SWOP Director Karl von Holdt is standing down from the director position in order to concentrate on two large-scale SWOP research projects – popular politics in the Brics, and the Mellon Violence States, States of Violence project. There is now an intensive search underway for potential candidates for Director, and the job has been advertised on the Wits University Portal.
Karl describes the job as ‘fantastically exciting’ - one that he has thoroughly enjoyed. It entails helping researchers to conceptualise new research projects, supporting their implementation, and critically engaging with their research results. The kind of overview this affords across a diverse range of research provides opportunities for a big-picture synthesis of the sort that is not usually possible through a narrow focus on one’s individual research project. The director is also responsible for coordinating the entity, and ensuring that it remains a vibrant and collegial space that brings together researchers, postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and associates from around the world, supported by efficient administration.
It has been a privilege to work as director for seven years, says Karl – now it is time for me to concentrate on my specific research interests and provide the space for the next director to take SWOP to new heights. It is a good time for a transition in leadership, as the Institute has strong funding arrangements and has achieved record levels of publications over the past few years, with several new books in the pipeline.
Details on the post being advertised can be found here