Duke University, Office of the Provost Account
*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Position Description
Postdoctoral Associate: International Geopolitics and Humanitarian Crises Duke University seeks a postdoctoral associate to join the Office of the Provost, supporting the Provost’s Initiative on the Middle East – an effort to foster education and constructive dialogue around the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war. The postdoctoral associate will facilitate meaningful engagement between faculty and students grappling with how to respond to the current crisis by serving as a project manager for several interdisciplinary research teams, some of which might be focused on humanitarian crises in other parts of the world, and partnering with the leadership of the Provost’s Initiative on the Middle East to design programming for faculty and students. Key responsibilities include: 1. Providing project management and thought leadership to two interdisciplinary research teams involving faculty and students grappling with various dimensions of humanitarian crises resulting from the Israel-Hamas war, and possibly conflicts elsewhere. These projects are part of Duke’s Bass Connections program, which supports year-long interdisciplinary research projects in which undergraduate and graduate/professional students work with faculty and external partners to conduct applied research. This position will work with two projects selected as part of a current call for proposals for projects related to the Israel-Hamas war and other geopolitical conflicts that have generated complex humanitarian dilemmas. We expect that the postdoc will spend approximately 10 hours per week working with each project team. Specific duties will be determined in consultation with the faculty leaders of each project but may include scoping the research project; navigating IRB; mentoring and assessing students; liaising with any external partners; overseeing the overall project timeline and troubleshooting; and working with the team to communicate findings and recommendations. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to gain exposure to other Bass Connections projects funded through this call and help identify thematic and comparative approaches, creating connections and amplifying research findings across these projects. 2. Partnering with the faculty leadership of the Provost’s Initiative on the Middle East to design programming for faculty and students. This may include working with guest speakers, facilitating the creation of special courses, or designing other hands-on learning opportunities. There is latitude for the postdoc to deliver guest lectures and develop their own content as relevant to the initiative. The postdoc will also have flexibility to pursue their individual research interests and professional development goals (estimated at 25%). This position is a great fit for scholars of the Middle East, international geopolitics, or other related fields with an interest in fostering understanding and civic dialogue around complex issues and a background, or interest, in facilitating team-based research. Given the nature of the responsibilities, this role may be particularly appealing to individuals with an interest in managing complex research projects and/or higher education administration. This is a one-year appointment based out of Durham, North Carolina. A mix of onsite and remote work is expected. Minimum Qualifications: • Completed PhD in Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, International Affairs, History, Cultural Anthropology or a related field • Experience conducting team-based research and producing applied research outputs Preferred Qualifications: • Strong communication and conflict management skills, including the ability to foster constructive dialogue even from a position of personal disagreement • Experience in project management/coordination roles • Strong organizational skills • Experience coordinating events/symposia in an academic setting • Experience or interest in supervising and mentoring students in research or practice Applications must be submitted via Academic Jobs Online and should include: • Cover letter that states the candidate’s interest, experience, qualifications, and skills relevant to the position • Curriculum vitae • Contact information for three letters of reference Duke University is strongly committed to advancing inclusive excellence throughout our research, educational, and service activities. We seek to hire scholars who are passionate about working to increase the participation and success of individuals from different backgrounds and communities. Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three references (actual letters acceptable but not required, just names and email addresses
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Further Info: