BI-PROTEMO).