The University of Agder has more than 1400 employees and 13 000 students. This makes us one of the largest workplaces in Southern Norway. Our staff research, teach and disseminate knowledge from a variety of academic fields. Co-creation of knowledge is our common vision. We offer a broad range of study programmes in many fields. We are situated at two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad respectively.
We are an open and inclusive university marked by a culture of cooperation. The aim of the university is to further develop education and research at a high international level.
About the position
A 100 % paid position as a PhD Research Fellow in circular economy is available at the University of Agder (UiA), School of Business and Law and Solvay Brussels School Economics & Management, for a period of three years. The position is offered jointly by the two institutions through a cotutelle agreement. Candidates will spend some time at the University of Agder, Norway and some time at Solvay, Belgium.
The starting date will be 1st of October 2021.
Responsibilities
Solvay and UiA invite applications to a PhD project that will contribute to research on circular economy and the European Green Deal.
The European Union pledges a 55 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030 and will become climate neutral in 2050. The European Green Deal (EGD) outlines a strategy for transforming the European economy while also ensuring that it remains globally competitive. More production and consumption will be attempted shifted away from linear to circular modes (cf. Circular Economy Action Plan), and the EGD also identifies several industrial ‘climate frontrunners’ that will offer “breakthrough technologies”. The European Union is transforming the institutional and regulatory context in these “breakthrough” sectors, which includes green hydrogen and electric vehicle batteries. A broad range of policy incentives are put forward, including subsidies, public investment and regulation.
Solvay and UiA invite applications from candidates with a background in management/economics and who are interested in exploring these themes in a PhD project. Candidates should formulate a three-page tentative proposal that suggests a possible research question(s), relevant theoretical approaches and potential methods that could be used. The themes outlined above represent an emerging field. Solvay and UiA recognise that formulating a PhD project within these areas is a challenging task due to their novelty but ask nonetheless that candidates develop a preliminary outline. If granted the position, Solvay and UiA expect the successful candidate to redesign or further develop the PhD project proposal in close dialogue with the appointed supervisor(s).
The PhD project will be an independent project but will contribute to relevant research streams at Solvay and UiA on the circular economy, including the UiA project “Lithium-ion BATteries” - Norwegian opportunities within sustainable end-of-life MANagement, reuse and new material streams’ (BATMAN), which is funded by the Norwegian Research Council.
Required qualifications
Ability to apply key theories and concepts to societal, business or political phenomena
Master-level education within economics, management or a related field
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Candidates who are in the closing stages of their master’s degree this year can also apply. These candidates should provide a short outline describing their master thesis project
A prerequisite for employment is that the candidate is to be admitted to UiAs PhD programme at the School of Business and Law.
Further, it is required that the candidates attend PhD-programme activities and actively participate in the research environment at both UiA School of Business and Law and Solvay Brussels School Economics & Management.
Accepted candidates from outside the European Union are required to secure a needed Schengen visa in due time.
The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, which currently entails 482 200 NOK gross salary per year (approx. 47 000 euros). A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.
General information
UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.
The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.
Short-listed applicants will be invited for an interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.
Application
The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job".
The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:
Educational certificates with grades
Master’s thesis
References
Academic work and R&D projects, as well as a list of these, if any
A three-page tentative description of the PhD research project. The outline should formulate and discuss possible research questions, relevant theoretical perspectives, likely methodological approach, empirical data and a progress plan
Any other relevant documentation
The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.
Application deadline: 16 April, 2021.
Contact
For questions about the position:
Professor Marek Hudon, Solvay Brussels School Economics & Management, mhudon@ulb.ac.be
Associate Professor Stina Torjesen, mobile + 47 40827406, e-mail stina.torjesen@uia.no
For questions about the application process:
Senior Advisor HR Anna Cecilie Eye Færavaag, tel. 38 14 24 14, mobile 974 29 499, e-mail anna.c.faravaag@uia.no
