Research Fellow (75726-045)

University of Warwick - Department of Sociology

Fixed Term Contract for 2 years.

The Department of Sociology at the University of Warwick invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship in the field of environmental politics in contemporary China.

The fellowship is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) to work on an interdisciplinary ERC Starting Grant entitled ‘Toxic Expertise: Environmental Justice and the Global Petrochemical Industry’ led by Dr Alice Mah. The post is available from 1 September 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter for a fixed-term of 2 years, with the possibility of an extension depending on project needs.

This research project critically examines ‘toxic expertise’, the contested politics of making scientific claims about the health impacts of toxic pollution. The research focuses on the global petrochemical industry as a significant but controversial source of toxic pollution, with unequal regulations and risks across different countries and populations. Debates about the global petrochemical industry reflect conflicting interests between jobs, prosperity, and health. The project as a whole is global in scope, including research in Europe, the United States, and China.

The postdoctoral research fellow will take a leading role in conducting mixed-method research on ‘toxic expertise’ in China, including research on petrochemical companies, environmental non-governmental organisations, government policies, scientists, lawyers, ‘fenceline’ communities, workers, and other social groups.

Skills/Experience required:

·         A PhD in a relevant social science discipline (awarded or near completion) ;

·         Excellent qualitative and quantitative methods training and skills;

·         Command of Chinese language;

·         An ability to act as an independent researcher and as part of a team;

·         Evidence of a clear research agenda in the designated field.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Dr Alice Mah (a.a.mah@warwick.ac.uk).

Interview date: w/c 22 June 2015 

申请网站：http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/ATU885/research-fellow-75726-045/