The African Centre for Cities (ACC) is seeking applications for a three-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship as part of the project “If Cities Could Speak: Vulnerability, Climate, and Health in the City,” led by the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS). This fellowship opportunity, funded by the Wellcome Trust, aims to explore the intersection of climate-related hazards and public health in vulnerable urban areas across Africa and Asia.
About the African Centre for Cities (ACC)
Established in 2007 at the University of Cape Town, ACC is an interdisciplinary urban research institute within the School of Architecture, Planning, and Geomatics. The center focuses on fostering critical urban research and policy discourses to promote vibrant, democratic, and sustainable urban development in the global south.
Project Overview
The project spans from April 2024 to April 2027, collaborating with partners in South Africa (ACC), Kenya (KDI), Sierra Leone (SLURC), and India (IIHS). It addresses:
- Impact of Climate Hazards on Health: Investigating how climate hazards affect public health in vulnerable areas, considering the complexity of health and climate risks.
- Methodological Approach: Utilizing mixed methodologies such as GIS mapping and health ethnography to advance understanding in public health and urban studies.
- Knowledge Translation: Creating non-academic outputs to communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences, including communities and policymakers.
Role of the Postdoctoral Fellow
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team at ACC, focusing on vulnerable settlements within cities. Key responsibilities include:
- Methodology Development: Collaborating on city-wide risk mapping and providing qualitative inputs.
- Field Research: Conducting health history interviews and participant observations in selected settlements.
- Output Development: Contributing to academic and non-academic outputs, including visual materials and short films.
Eligibility Criteria Applicants must have
- Recently completed a doctoral degree (or submitted PhD under review) in fields related to urban studies, public health, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrated experience in research within informal settlements or vulnerable urban areas.
- Ability to translate research findings for diverse audiences and willingness to engage with mixed research methodologies.
Conditions and Application Process
The fellowship is valued at R 420,000 per annum, renewable up to three years, contingent on performance and funding availability. Applicants must submit a proposal, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details of referees by July 29, 2024, to faranaaz.bennett@uct.ac.za.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews in early August, conducted by a panel comprising ACC staff and project members. For more information, contact Dr. Liza Cirolia at liza.cirolia@uct.ac.za.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
