Universität Bern · education
Full-time PhD on Women's Work and Formalisation in Fisheries
- Conduct a PhD in Geography and Sustainable Development
- Carry out qualitative, multi-sited field research in Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia, focusing on women's roles in post-harvesting links of fish value chains and the gendered effects of fisheries formalisation
- Collaborate closely with the PI, Postdoc, and locally based partners; contribute to SIRENA's joint publications, fieldwork coordination, research workshops, and communication activities
- Present research findings to communities and organisations involved in the research, and at scientific conferences
- Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals
- Master's degree in Human Geography, Anthropology, Development Studies, Sustainability Transformations, or a related discipline. Candidates with a background in Marine or Fisheries Science are encouraged to apply, provided they can demonstrate competence in qualitative research methods and a strong interest in social science questions.
- Solid skills in qualitative and ethnographic methods. Experience with participant observation, semi-structured interviews, participatory and/or transdisciplinary approaches is advantageous.
- Languages: Excellent written and spoken English is essential; fluency in spoken French is required; knowledge of Wolof is an asset, as are other languages spoken in coastal areas of the three focal countries.
- Prior fieldwork experience is highly desirable; experience in coastal or marine contexts is a plus, as is prior research or lived experience in coastal regions of Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, or similar settings.
- You will conduct extended fieldwork (approx. 6 months) in physically demanding, resource-limited settings. You should be comfortable with heat, long days, and sustained immersion in - potentially - unfamiliar cultural contexts.
- Ability to work in a self-driven, solution-oriented, highly organised manner, with demonstrable active listening skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within an international team, including relationship building in diverse settings.