The Department of Peace and Conflict Research was established in 1971 to conduct peace research and offer courses in peace and conflict studies. Currently approx. 90 persons are employed at the Department and approximately 1000 students are enrolled every academic year. Courses offered include undergraduate and post-graduate courses, as well as a Ph. D. programme. For more information, visit www.pcr.uu.se.
The project
The project “Why evictions turn violent: The politics of growing cities” (Project leader Emma Elfversson), started up in January 2026 with funding from the Swedish Research Council and will run through 2029. The project will combine large-N analyses of data on forced evictions with in-depth study of strategically selected cases in Ethiopia and Kenya, two countries where evictions have been prominent, but violence dynamics vary. More information about the project can be found here: https://www.uu.se/en/department/peace-and-conflict-research/research/research-projects/why-evictions-turn-violent-the-politics-of-growing-cities.
The department and the project is now looking for 2 research assistants for 6 months full-time employment, starting 1 September, or as agreed.
Expected tasks
The tasks primarily include collection of data. Specifically, the two research assistants will be responsible for the collection of new fine-grained data on eviction dynamics in ten major and secondary cities in Kenya and Ethiopia, based on secondary sources. The position may also entail routine administrative/project management tasks, workshop assistance and miscellaneous writing tasks. The research assistants will report to the project leader, and work closely with each other and the other participating researchers within the project. The position is full-time and based onsite in Uppsala.
Qualifications and required skills
- Bachelor degree
- Good knowledge within peace & conflict, development studies, or other field of relevance to the project
- Basic software skills, including familiarity with Excel
- Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English
- Ability to work independently and in teams
- Attention to detail and exactness, analytical and problem-solving skills, and good interpersonal abilities.
Additional / Meritorious qualifications
Fluency (or advanced knowledge) in Amharic or another major Ethiopian language, and/or in Kiswahili, is highly meritorious given that the data collection will partly be based on secondary sources in local languages in the cities under study. Please describe your language skills clearly in the application. Studies at the Master level in peace and conflict or other discipline relevant to the project is also highly meritorious, as is previous experience with data collection (coding), particularly conflict-related data.
Proficiency in GIS analysis, and/or knowledge of software for statistical analysis such as R, is also a merited skill. Previous experience working in/conducting research on Ethiopia and/or Kenya is meritorious.
The application
Respond to the two mandatory questions, attach a CV (including a clear description of your language skills), and include a relevant writing sample (e.g., a thesis) with your application.
About the employment
Type of employment: Temporary (6 months). Starting date: 1 September, or as per agreement (no later than 1 October 2026). Scope of employment: 100%. Location: Uppsala.
Questions regarding the position may be directed to: Emma Elfversson, emma.elfversson@pcr.uu.se.
Submit your application by 5 June 2026. UFV-PA 2026/1256.
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The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment.
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Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system.Placement:Department of Peace and Conflict ResearchScope:Full timeWorking hours:100%Type of employment:Temporary positionPay:individuellNumber of positions:2Town:UppsalaUnion representative:
Number of reference:UFV-PA 2026/1256Last application date:5 June 2026