CMI is an independent, non-profit, development research institute based in Bergen, Norway, with around 110 staff members. In cooperation with partners from all over the world, we address key development challenges in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America
We combine high quality research with an engagement to make knowledge accessible and used. We work in multi-disciplinary teams, where the main disciplines are economics, political science, and social anthropology. We have an international staff and a vibrant working environment.
Our vision is research for a just and equal world, and our mission is to address global challenges by providing research-based knowledge that inspires and shapes policy and practice.
You can read CMI's strategy, vision, mission and values in full here: Who we are (cmi.no)
CMI's strategic priorities for 2023-2028 are:
High quality research: increasingly be internationally recognized for cutting edge, interdisciplinary academic and policy-relevant research.
Impact for societal change: To strengthen our influence, and shape public debates and policies in our fields of expertise
Equal knowledge production: To be a role model in equal and inclusive partnerships in all of our endeavors.
CMI's structural priorities for 2023-2028 are:
An inclusive workplace: CMI must have an inclusive and healthy work culture that encourages and thrives on diversity, including in perspectives.
A developing & sustainable organization: CMI continues to adapt to changing needs and requirements by having sufficient staff with the right competencies, resources, and technology to support our operations.
Social responsibility: CMI works for sustainability in all areas of our operations, especially those focused on environmental, social and governance issues
At Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) we have organized our research in different research themes; one such theme is Climate and Natural Resources. Our research groups, which are organized around our themes, are comprised of researchers from different disciplines, as our research projects are multi-disciplined.
We currently have one vacancy as part of the Young Research Talent grant from the Norwegian Research Council [Forskerprosjekt for unge talenter, Forskningsrådet] on a Project titled Conservation Labor: A New frontier in Labor Theory and Conservation Science (CONLAB). We are looking for a Postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in the social sciences and with interest and experience engaging with issues related to biodiversity conservation policy and practice in the Global South. This researcher will be included in the Climate and Natural Resources research group.
This researcher will be responsible for leading a work package to examine trends in conservation labour dynamics in the Global South. To this end, the primary task of, the researcher will be to design, develop, and implement a large-scale online survey. This will include designing the methodology and specific survey questions to understand the shifting dynamics of working in conservation contexts across different sites, localities, and geographies. The researcher will be expected to identify appropriate survey participants, disseminate the survey, collect the data and analyze it. With support from the project team, the researcher will conduct relevant and appropriate analysis of the survey to support the development of peer-reviewed journal articles and other outputs. Given the nature of the research, experience in developing and conducting quantitative surveys is necessary, as is experience and ability to statistically analyze the data.
Drawing on this work package, the postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with other team members in analyzing through mixed methods conservation labour dynamics across case study sites in Eastern and Southern Africa and South Asia.
This position is a two-year position, however there is a possibility of a third year if the candidate is successful in securing a mobility grant from the Norwegian Research Council.
Planned start date is set to the 2nd of January 2024.
Research for a just and equal world
CMI's vision is to generate research for a just and equal world, and our mission is to address global challenges by providing research-based knowledge that inspires and shapes policy and practice.
We are therefore looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher who is identifies with CMI's vision and mission.
CONLAB is an interdisciplinary and comparative research project that advances frontiers of labor theory and conservation science by examining how biodiversity conservation policies, initiatives and projects shape labor dynamics in affected communities. Theoretically, we conceptualize conservation as a mode of production that requires and generates value from different forms of paid and unpaid work. We situate conservation labor and theorize it in the broader context of an international conservation labor regime. This labor regime is underpinned by a particular division of labor and labor dynamics in capitalist societies and postcolonial contexts that are characterized by entrenched social hierarchies cutting across gender, class, caste, race and ethnicity. From this vantage point, CONLAB examines the division of labor and labor dynamics i) within and outside of the conservation sector, ii) across social identities of gender, class, caste, and race, and iii) across hierarchies of paid, underpaid and unpaid work for conservation.
To study these processes empirically, this project will be implemented in a comparative manner across several sites in South Asia and East and Southern Africa where team members have long term engagements, alongside developing a global survey to assess the status of labor in conservation. CONLAB asks the following overarching question: How do biodiversity conservation initiatives shape labor dynamics (i) within and outside of the conservation sector, (ii) across axes of social difference (including gender, age, class, caste, and race), (iii) across hierarchies of wage labor (including full-time, part-time, formal, informal, casual and voluntary work)?
CONLAB’s engagement and impact will go beyond academia through dialogues with practitioners and policymakers at different scales to advise and shape local and global policy making processes pertaining to biodiversity conservation, social protection, well-being and poverty alleviation.
For this position, we are seeking a candidate with:
PhD in Human Geography, Political Ecology, Environmental, Social Sciences, Environmental Anthropology, Conservation Social Science, Development Studies, or related discipline.
Expertise in conducting large surveys, including online surveys.
Expertise in statistical data analysis.
Excellent quantitative research methods skills and qualitative and mixed methods research experience is desirable.
Expertise in working on issues around social, political and justice dimensions of biodiversity conservation / natural resource management.
Experience of engagement and communication at the research-policy interface.
A growing record of publication in relevant disciplinary and interdisciplinary journals.
Experience in generating and/or curating multimedia outputs (e.g., webinars, podcasts, blog posts) is highly desirable.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work cross-culturally.
Willingness to take initiative and lead publications.
Willingness to apply for a competitive mobility grant to the Norwegian Research Council (to move outside of Norway) for the extension of the position by one year (see : Research Stays Abroad grant).
Personal qualities and qualifications
Other qualifications:
Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a PhD degree at the time of application.
Geographic orientation: Familiarity with debates and contestations around biodiversity conservation and development policy and practice in the Global South is required.
Language skills: Strong English-language writing and presentation skills are required. French reading and speaking proficiency is desirable.
Networks: Engagement with relevant international interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research, practitioner and / or user networks.
Personal qualities
Self-leadership: High level of independence and self-leadership. Ability to be self-directed and work independently.
Curious and bold: Curiosity for other disciplines, open-minded and willing to push boundaries.
Respectful: Respectful and willing to understand the contributions of other disciplines.
Collaborative: willingness to collaborate and establish mutual understanding and trust. Willingness to work as part of a larger team.
Inclusive and empathetic: see, listen to and value colleagues and partners for who they are. Support colleagues and embrace differences.
To thrive and develop at CMI, it is important to have a set of qualifications beyond being a strong academic.
We value:
Project development skills and entrepreneurship. All research positions at CMI requires fundraising, and our researchers are the driving force in project development. Fundraising entails writing proposals and communicating with potential funders. An entrepreneurial attitude is essential. Skills, experience, and a track record with project development and fundraising are valuable.
Engagement with policy and practice. CMI aims to provide research-based knowledge that informs and inspires policy and practice. This entails interaction with user groups, policy- makers and practitioners.
Field experience. Field experience is important for gaining deep insight about development challenges.
Versatility. Working at CMI, it is an advantage to be interested in a variety of themes and geographical areas, and to be open to different methodological and disciplinary approaches.
Project leadership. Researchers at CMI often manage their own projects, with the support of a professional administration.
Research collaboration. Research at CMI involves collaboration with leading international research institutions, including partners in the south.
Popular dissemination. The impact of CMIs research comes partly through popular dissemination and engagement in public debates of relevance to our research.
Location, work travel, and home office
This position is located in Bergen, Norway. As a rule, CMI is not in a position to offer remote working arrangements for new staff members.
However, we offer home office agreements, allowing staff to work up to two days a week from home office in Norway.
Note that the position primarily entails desk-based research. Opportunities for fieldwork might arise in due course and in consultation with the PI.
CMI can offer you:
The opportunity to be part of the leading multidisciplinary development research institute in Scandinavia and to shape our research agenda and communication outreach.
A temporary, full-time, Postdoctoral position.
Two-year position with the possibility of a third year.
Remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience.
A vibrant and international working environment.
Work-life balance and home office opportunities.
Opportunity to work in Norway, with English as the working language.
A conducive environment for families with children.
Bergen is a picturesque city situated between fjords and mountains, with excellent opportunities for cultural experiences and an active lifestyle.
Relevant staff benefits:
In additional to the annual 5 week holiday leave, CMI offers staff additional paid leave from the 24th of December to the 1st of January, and during the Easter week each year.
Support for Gym membership.
Support if moving from abroad to join CMI.
Norwegian language classes for employees moving to Norway from abroad.
Excellent travel insurance that covers both work and private travel (terms apply).
Defined contribution pension (innskuddspension) set at 7% (2% are deducted from the employee, terms apply).
How to apply:
Your application must include:
Application letter must address the qualification points outlined above.
A letter of motivation (max two pages), detailing how their prior academic experiences (including methodological and disciplinary expertise and policy engagements) fit into the project and reasons and desires for this application.
CV (include information relevant to the items listed above, including information that sheds light on your degree of personal initiative).
Copies of a maximum of two (preferably published) academic pieces for evaluation.
A minimum of three references, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
The application deadline is the 15th of September 2023. The latest start date is the 10th of January 2024 due to the Project timeline. Please note we only accept applications via the JobbNorgerecruitment platform.
Questions regarding this position can be directed to:
