PRR Project

Summary

This is a position for an Assistant Researcher in the Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policy (GOVCOPP) of the University of Aveiro.GOVCOPP is a multidisciplinary unit, that brings together researchers from a broad set of disciplines. Yet it has a clear analytical core, which is the Unit’s focus on place-based policy and governance. There is a growing understanding that different places have unique needs, challenges, and opportunities; and that failure to address these contributes to a range of adverse consequences, not least fostering support for populist challengers. In this regard, the research that GOVCOPP carries out stands at the frontier of a topic that the academic community is increasingly appreciating as relevant, and with significant real-world implications.This recruitment aligns with GOVCOPP´s multidisciplinary ethos. The prospective researcher´s role will involve contributing to the design and implementation of research projects focused on place-based policy and governance alongside other Unit researchers; and participating in teams to elaborate policy recommendations tailored to the unique socio-economic conditions of diverse places. Additionally, the researcher will contribute to the dissemination of findings through scholarly publications, policy briefs, and presentations at international conferences, thus enhancing GOVCOPP´s visibility and impact on global discussions surrounding place-based policy and governance.The ideal candidate should demonstrate an emerging and promising record of research in the study of place-based policy and governance, evidenced by publications and experience in research projects. Skills in relevant research methodologies are essential. Experience in engaging with stakeholders is welcome. Furthermore, the candidate should exhibit a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in place-based governance, showing evidence of being able to work in multidisciplinary teams. Coherent with the multidisciplinary nature of GOVCOPP, the position will be open to candidates possessing a PhD in a set of disciplines that link with place-based policy and governance, namely political sciences, social sciences, regional and urban planning, economics, management, industrial engineering and tourism.The rationale for this position stems from GOVCOPP´s strategic objectives and its trajectory. Hiring an Assistant Researcher, with an emerging and promising career in place-based policy and governance, will enable GOVCOPP to continue fostering leading research in the future and address societal challenges. It is also in line with the unit´s growth and the need to diversify its human resources profile beyond those primarily from teaching careers. By doing so, GOVCOPP aims to enhance its capacity for high-quality research and further reinforce its standing as leading international reference in the field of place-based policy and governance, committed to advancing scientific knowledge. Moreover, this addition will not only enrich GOVCOPP´s research capabilities but also ensure its continued contribution to societal well-being and policy innovation at local, national and international levels.