Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas

Job description

Two Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (SKO 1352) are available at the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas, University of Oslo.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is funded by the Research Council of Norway and is associated with the project The Kantian Foundations of Democracy, 324272 - FORSKER21. The candidate is expected to present a research project closely connected to the main project.

Kantian Foundations of Democracy aims to provide the first large-scale analysis of the theory of democracy of the neglected "Kantian School". These were philosophers active in Germany in the 1790s, and included Erhard, Maimon, Heydenreich, Bergk, Reinhold, Tieftrunk, Feuerbach, Jakob, Reimarus, Schlegel, and the early Fichte. Their theories are notable for bringing out fully the Kantian concepts of right, equality, autonomy, and popular sovereignty; for their sophisticated analysis of enlightenment in the public sphere, and their support for popular revolutionary movements. The aim is not just to gain new historical knowledge, but to contribute to improving our understanding of Kant's basic principles, as well as those of democracy more broadly.

More about the position

The successful candidate will examine either Kantian principles of right and their connection to political rights (Task 1), Kantian principles of popular sovereignty (Task 2), or Kantian views of reform and popular revolution (Task 3). Projects may engage with all four crosscutting questions of Kantian Foundations of Democracy (please see project description). Projects may focus more narrowly on one or two of the Kantians, but comparisons to other Kantians and Kant should be included.

The research will apply methodology from the fields of philosophy, political theory, legal theory, and intellectual history. An interdisciplinary background in the above-mentioned fields is an advantage. The successful candidate is expected to produce three peer-reviewed articles or a monograph during the two-year period.

The position is available for a period of 2 years.

The candidate is expected to develop a project description, which must be submitted as a part of the application.

The successful candidates are expected to be based in Oslo during the project period, starting 1 April 2022 . They will actively collaborate with the project’s team, and participate in the Practical Philosophy Group and other relevant departmental activities.

The main purpose of postdoctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications with a specialization in philosophy, political theory, legal theory, intellectual history, or other areas if relevant for the project
• The candidate's research project must be closely connected to Kantian Foundations of Democracy
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• German language skills sufficient for analysing philosophical literature
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public 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 Kantian Foundations of Democracy
• The applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame and to contribute to Kantian Foundations of Democracy
• Good co-operative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 615 800 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

• Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
• CV in English (maximum 2 pages), summarizing education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience, and other qualifying activities.List of publications
• Project description (appox. 3 - 5 pages, maximum 14,000 characters. See Template for project descriptions). The project description must present a feasible progress plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment
• Copies of grades and transcripts.

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. 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. Applicants with education from a foreign university must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.

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 PI Reidar Maliks, e-mail: r.k.maliks@ifikk.uio.no

For questions about how to apply:

• HR Officer Anders Rykke, e-mail: anders.rykke@hf.uio.no

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