Institute of Development Studies

One-month Postdoctoral Fellowships with the STEPS Centre

The ESRC STEPS (Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability) Centre is a global research and policy engagement hub based in Sussex, drawing together researchers at the Institute of Development studies (IDS) and SPRU (Science and Technology Policy Research) with partners in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The STEPS Centre's overall goal is to help link technology and environmental sustainability with poverty reduction and social justice, in ways that work amidst the complexity, diversity and dynamism of today's world. The Centre works across three themes (dynamics, governance, designs) and a range of domains (food and agriculture, health and disease, water and sanitation, with new domain work beginning on climate and energy), and through a variety of field-based projects (see www.steps-centre.org).

We are pleased to offer the opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to engage with the STEPS Centre during a one month period based in Sussex. To apply, from any part of the world, you should have completed your doctorate within the last three years. You should have an original, exciting research interest, idea or plan which engages with some aspect of the Centre's work. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will work closely with a mentor from the Centre to develop your interests and produce a paper to be published in the STEPS Working Paper series. STEPS will cover any necessary international travel costs, and you will receive a stipend of £1500 to cover local accommodation and subsistence in Sussex.

To apply, please send a one-page note outlining the topic you would focus on, a one-page CV and a letter of reference (e.g. from a PhD supervisor). Please also include an indication of the preferred dates of your fellowship between October 1st 2010 and 31st March 2011. Applications should reach the STEPS Centre Co-ordinator, Harriet Le Bris (h.lebris@ids.ac.uk) by the closing date of 30 June 2010.

Related Projects

• Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability (STEPS) Centre - The STEPS Centre is an interdisciplinary global research and policy engagement hub, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. It aims to develop a new approach to understanding, action and communication on sustainability and development. (Ongoing)