“INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, PLACELESSNESS AND CULTURAL RESILIENCE”

Project description:

The Faculty of Science at Liverpool John Moores University is offering a 3 year fully funded studentship to a candidate of exceptional abilities, to develop and deliver ground breaking research on the topic of “Indigenous Peoples, Placelessness and Cultural Resilience”. The project will be conducted within the Department of Geography and Environment Research Group at the School of Natural Sciences and Psychology in collaboration with the Centre for Public Health, Faculty of Education, Health & Community.
Despite noticeable progress since their political mobilisation in the 1970s, Indigenous peoples rarely get land rights and are threatened by encroachments on their territories. The upheavals caused by external influences and rapid changes can lead to real confusion among their communities. In Australia, Aborigines are experiencing a suicide rate two to three times higher than the national average. In Canada, the suicide rate is on average higher among indigenous groups, with Inuit having the highest suicide rate in the world. Several studies have attributed high suicide rates to development and modernisation. However, they have failed to explain differences in resilience between communities. Another element that has not been discussed is the impact of placelessness on communities’ disruption. The concept of placelessness derives from the geographical concept of place and refers to a loss of connection. It offers an analytical framework through which Indigenous communities’ loss of connection to the natural environment as a result of modernist policies and other encroachments can be thoroughly explored.
To date, investigations of Indigenous groups’ mental health issues have overlooked the cultural identity/Nature nexus. This research project is innovative since it will explore cultural resilience and communities’ disruption through the prism of placelessness. In addition, little interdisciplinary research has been conducted on the topic, while it is necessary to grasp the multidimensional aspect of this issue.

Specific eligibility requirements:

We are seeking a doctoral student with interest and enthusiasm in Indigenous peoples, human geography and public health. Applicants must:
-meet the minimum eligibility criteria of a first class Honours degree and/or Masters Qualification in a relevant discipline/subject
-demonstrate a commitment and willingness to undertake a PhD studentship research project and work collaboratively with the Environment Research Group and the Centre for Public Health
-have experience of using quantitative and qualitative methods
-demonstrate an understanding of the debates around indigenous health and advocacy
-provide details of any previous research experience (e.g. final year project)
-demonstrate a commitment and willingness to conduct fieldwork
possess an excellent standard of verbal and written English

Previous research experience with an indigenous community and relevant language skills will be a distinct advantage. Applicants should be prepared at interview to discuss ideas about where and with whom they would work.

The studentship is available to UK/EU candidates only. We expect student to be enrolled before June 1st 2016.


Name of Director of Studies:
Dr Celine Germond-Duret

Name of 2nd and 3rd supervisor:
Dr Conan Leavey and Dr Rose Khatri

Funding available:
LJMU Faculty of Science studentship including: Full-time tuition fees, a stipend for 3 years, and contribution to research costs of £1,500 p.a.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
18th of April 2016

PLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION BY EMAIL TO:
Dr Celine Germond-Duret
Email: [log in to unmask]
Phone : 0151 231 24 26