Applications are sought for a Visiting/Senior Research Scholar during AY 2012-2013 at the Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).  Candidates who qualify as research scholar or senior research scholar are eligible.

The position, which is supported by The Fund for Global Environment and Conflict Resolution of the Italian Ministry for Environment, Land and Sea, supports an outstanding candidate with experience and expertise looking at the nexus between natural resources, the global environment, climate change and security, conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable management.

The position is open to researchers and/or practitioners with a PhD and substantial experience in the above fields. It is designed to foster new scholarly experts in the following countries or regions: Italy, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Peru, Colombia, China, the Middle East, and/or North Africa.  Applicants with experience teaching in or conducting research in these countries are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will possess a strong research record, including publications, as well as an inter-disciplinary orientation and accomplishments in cross-cutting and cutting-edge initiatives.

The visiting appointment will be for between three and six months during academic year 2012-2013 (September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013), specific dates to be determined in consultation with the Center.

The successful applicant will be chosen for the originality and feasibility of their work within the designated time frame. Projects that combine research, practice, fieldwork and policy recommendations are welcome. The research should be relevant to lessons learned and best practices regarding the environment-conflict/development nexus in the following specific fields and geographical areas:

* Fragile states and the field of conflict prevention: specifically in China, the Middle East and North Africa with respect to conflicts or potential conflicts fuelled by natural resources, deforestation, and the role of renewable energy

* Conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction: specifically the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Peru and Colombia, looking specifically at environmental solutions and sustainable development policies

*  International security and climate change, in general, taking into consideration the impact of the current financial crisis and potential consequences on the field, with particular attention on water scarcity.

The selected candidate will complete his/her project during the period of appointment. He/she will lead a three part lecture series (one a month) at Columbia on a topic of interest, to be determined in consultation with the Center. The lectures will be published and recorded for CICR's website. The series may be an individual lecture or part of a panel with other members from Columbia and the wider field. The candidate will present the results of his/her research project at Columbia at the end of their stay.

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Please visit our on-line site at:  https://academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=56169 to submit your application.

Applications will need to include:

* A 3-page research/project description including area(s) of focus, methodology and three-month work plan.

*  Current CV.

*  Names and contact information for two references.

The deadline for applications is May 31, 2012.  The selection will be announced in June 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter.

If you have questions email Jessica Baen at jrb2178@columbia.edu.  (Do NOT send applications to this address.  All applications must be submitted online.)

SIPA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.