Postdoctoral position in Social Anthropology – ERC Project In/visible women of the sea (GENMAR)

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UiB - Knowledge that shapes society UiB shall be among Europe's leading universities, internationally recognized for high quality in research and education. As a societal institution, we shall contribute to sustainable and democratic development and be an attractive and inclusive place to study and work. Video: https://youtu.be/i4SDcLir6Oc Postdoctoral position in Social Anthropology – ERC Project In/visible women of the sea. Gendering fishery politics and advocacy (GENMAR) The Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in Social Anthropology. The position is fully funded by the European Research Council (ERC) through the project GENMAR (2026–2031). The successful candidate’s postdoctoral project must therefore make a clear and substantial contribution to the themes and objectives of GENMAR. Prospective candidates must present a project proposal ethnographically situated in Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda. Further instructions about the project proposal are outlined below. About the project/work tasks: The GENMAR-project will advance empirical and theoretical knowledge about why and how women are continuously marginalized in the fishery sector. Current research shows that fisherwomen’s roles and contributions are not only habitually underrecognized, but they are also often excluded from governance- and management processes and lack social and economic rights. However, we know little about how gender equality policies- and recommendations in fishery are negotiated through political- and advocacy systems. Further, in the face of increased attention to the issue, little is known of where and why it loses momentum in political systems. Moreover, women’s role and agency in fishery politics, advocacy and governance is an understudied field, offering limited knowledge of how and why their struggles are hindered. GENMAR’s research objective is situated at the intersection of these three knowledge gaps. The project will develop a multi-sited, multi-scalar, comparative and theorized ethnography of gender inequality, gender advocacy and gender policies in fisheries in Spain, Brazil, Thailand and either Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda, and a case study of fishery policy in the EU-commission and the UNs Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Theoretically, the project draws on the existing literature about the gendering of fisheries, in dialogue with gender studies, social science concept analysis, legal anthropology and anthropological approaches to the state, organizations, law and policy. Methodologically, the project draws on ethnographic fieldwork, extended interviews, focus groups, document- and media studies and law- and policy analysis. The project’s PI is Associate Professor Iselin Åsedotter Strønen. For more information about the project, see here. Responsibilities Pursue a postdoctoral project, having Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda as ethnograpic point of departure, that directly contributes to GENMARs project’s focus on gender and fisheries at the local, regional, national and international level Conduct ethnographic field research for approximately one year in the course of the project period Actively participate in research, publication, and dissemination activities of GENMAR Write and publish at least two articles plus a book chapter Present research at departmental seminars, project workshops and conferences, and international conferences Assist with organizational tasks in the project (e.g., research administration, events, publication output planning) Follow the highest standards of data management and ethical protocols and procedures in alignment with ERC requirements Obtaining research permits when/if required, contribute to updating the project website and to communicating research findings to the public when appropriate Collaborate actively with the GENMAR project team in developing innovative and ambitious lines of inquiry, joint research questions, literature reviews and theoretical frameworks Qualifications and personal qualities: Required qualifications The applicant must hold a PhD or an equivalent degree within social or cultural anthropology (dissertation must be submitted by the deadline). It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded. A documented research trajectory reflecting the thematic, ethnographic and/or theoretical focus of GENMAR. Documented research experience with the gendering of fisheries is an advantage but is not an absolute requirement. In-depth knowledge of qualitative methods and documented experience with long-term, independent ethnographic field research. Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate clearly Ability to work both independently and in a team environment The place of work for this position is Bergen, and the work requires that you are physically present at the Department of Social Anthropology on a daily basis (excluding fieldwork). Desired qualifications A publication track recor

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