We invite applications for a PhD fellowship in Climate Change Adaptation in Conflict Settings starting March 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
About Us
This fellowship is based at the Global Health Section within the Department of Public Health and is part of the Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research. Our interdisciplinary group focuses on climate change and disasters, exploring themes like health, displacement, disaster risk reduction, vulnerability, and community adaptation.
Located in Copenhagen, a city renowned for its quality of life and sustainability, we offer a supportive environment for international researchers. Benefits include public daycare, healthcare, dual-career opportunities, parental leave, and six weeks of annual vacation. The International Staff Mobility (ISM) office provides resources to help new staff transition smoothly.
We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
PhD Project Overview
The fellowship is part of a collaborative project funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation and ADRA Denmark on Community-Led Climate Change Adaptation and Food Security in Yemen.
Key objectives:
- Explore the interplay between climate change and food security in conflict settings.
- Study coping mechanisms and adaptation strategies of local agricultural communities.
- Propose actionable approaches for community-led climate adaptation in fragile contexts.
The fellowship involves fieldwork in Yemen (and possibly Ethiopia) in partnership with ADRA Yemen and other local research institutes. It also includes time at ADRA Denmark to contribute to ongoing discussions on climate adaptation.
The project is co-supervised by Assistant Professor Rodrigo Mena (International Institute of Social Studies, The Hague), with opportunities for study abroad. Principal supervisor: Associate Professor Emmanuel Raju.
Your Responsibilities
As a PhD fellow, you will:
- Conduct independent research under supervision.
- Complete PhD coursework (~30 ECTS), including Safety and Security for Fieldwork Research at ISS.
- Participate in international research collaborations and conduct fieldwork.
- Teach and disseminate knowledge through courses like Master of Disaster Management and M.Sc. Global Health.
- Contribute to organizational learning on climate change adaptation with ADRA Denmark.
- Write and submit a PhD thesis based on your research.
Who Should Apply
Applicants should have:
- A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., disaster risk management, peace and conflict studies, climate change studies, anthropology, sociology).
- Experience or willingness to work in fragile/conflict-affected areas.
- Knowledge of the humanitarian sector.
- Relevant research or professional experience in climate change, disasters, and development in conflict settings.
- Strong communication skills in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
Additional criteria:
- Academic excellence (grade point average).
- Publications (if any).
- A passion for climate change, fragility, and methodological development.
Terms of Employment
- Duration: 3 years (full-time).
- Start Date: March 1, 2025.
- Location: Global Health Section, Dept. of Public Health, University of Copenhagen.
- Salary: Approx. 30,700 DKK/month (~4,100 EUR), plus pension.
Application Process
Submit your application online by December 16, 2024, 23:59 CET. Include the following in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (max. 1 page).
- CV detailing education, experience, and relevant skills.
- Certified master’s degree diploma and transcript (plus English translation if needed).
- Research plan (max. 3 pages).
- Publication list (if applicable).
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: December 16, 2024.
- Interviews: Week 4, 2025.
- Employment Start Date: March 1, 2025.
Contact
For specific questions, contact Assoc. Prof. Emmanuel Raju at eraju@sund.ku.dk.
Discover more about PhD opportunities at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences here.
Join us in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and fragility in conflict settings!