CALL FOR POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

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Tomás Sánchez Criado

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Nov 14, 2012, 10:23:35 AM11/14/12
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De: "Rath, Jan" <J.C....@uva.nl>
Asunto: [SOCA] CALL FOR POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
Fecha: 14 de noviembre de 2012 09:16:46 GMT+01:00

 
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Feb 2013 - Jan 2014
 
                ***Closing date for applications: 7th December 2012***

  
The African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) at the University of the Witwatersrand is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join its 'Illness, Boundaries and Health Systems' team. The position will contribute to a project exploring the impact of migration legislation, trafficking discourses and transnational networks on the feelings of belonging of migrant sex workers (MSWs) in The Netherlands and South Africa. This position is financially supported by WOTRO and is a central component of a research collaboration between the VU University in The Netherlands and Wits University. The position will be based in Johannesburg and is for one year, with the possibility to renew for a second year.
 
Using a transnational approach, this qualitative study investigates the double vulnerability of this group as (1) non-nationals and (2) sex workers. An analysis of multi-level policies and discourses surrounding migration, sex work, public health, and trafficking, will generate insight into how this group is moralised, criminalised and victimised. The research aims to explore the following questions:
1.     In what ways do institutional, legislative and (inter)national directives and practices increase the vulnerability of MSWs, specifically in regard to violence and sexual health (risks)?
2.     How do trafficking discourses, legal frameworks and law reform processes affect MSWs who are not trafficked?
3.     How do the transnational networks of MSWs and their mobility contribute to their sense of belonging?
4.     What measures are necessary to strengthen their rights as migrants and as sex workers in order to decrease their vulnerability and enhance their sense of belonging?
Key activities:
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake fieldwork in South Africa (Johannesburg) including a review of regional responses to migration, sex work, health and trafficking within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to facilitate understanding on how legislations, policies and discourses create conditions that increase vulnerability. Two methods are to be used to study the effect of trafficking discourses on MSWs: discourse analysis of documents and interviews with (non-) government and international organisations. In each country, a minimum of 20 interviews will be done with MSWs. The interviews will be designed to discuss their mobility and connectedness, and include topics such as their motivations to migrate, decision-making processes, networks at home and in the host country. They will also explore violence, vulnerability and health, as well as the relationship between their positions as MSWs and their feelings and experiences of vulnerability and belonging. Where possible, participatory methods will be used, building on our previous experience. Interviews with key stakeholders will be conducted to discuss the needs of MSWs. In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will be expected to contribute to publications, and to the MA programme at the ACMS through teaching and supervision of MA students.
 
 
Qualifications:
Required
  • A PhD in a relevant discipline (social sciences, public health, anthropology, development studies) awarded within the last 5 years.
  •  Experience in qualitative research.
  •  Strong analytical and writing skills, demonstrated through peer-reviewed journal articles (number published to date will depend on when PhD was awarded).
  • Previous research experience in South Africa.
  •  Strong presentation skills, demonstrated through presentation of papers at international conferences.
  •  Ability to develop networks and to engage with a range of stakeholders.
Desired:
  • Knowledge of key regional languages, such as isiZulu, isiXhosa, Ndebele, Shona, Swahili, Portuguese and/or French.
  • Previous experience in conducting research on the sex work industry.
  •  Experience in teaching graduate students at MA level.
  •  Experience in supervising graduate students at MA level.
  •  
Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.
 
Applications should include:
  • A substantive cover letter documenting relevant experience and reasons for interest in the position.
  •  A full CV.
  •  Two academic writing samples.
  •  The names of three professional references (with contact details).
Completed applications should be emailed to Dr. Jo Vearey atjo.v...@wits.ac.za . For more information on the position, please contact Dr. Jo Vearey at jo.v...@wits.ac.za
 
  
 

This email was sent to j.c....@uva.nl by sharon...@wits.ac.za |  
African Centre for Migration & Society | Room 6, South West Engineering | School of Social Sciences | University of the Witwatersrand | Johannesburg | Gauteng | 2092 | South Africa
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