Rural Development Researcher

We are seeking a researcher who wants to conduct research on socially sustainable methods for restoring pastureland in northern Kenya and Uganda, in the Karamoja border region—and who has research experience from rural East Africa as well as experience with field-based research and qualitative methods. About the job The work tasks in this position are focused on research within the Include2Restore project—an international research project that examines socially sustainable methods for restoring pastureland in northern Kenya and Uganda, in the Karamoja border region. The project explores how restoration efforts can be strengthened through collaboration between local communities, researchers, government actors, and civil society organizations, with particular emphasis on the social, institutional, and political dimensions of restoration. As a researcher in the project, you will contribute to research that examines how restoration efforts are shaped by local livelihood opportunities, land use practices, governance structures, and broader socioeconomic processes. The position includes responsibility for planning and conducting field-based research in collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, including extended periods of fieldwork in rural East Africa. You are expected to collaborate with local communities, project partners, and other actors involved in restoration initiatives and contribute to the development of collaborative and co-productive research processes. The work encompasses all stages of the research process, including study design, qualitative data collection, data management, analysis, and scientific publication of research as well as other dissemination of research results. Data collection will primarily involve qualitative and ethnographic methods, including interviews, participant observation, workshops, and stakeholder activities. The successful candidate should also contribute to synthesis and communication of research results to both academic and non-academic audiences through publications, reports, workshops, conferences, and other activities. The position requires a high degree of independence as well as the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary and international research team. The successful candidate is expected to take responsibility for their own work while maintaining productive relationships with project partners, stakeholders, and colleagues throughout the research process. Your background For this researcher position in rural development, a doctoral degree in a social science field, such as rural development, cultural geography, or development studies, and at least two years of research experience after the doctorate are required. You should have a strong theoretical and methodological foundation in critical social science and political economy perspectives on rural development and natural resource management, including the ability to analyze the social, political, economic, and historical processes that shape land use, rural livelihoods, and natural resource management. Interdisciplinary education and experience working in interdisciplinary and international research environments are required. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work both independently and in collaboration within international and interdisciplinary research projects. Experience conducting research in rural East Africa is required, as is extensive experience designing and implementing field-based research using qualitative methods, such as ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and historical or archival research, as well as analysis of complex qualitative data. The position requires excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills. Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is required. Experience working in the Karamoja border region in northern Kenya and Uganda is desirable, as is prior experience working with pastoral communities in the region. Experience with co-productive and participatory research methods is desirable, as is experience collaborating with local researchers, community members, and other stakeholders throughout the research process. Experience contributing to policy-relevant knowledge production is desirable. It is desirable if the applicant has experience producing scientific publications, reports, and other ways of disseminating research results and has demonstrated the ability to communicate research results to both academic and non-academic audiences. Experience working in Swahili-speaking environments and good knowledge of Swahili are desirable. About us The Department of Urban and Rural Development conducts undergraduate and graduate education as well as research and engagement activities. Approximately 160 people are employed across five departments. Questions about the sustainable use of natural resources and landscapes are central to research, teaching, and engagement. The department is the largest at SLU within social sciences, humanities, and design. Learn more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Placement: Uppsala Employment form: Fixed-term employment for a maximum of 12 months Scope: 60 % Start date: By agreement. Application: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by August 27, 2026. Trade union contacts: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

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