natural disasters | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans - Part 2

Doctoral Position in Peace Conflict Research with Focus on Negotiations and Natural Disasters, Sweden

The position is part of the Swedish Research School of Natural Disaster Mitigation and the project focuses on negotiations and natural disasters. The overarching purpose is to develop knowledge about how negotiations are best conducted in areas of relevance for natural disaster science. The capacity to manage and prevent natural disasters depends to a large extent on effective collaboration and coordination between state and other actors, which in turn require effective negotiations between them. One possible focus is on negotiations in the acute phases of a natural disaster (for example, concerning multilateral humanitarian assistance). Another possible focus is on negotiations aimed at building up capacity to manage and/or prevent natural disasters in the long term (including negotiations concerned with environmental and resource preservation which contributes to natural disaster prevention).

Qualifications: B.A. degree (or the equivalent) with course work relevant for peace and conflict research. At least 1.5 years of full-time study of one social science subject, at least one semester of study of peace and conflict (or closely related subject),
and preferably a Master’s (or corresponding) degree. Documented knowledge (studies) or experience of (or relevant for) negotiations is considered an additional qualification. A strong sense of motivation and good ability to work independently are important. Good knowledge of English in speech and writing is required.

Scholarship Application Deadline:15 April 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

PhD in Seismology, Uppsala University, Sweden

Katla Volcano is one of the most active and hazardous volcanoes in Iceland as is revealed by its historical volcanic activity. Much information can be obtained about the processes in a volcano from its ongoing seismicity. The PhD project outlined here aims at approaching this inherently multidisciplinary topic building on the methods developed in seismology at Uppsala University for the analysis of microearthquakes. Real-time monitoring techniques, including relative earthquake location, systematic changes in focal mechanisms and variations in stress, and techniques such as regularized catalogue relocation, mapping of active faults, 3D and 4D tomography, and ambient-seismic-noise tomography are important for this research. The development of early-warning systems and communication of risk and threats to society is important in this project, therefore the candidate is also expected to interact with colleagues within CNDS which is a new multi-disciplinary collaboration between Earth Science and Engineering between Uppsala University, Karlstad University and the Swedish Defence College addressing Natural Disasters on a broad research front.

We are seeking a motivated candidate where a strong background in physics, engineering or geophysics with interest in better understanding “how the Earth works” as well as the interaction between natural hazards and society.  Fieldwork may be necessary. Experience of programming is a merit.

The PhD position is for 4 years where financing for the first year may be by a study grant (utbildningsbidrag) and the following 3 years as an employee of the university as a PhD student. If funds are available, it is possible to extend the PhD study period to maximum 5 years by working as a teaching/research assistant (max 20%). Uppsala University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women to apply for this position.

For further information, contact Prof. Roland Roberts, e-mail: roland.roberts@geo.uu.se,  phone. +46-18-471 2384., or Ari Tryggvason, e-mail: ari.tryggvason@geo.uu.se, phone +46-18-471 2388, Prof. Sven Halldin, phone +46-18-471 2262, e-mail: sven.halldin@hyd.uu.se (CNDS).