Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas

Job description

A two-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (SKO 1352) is available at the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas, University of Oslo.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is funded by the European Research Council and is associated with the project Dynamic Territory: A Normative Framework for Territory in the Post-Holocene (grant agreement number 948964).

More about the position

We are looking for candidates whose project contributes to one or more of work packages 2, 3, 4 or 5. The overall aim of Dynamic Territory is to lay down a normative framework for territory in a global context where geographic, climatic, and demographic conditions are no longer stable, predictable, and fixed, but constantly changing.

Topics that the postdoctoral research fellow might explore include, but are not limited, to: ecosystem-based approaches and place-based management and their role in territorial governance; justice in relocation for individuals/communities who will lose their territories as a result of climate change; the role of indigenous worldviews in the conservation of Global Public Goods; polycentric governance of Global Public Goods, and how it harmonizes (or not) with traditional conceptions of sovereignty; nonhuman animals as territorial agents; the political and legal representation of the nonhuman natural world in territorial governance; and normative approaches to migration in the context of global climate change.

The research may be in geography, international law, philosophy, political theory, or other relevant related disciplines or interdisciplinary approaches (e.g. environmental studies). Preference will be given to applicants with an interdisciplinary background within the relevant related disciplines. The successful candidate is expected to produce four peer-reviewed articles.

The position is available for a period of two years. 

The successful candidate is expected to be based in Oslo during the project period, starting on September 1st, 2024 at the latest. They will actively collaborate with the project’s team, and participate in the Practical Philosophy Group and other departmental activities.

Qualification requirements and personal skills 

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications in geography, international law, philosophy, political theory or other relevant related disciplines, or PhD with an interdisciplinary profile in relevant related disciplines (e.g. environmental studies).
• The candidate's research questions must be connected to Work Packages 2-5 of Dynamic Territory.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position.

The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.

In the evaluation of the applications, emphasis will be placed on:

• The research project’s scientific merit and novelty, and its relevance for Dynamic Territory in general and Work packages 2-5 in particular.
• The applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame.
• The interdisciplinary background of the candidate and/or their willingness to engage with interdisciplinary research.
• Good co-operative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines.

We offer

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications 
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Attractive welfare benefits

How to apply

The application must include:

• Letter of application describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position.
• Project proposal (3-5 pages, following the template) showing how it will contribute to Dynamic Territory’s research plan, and a time schedule for the planned work. It is expected that the applicant will produce at least 4 peer-reviewed articles during the period of appointment.
• CV in English (maximum 2 pages), summarizing education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience, and other qualifying activities.
• Complete list of published and unpublished works. If a co-authored work is included, the applicant's role must be made clear.
• Copies of grades and transcripts. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their university's grading system.
• A sample of published or unpublished academic work that the applicant regards relevant for the position (max 40 pages). If the publications are co-authored, the applicant’s role must be documented with a coauthor declaration.
• Names and contact details of three references.

The doctoral thesis and other academic works may be requested later.

Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, jobbnorge.no.

The short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

Formal regulations

See also Regulations concerning Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For questions about the position:

• Professor and Project Leader Alejandra Mancilla 

For questions about how to apply:

• HR Officer Anders Rykke 

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