Researcher in the Project "People, Places, and War Plunder"

Göteborgs Universitet · Freie Mitarbeit

Göteborg, Schweden

Gothenburg University meets society's challenges with diverse knowledge. With 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, the university is a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive educational programs attract researchers and students from around the world. Through new knowledge and new perspectives, Gothenburg University contributes to a better future. The Department of Global Studies conducts socially relevant education and research in its unique interdisciplinary knowledge environment. About 120 employees and doctoral students work with us conducting research on major and pressing global challenges related to climate and sustainability, war and peace, migration, human rights, power relations, culture/multiculturalism, and social change. The Department constitutes a unique environment for interdisciplinary research in peace and development research, social science environmental studies, human ecology, human rights, and social anthropology. The Department's research is conducted by researchers from many different subject areas, and we understand global processes from different perspectives and approaches. Our knowledge is based on in-depth analysis, empirically and locally grounded knowledge, dialogue and conversation with individuals and groups, and an understanding of local conditions and global processes. The Department of Global Studies (IGS) at Gothenburg University seeks a full-time researcher for two months within the field of peace and development research. The position is part of a research project led by Camilla Orjuela entitled: People, Places, and War Plunder: Returning Looted Cultural Heritage in a Changing World. Project Description During colonial conquests, many cultural objects were plundered and taken to Western museums and collections. When colonies became independent, former colonial powers retained the objects. During the colonial period, and especially after independence, many people also moved from formerly colonized countries to wealthier nations. In recent years, a debate over the return of cultural treasures has intensified. Many museums have begun processes to return objects, while other institutions and political leaders reject these demands. This project examines how people in the diaspora engage in the debate over looted cultural objects and how their identity both shapes and is shaped by this discussion. The project focuses on diasporas from Nigeria, Ethiopia, and India, as well as looted objects from these countries, particularly the Benin Bronzes, the Maqdala Treasures, and the Koh-i-Noor Diamond. The project seeks answers to what these objects mean to people in the diaspora, how they view and engage in the question of return, and how the debate over returns creates, reshapes—and challenges—different identities and perceptions of the objects and the ongoing effects of historical injustices. Job Responsibilities As a researcher, you will work with the Ethiopian case and complete work on how the Ethiopian diaspora engages with and views looted cultural objects and the return debate. The work includes analysis of collected data and academic and popular science writing. Other tasks that contribute to the project's implementation may also occur. Qualifications The applicant must have a doctoral degree in a subject the employer deems relevant to the project, such as global studies, peace and development research, or cultural heritage research. The applicant must also have documented experience in research on cultural heritage, memory, diaspora mobilization, and the return of cultural objects, including experience with interviews and observations. The applicant must also have in-depth knowledge of the Ethiopian case. Language skills relevant to the case are highly meritorious. Employment Fixed-term employment for two months at 100%. Start date November 1, 2026. Contact Information for the Position If you have questions about the employment, you are welcome to contact Camilla Orjuela, mailto:[email protected] If you have questions about the recruitment process, you are welcome to contact Elvedina Sikiric Lidström, Personnel Officer (mailto:[email protected]). Trade Unions Trade union representatives at Gothenburg University can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande Application To apply for a position at Gothenburg University, you must register an account in our recruitment system. You apply for the position through 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 announcement and that it reaches the university no later than the final application deadline of September 30, 2026. The application may be written in English or Swedish and should contain: Your contact information and personal details A cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the position Curriculum vitae/CV, including education, relevant work experience, language skills, highest degree, and relevant publications Copy of your master's degree and any doctoral degree Names and contact information for two references Application deadline: September 30, 2026 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. 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