Postdoctoral researcher “State-led Capitalism and New Modes of Development Finance” at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, 1.00 fte, 40 months

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team carrying out multidisciplinary research on the political economy of state investment funds. S/he will work independently and in collaboration with the principal investigator (PI) Adam Dixon, focusing in particular on new modes of development finance and the political economy of strategic investment funds, primarily in the Global South. This includes understanding the role of multilateral financial institutions, donor governments in the Global North, and the financial services industry. The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to expand on the details of his/her own research in consultation with the PI. In addition, s/he will support the rest of the SWFsEUROPE team and project objectives, leading and contributing to academic publications, participating in team meetings, offering active support to the PhDs on the project, engaging in presentations, and organizing workshops and other events related to the project. The postdoctoral researcher will also develop university teaching skills and gain valuable experience by contributing to the teaching programs at Maastricht University, namely the MA in Globalisation and Development Studies.

Social scientists that have completed a PhD with knowledge and research experience in ‘political economy and development finance’ broadly defined are encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, candidates with backgrounds in political science, economic sociology, geography, international business, and development studies. Applicants should have a good understanding of the mechanics of public and private finance and investment. Skills relevant to the post are: ability to conduct ‘elite’ ethnographies and comparative case studies in countries across the income spectrum, particularly in the Global South; ability to analyze and interpret primary documentary and quantitative material; ability to present research findings at academic conferences; and, experience with university teaching and thesis supervision in topics related to globalization and development studies. Excellent communication and writing skills in English are a prerequisite. Competency in other languages is highly desirable.
Previous experience in teaching, working with innovative, interdisciplinary learning approaches and problem-based teaching methods are an asset.

We offer a dynamic and challenging job in an internationally-oriented organisation where young people receive an advanced education and scholars conduct exciting research. The postdoctoral researcher will have the unique opportunity to carry out research within one or more of the four themes within the research programme. They will be part of an international network of top universities and renowned scholars within the field. 

We offer a 1.00 fte appointment as Researcher for 40 months. The first year will be a probation period, after a positive assessment the position will be extended for the remaining 28 months.
Your position of Post-doctoral Researcher (Onderzoeker 3) will consist of 80% research and 20% teaching. 

Remuneration will be according to standard salary levels, depending on education and relevant work experience. This implies a gross monthly salary of about € 3.111,00 per month, scale level 10 (based on a full-time appointment). Each year the standard salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. After a positive assessment a promotion to scale 11 is possible in the 2nd year. 

You have to be willing to move to (the vicinity of) Maastricht. If you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings) you will be eligible for an allowance for moving costs. If you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings) you might be eligible for an allowance for alternative housing.  

Other secondary conditions include e.g. a pension scheme and partially paid parental leave. 

You will be provided with shared office space and a PC.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,300 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) has about 250 staff members, and about 1,600 students. More than 76% of the students are non-Dutch (64 different nationalities). All programmes are offered in English and some are also offered in Dutch. FASoS offers two 3-year bachelor’s programmes: Arts and Culture and European Studies. It also offers eight different 1-year Master’s programmes and two 2-year research master’s programmes.
Research is organised around four programmes: Politics and Culture in Europe; Science, Technology and Society Studies; Arts, Media and Culture; and Globalisation, Transnationalism and Development. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is housed in the historic city centre of Maastricht. 

Research project
The number and size of state-owned institutional investors—known conventionally as sovereign wealth funds (SWF)—has grown substantially in the last two decades. As many originate from the Global South and from illiberal political economies (e.g. China), there is an unsettled debate regarding their legitimacy and place in the global political economy. Some suggest they represent the (re)emergence of state-led capitalism subject to geopolitical motivations that threaten free markets. For others, SWFs represent a source of long-term patient capital capable of mitigating market short-termism. Either way, SWFs challenge the norm, particularly in the Global North, that financial markets are spaces of exchange for non-state actors. The SWFsEUROPE project will explain the evolving and variegated pattern of ‘sovereign fund capitalism’ globally and in Europe. The objective is to refine and extend our understanding of the relationship between states, global finance, and development in the 21st century.

Interested candidates are invited to submit: 

1. A letter of motivation summarizing relevant experience and reasons for interest in the position.

2. A CV including a complete list of publications.

3. A grade transcript of previous education at Master/graduate level.

4. PhD degree certificate.

5. Their best article or book chapter, preferably single-authored.

Maastricht University is committed to nurturing an inclusive culture and a welcoming atmosphere. This inclusiveness strategy has resulted in a very diverse representation of nationalities and cultures. We strongly believe that diversity (including, but not limited to nationality, age and gender) of the staff and student population will increase the quality of UM education & research. Fostering diversity and inclusivity creates an academic community where individual talents thrive, and values and differences are cherished. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are qualified for this position. 

The deadline for submitting your application is 29 May 2018. 

Please send your application electronically to the Secretariat of the department Technology and Society Studies:
pzfasosvac-philotss@maastrichtuniversity.nl 

All applicants will be notified within one month following the deadline as to whether or not they have been selected for an interview with the search committee. Short-listed candidates will be asked to write a research proposal related to the project described above, of 1,000 words (further details will be supplied) and provide two references. Interviews will take place in Maastricht and/or via Skype.