The Research Center for Integrated Disaster Risk Management, CIGIDEN (www.cigiden.cl) is a multidisciplinary center funded by the National Research and Development Agency (ANID). CIGIDEN is composed by Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile (www.uc.cl), the Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello (www.unab.cl), the Universidad Católica del Norte (www.ucn.cl), and the Universidad Santa María (www.usm.cl). CIGIDEN’s researchers are located in different universities and regions of Chile. The work performed by the center organizes around 6 different research groups that combine to make three research clusters: Natural Systems and Processes, Risk and Resilience Analysis, and Social Practices. Researchers that work at CIGIDEN develop their studies within their home cluster, but collaboration and cross disciplinary research is highly encouraged. At CIGIDEN there are researchers that belong to different fields such as Urban Studies, Engineering, Geosciences, Sociology, Geography, Education, and Communications, among others. In CIGIDEN there are also academics from universities other than the previously mentioned, who are invited to participate as researchers in the center. This melting pot of institutions, disciplines, interests, and researchers creates a very unique place to think, develop, and practice cutting edge research on disaster risk management.
The position
This year, to encourage the research work in citizen governance, the center will offer a postdoctoral research position in the research cluster of Social Practices, to work on land-use planning and natural resources management for Disaster risk reduction, as part of the interdisciplinary research line 6 “Citizen Governance”. RL6 seeks to connect the Center’s interdisciplinary research with local communities, NGGs, municipalities and regional and central Governments to develop research, dialogue and education that contribute to improving the design and implementation processes of territorial and urban planning instruments, as well as concrete public policy proposals, and community-based projects.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Dr. Carolina Martínez and DR. Jorge León, lead researcher of RL6. Candidates are expected to work along the objectives of the Social Practices cluster, with special focus on L6 goals, articulating research with urban and territorial planning, public policies and disseminating and engaging knowledge with a wide array of institutions.
Currently, RL6 is leading the work in the Coastal Observatory, a multilevel, multiscalar organization that looks for the building of a better understanding and administration of the coastal zone in Chile. Along with it, there is an ongoing project of a “Escuela Comunitaria”, to develop knowledge and community engagement in relation to coastal zones. Besides, researchers in RL6 work on topics such as urban growth, land-use planning; evacuation analysis; Urbanization and fragile ecosystems; natural risks; citizen education and participation; social resilience; public broadcasting of the risk; public policies and governance; climate change and adaptation; risk and resilience in urban settings; mediatization of disasters, risk, and climate change.
In this context, the researcher is expected to have expertise in methodological approaches related to land-use planning, geography, and natural resources management. In particular, the applicant is expected to have research knowledge and expertise in the analysis of historical process of land-use change, applied to both natural and built environments. Proficiency in computer-based analysis, modelling, and fieldwork experience is desired. The candidate will have to be able to engage in interdisciplinary conversations within the cluster, which is a key component of RL6 where different fields of knowledge converge. The position is oriented to understand how proper land-use planning and natural resources management can improve disaster risk reduction processes.
Research topics may include two or more of the following: (i) land-use planning for disaster risk reduction, (ii) analysis of urban development processes, (iii) ecological changes and trends in the natural environment that might increase disaster risk, (iv) community work for education and enhanced disaster risk reduction.
Required qualifications
The candidate must hold a PhD degree obtained during the last four years in an area related to the description above, with previous demonstrated experience in publishing in international indexed journals. The candidate should also be fluent in English and Spanish. Conference publications and presentations will also be considered in the evaluation of the applicants.
Experience in teaching, supervising undergraduate and graduate students, engaging in outreach and transfer activities, participation in research projects, and research working experience are a plus.
Minimum expected achievements
The position includes nine months of postdoctoral funding from CIGIDEN. It is expected that the candidate should submit at least one WOS-indexed paper to a scientific journal. Other committed tasks will be agreed in common agreement between the candidate and his/her supervisor.
Application
The call is open between January 20th and March 15th, 2023, and the starting date should ideally be April 1st, 2023. Late applications may be considered until the position is filled, and special conditions may apply for the starting date. The duration of the position is 8 months.
Successful applicants will be appointed by CIGIDEN at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and will ideally reside in Santiago, Chile, where they will receive a gross stipend of 1.800.000 CLP (~2.400 USD) per month, as well as travel expenses for those living overseas. To apply, please send your letter of intent/motivation, a research proposal, an extended CV and two letters of recommendation to Carolina Martinez (camartinezr@uc.cl) with the subject «CIGIDEN Social Practices Postdoctoral Application”.
