Full-time PhD on Women's Work and Formalisation in Fisheries

Experience Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Join a vibrant international community committed to sustainable development through collaborative research and knowledge sharing.

Institution and Workplace

Be a part of the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Bern. Our focus lies in addressing critical global challenges through partnerships with both the global North and South.

Project Overview

Engage with the research project Social and ecological responsibility through regulatory governance: Navigating formalisation in West African fisheries, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. This project investigates the impact of regulatory interventions on fishing livelihoods, labour conditions, and fish stock recovery in coastal West Africa, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of male and female fish workers across Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia.

Research Focus

Your undertaking will explore women's livelihood transformations in the context of fisheries formalisation. This essential research aims to highlight the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in post-harvesting roles, such as fishmongers and processors, and to analyze the effects of regulatory governance interventions on their work.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a PhD focusing on Geography and Sustainable Development.
• Lead qualitative, multi-sited field research in Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia, emphasizing women’s roles in fisheries.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and local partners, contributing to publications, coordination of fieldwork, and communication efforts.
• Present research findings to stakeholders and at scientific conferences.
• Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Geography, Anthropology, Development Studies, or related fields; candidates with Marine or Fisheries Science backgrounds are also welcome.
• Strong skills in qualitative and ethnographic research methods.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, and fluency in spoken French; knowledge of Wolof or other relevant languages is a plus.
• Prior fieldwork and research experience in coastal or marine contexts is highly desirable.
• Willingness to conduct extended fieldwork in resource-limited settings.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively within a diverse international team.

Benefits

• Collaborative and ambitious team environment.
• Individual career support and opportunities for professional development.
• Engaging work with fair compensation.

Learn More About Us

At the University of Bern, we promote diversity, equal opportunities, and an enriching development environment. Discover how your contributions can make a meaningful impact.