Project: ERC “Modelling African Futures: A comparative technography of evidence-based welfare policy in Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, and Botswana” (ModelFutures)
Host: Centre of African Studies, University of Copenhagen (UCPH)
Duration: 24 months
Start Date: 1 April 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
ModelFutures examines how innovations in population statistics shape welfare policies across four African countries: Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, and Botswana.
Postdoc 1: Senegal case study
Postdoc 2: Kenya case study
Focus: comparative ethnographic research on statistical and welfare systems, computational models, knowledge practices, and infrastructures.
Design and conduct independent fieldwork in Senegal or Kenya
Develop sub-project research plans aligned with ModelFutures goals
Participate in project meetings, workshops, joint publications, and outreach
Travel for fieldwork and conferences (funded by the project)
PhD in Anthropology, African Studies, STS, or related field
Proficiency in qualitative research methods; statistical training is an asset
Fieldwork experience in African state bureaucracies/welfare systems
Ability to produce high-quality comparative analyses and publications
Experience in disseminating research to diverse audiences
Languages: English required; French required for Senegal case study; knowledge of African languages is a plus
Cover letter
CV (max 2 pages, including contacts & language skills)
Research plan (max 5 pages / 12,000 characters)
Publication list
One sample publication
Degree certificates
Other relevant information
Submit online via UCPH portal
Starting salary: DKK 39,200 (~EUR 5,200) + 18.07% pension
Negotiable annual supplements possible
Full employment benefits and relocation support for international researchers
Contacts:
Academic queries: Alena Thiel – ath@teol.ku.dk
HR/recruitment queries: hr-soendre@adm.ku.dk
More info on the project: ModelFutures
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com