Research Fellow, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics

JOB PURPOSE:

The PDRA will work on a PaCCS (Partnership for Conflict, Crime and Security Research) Conflict and International Development with
a team of Fellows of the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice.
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will conduct research to assist the team in delivering the outcomes
of this project. The successful candidate will have demonstrable ability to develop research in the intersections of politics, urban
studies and architecture for conflict prevention.

Entitled ‘Revolt in the Square: Spatial Modelling of Urban Stability in Modern Cities, New Insights and approaches for preventing
conflict and violence’, this is a pilot project which focuses on a case study of Martyrs Square in Beirut, Lebanon.
The award is led by Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards (School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics) with CI Dr Gehan
Selim (School of Natural and Built Environment). The PDRA will be expected to have expertise in in the intersections of politics,
urban studies and architecture for conflict prevention.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Research:
1. Assist the PI with desk research data retrieval historical development of urban protests background study data and visual image collection.
2. Undertake basic research activities including: assisting with research planning and preparation; contributing to interviews,
including managing interview process and transcribing selected interview material; co-ordinating dissemination of research and
publicising research outputs; contributing to visual design of publications, securing image rights, graphic design and printing,
conducting library research in consultation with the research supervisors.
3. Design, develop, and implement hardcopy and visual maps using Esri ArcGIS platforms and online services and/ or other GIS softwares.
4. Provide online, digital, and printed maps for inclusion in a wide array of content products as web maps, apps, books, marketing material, or custom graphics.
5. Have experience with curating and preparing exhibitions.
6. Co-ordinate and publicise workshops and information sessions with professionals in architecture, urban planning and government.
7. Carry out editing work with a range of different textual/visual materials.
8. Plan and prepare in consultation with the PI, material for publication/co-publication in national and international journals and presentations at conferences.
9. Carry out routine administrative duties as requested, arranging research group meetings, maintaining research group website.
10. Carry out any other duties designated by research supervisors and which fall within the general ambit of the post.
11. Keep abreast of developments in own specialism and related disciplines.

Planning and Organising:
1. Plan own day-to-day activity within the framework of the agreed research programme.
2. Contribute to the planning of research projects, reports and publications etc. usually 1-3 months in advance.
3. Prepare textual/visual and other materials generated throughout the project for dissemination.
4. Plan the collation and integration of ethnographic media for the installation from each researcher.
5. Plan for research in collaboration with stakeholders/partner organisations as directed by the PI and CI.
6. Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over the aims of the project and the preparation of materials.
7. Plan and contribute to the project’s website.

Resource Management Responsibilities:
1. Transcribe, code and archive interview/survey materials.
2. Work collaboratively with the research team to ensure that materials for digital use are finalised.
3. Prepare digital outputs from all work streams to liaise on their development with the PI and CI.
4. Assist in developing non-digital and digital materials for impact purposes.
5. Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
6. Keep logs of all fieldwork activities.

Internal and External Relationships:
1. In collaboration with the research team, liaise with association networks for the dissemination of project outputs (e.g. in panels/conferences).
2. Use social media for project dissemination and coordinate with external networks to share information and ideas.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

1. A relevant 2.1 Honours Degree in an area related to this research
2. A PhD completed in Politics, Architecture, Geography, Urban Studies and communications, digital media or Computer Science
or in fields that are the focus of the research.
3. Demonstrable ability to develop research that addresses the intersections of politics, urban studies and architecture for conflict prevention.
4. The applicant should be able to demonstrate relevant fieldwork expertise for an extended period.
5. Experience in creating social media content of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and managing the website.
6. Experience with live event coverage including photographing, recording, and interviewing attendees and/or speakers.
7. Research cutting-edge methods and applications in the field of spatial statistics and mapping and space-time analytics across politics and Architecture.
8. A high quality publication record appropriate to stage of career.
9. Ability to deal competently with administrative tasks, such as scheduling, communicating with researchers and research subjects, basic event planning.
10. Evidence of ability to contribute to future grant applications.
11. Appropriate IT skills and knowledge in designing and implementing small- and large-scale digital maps with ArcGIS.
12. Working knowledge of visualization maps and computer graphics APIs such as DirectX and OpenGL and experience using an
application development language (such as C++, Java, C#, or Visual Basic).
13. Ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation, while working effectively as part of a wider team.
14. Good portfolio of online mapping experience with a variety of spatial datasets and data modelling.
15. Strong visual intelligence and content production skills, including live video, GIF files, etc.
16. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

1. Experience with NVivo and/or SPSS.
2. Experience with Event management and promoting research.
3. Excellent IT/web design skills.
4. Sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge in research methodology and techniques applicable to the research project.
5. Evidence of ability to contribute to impact by developing external links with a broad range of stakeholders nationally and internationally.
6. Familiarity with Internet communication such as Skype, video and conference call packages.