Job Offer: Postdoctoral Internship - Armed Conflicts, Sexual Violence, and Psychological Health

Project Description

The Observatory for the Psychological Impacts of Armed Conflicts and Intergroup Violence (Psycavi) aims to gather, develop, and mobilize scientific knowledge concerning the psychological health of populations exposed to armed conflicts both in afflicted regions and among refugees in Canada. Approximately 12% of the world's population lives in conflict zones; the African Great Lakes region has been particularly afflicted by intergroup violence for decades. These armed conflicts undermine the mental and cognitive health of populations. The Observatoire's activities are implemented through four branches to monitor the evolution of psychological health based on histories of violence and sociopolitical changes in the following locations: Kigali (Rwanda), Goma (North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo), Bukavu (South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo), and Quebec. Psycavi's activities are carried out by Laval University (Quebec, Canada) and its university and non-university partners in Rwanda, the DRC, France, and Canada. The development of knowledge is necessary to promote individuals' adaptation, the construction of sustainable peace in afflicted societies, and social cohesion in countries hosting refugees.

The main research axes of the Psycavi Observatory

• Axis 1: Epidemiological studies providing an overview of the emotional and cognitive health of afflicted populations
• Axis 2: Impact of schooling (literacy, French-language instruction) on the emotional and cognitive health of individuals exposed to armed conflicts
• Axis 3: Sexual violence: Emotional and cognitive consequences; justice and resilience

The Observatoire Psycavi is looking to recruit a postdoctoral fellow to work on one or more of these research axes. It should be noted that the Observatory's programming includes both quantitative and qualitative studies. Individuals with expertise in either methodological approach are encouraged to apply.

Tasks and Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Fellow:

• Design and implement research protocols related to the research axes of the Observatoire
• Collect, prepare, and analyze data
• Write scientific articles
• Coordinate a multidisciplinary seminar on trauma, health, and armed conflicts offered at the School of International Studies at Université Laval
• Organize and lead workshops on research methodology in psychology/social sciences for members of the Observatoire Psycavi
• Play a role in supervising African and Canadian students working on research projects within the Observatoire Psycavi
• Participate in knowledge mobilization activities of the Observatoire Psycavi
• Contribute to the organization of the Scientific Days of the Observatoire Psycavi

Profile sought:

• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline
• Have research expertise in a field related to psychological health related to armed conflicts or mass violence.
• Have at least two scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Have excellent writing, synthesis, and critical analysis skills
• Mastery of French (oral and written) and English (written)
• International experience would be an asset
• Knowledge of the Great Lakes region of Africa would be an asset

Personal qualities:

• Sense of responsibility, rigor, and good organizational skills
• Flexibility and open-mindedness
• Ability to work independently
• Team spirit
• Ability to adapt to an intercultural work environment

Working conditions:

This position will be full-time, at 35 hours per week, for a duration of 2 years. The annual salary is $55,000 CAD.

The hired individual will work in Quebec City, at the Cervo Research Center.

The Observatoire Psycavi is directed by Isabelle Blanchette, researcher at the Cervo Research Center and full professor at the School of Psychology, Université Laval.

To apply:

Please send your CV, a cover letter, and at least one of your scientific publications to the following address: psycavi@ulaval.ca

Letters of recommendation may be requested later. Applications will be evaluated until the position is filled.

Priority will be given to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, but everyone is encouraged to apply.