Research Assistant for Local Foreign Policy Project

Göteborgs Universitet · Vollzeit

Göteborg, Schweden

Gothenburg University meets society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive education programs attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, Gothenburg University contributes to a better future. At the Department of Global Studies, we conduct research and teaching that develop the ability to understand and analyze social phenomena in a global world. Our education programs are characterized by relevance and societal importance, and our research aims to make the world more comprehensible through our unique interdisciplinary research environment. Our research areas are social science environmental studies, peace and development research, human rights, and social anthropology. We offer education at undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels, as well as individual courses. For more information, see https://www.gu.se/globalastudier. We are looking for a research assistant for the research project Local Foreign Policy? Municipalities, Regions and Civil Society Mobilization Around Mass Violence, led by Professor Camilla Orjuela and financed by the Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation. The position is fixed-term and part-time. About the Project The research project examines municipalities and regions as arenas for foreign policy issues. Foreign policy is normally considered a matter for national-level actors. However, in today's globalized world and multicultural societies, such issues also appear on the agendas of municipalities and regions. The project takes a global perspective and focuses on foreign policy issues regarding cities and regions' positions on nuclear weapons, as well as recognition of genocide and construction of genocide monuments on municipal land. What conflicts arise when citizens and local politicians engage in issues that concern them but are simultaneously classified as foreign policy? And how can municipalities, states, and civil society actors manage the increasingly blurred boundaries between local, national, and foreign policy? Duties As a research assistant, you will work on research regarding recognition of genocide at regional and local levels. The duties mainly involve work on a quantitative study, which includes data collection, information verification, analysis, and presentation of results. Qualitative research tasks may also occur, such as in-depth studies of specific processes for genocide recognition. Other tasks related to research and administration may also arise. The work will be performed independently, but in close collaboration with research leader Camilla Orjuela. Qualifications Only those admitted to education at undergraduate or advanced level are eligible for employment as a research assistant. We prefer that you applying are admitted to one of the Department of Global Studies' undergraduate or master's programs and you are expected to study while working as a research assistant. You need to be able to speak and write English well. Good knowledge in additional languages relevant to the project is a merit. We are especially looking for you who have in-depth knowledge of and interest in genocide recognition, civil society mobilization, and foreign policy. Experience with quantitative research is strongly meriting. It is important that you can work independently, have good organizational skills, and can take responsibility and own initiative. You need to be a thorough, structured, and creative person with social competence and flexibility in performing the work. Employment The position is fixed-term with 50% scope for 6 months, based at the Department of Global Studies. Start date December 1 or by agreement. Selection Process When selecting eligible applicants, the applicant who, after an overall assessment of competence (based on experience and personal qualities) and development potential, is deemed to have the best conditions to perform the duties described above will be selected. Additionally, personal qualities such as planning ability, independence, and communication skills will be considered. The application must contain: A brief personal letter in which the applicant motivates their application and describes how they meet the qualification requirements A curriculum vitae (CV) Grades and/or certificates Contact Information for the Position If you have questions about the position, you are welcome to contact Professor Camilla Orjuela, [email protected]. If you have questions about the recruitment process, you are welcome to contact Elvedina Sikiric Lidström, HR Officer, [email protected], 031-786 40 53. Trade Unions Trade union representatives at Gothenburg University can be found here: https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/sa-blir-du-en-av-oss#kollektivavtal-och-fackliga-foretradare Application You apply for the position via Gothenburg University's recruitment portal by clicking the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the job posting and that it is received by the university no later than the application deadline. Application deadline: 2026-10-05 The university actively works for a work environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. The university applies individual salary setting. According to the regulations of the National Archives of Sweden, the university is obligated to retain application documents for two years after the employment decision. If you as an applicant specifically request the return of your documents, they will be returned after the two-year period has elapsed; otherwise, they will be disposed of. To staffing and recruitment companies and to you who are sales representatives: Gothenburg University uses contracted advertising agencies in connection with recruitment. We politely but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment companies as well as job posting vendors.