PRR Project

Summary

Rationale for the ICS-ULisboa Strategic Planning: A key emerging theme in sociological research is the relationships between humans, animals and the more-than-human world, the discussion on the many continuities between species, their mutual collaborations and interdependence for the survival and sustainability of the planet. Predatory human action towards the environment has left a trail of destruction, instability, insecurity and risk. Climate emergency has pushed towards new approaches on multispecies justice and governance, in which the interests of animals and  the more-than-human world are taken as priorities.From the public policy point of view, there is enormous pressure to adjust to these new realities and to protect the most vulnerable. It becomes necessary to combine the well-being of humans and non-humans (particularly animals) in future policies and adjust existing ones, without which the social ties which bind us are dangerously weakened.The recruited PhD Researcher will be a major step forward in the consolidation and expansion of this key emergent area at ICS-ULisboa - where there are several ongoing projects, including an ERC- thus instrumental in bolstering ICS-ULisboa’s profile as a Portuguese and European pioneering centre in fundamental research on this trans-disciplinary and policy cross-cutting topic. Scientific Profile: In addition to a demonstrated interest in the topic, the PhD Researcher to be recruited should have: a) a PhD in Sociology; b) a relevant CV in the field of Human-Animal Studies, with particular emphasis on internationalization (e.g. international collaborations, a repertoire of publications, participation in research networks, experience in project-based research and outreach activities);c) solid methodological training, in both quantitative and qualitative methods, with experience of participatory methodologies, involving contributions from multiple stakeholders; d) proven experience in initiating innovative, cutting-edge, research strands and topics; e) proven experience in coordinating and teaching post-graduate courses; f) a track record in highly competitive funding, both at an international and national levels; g) experience in coordinating teams, and research units; and h) preferable experience in the outline and co-development of recommendations to decision-makers in both private and public sectors.??????? Tasks to be assigned : The Assistant Researcher to be recruited will carry out activities in the field of sociology of human-animal studies. These activities include a) designing research programs and scientific development; b) coordinating research teams and leading the implementation of projects in research and scientific and technological development; c) conducting training activities in scientific research methods and development in this field; d) supervising master’s and PhD students; e) proposing outreach interventions based on results obtained in a research project conducted in this scientific domain.In practical terms, the activity of this Researcher will be supported in the following 5 years by two already existent and well-established projects: a) the ERC ABIDE project, a highly competitive European Research Council Consolidated Grant, to study how animals recover from catastrophic wildfires, within which a team of 7 to 10 scholars will be trained  in this field; b) the Human-Animal Studies Hub, a multidisciplinary and interinstitutional research hub created and coordinated by the recruited Researcher at ICS-ULisboa. The Research to be developed will be further supported by teaching activities, namely the coordination and teaching of the Post-Graduate course Animais & Sociedade , as well as by mentoring activities (vg. PhD supervisions). These activities are developed within the Inclusion and Vulnerabilities TL , as well as the Sustainability TL , as the topics pertain to both, and also benefit from LIFE and SHIFT RGs activities.