Dynamic Territory: A Normative Framework for Territory in the Post-Holocene (DynamiTE), Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas

Job description

A 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

The successful candidate will examine the dynamics of territorial occupation and territorial displacement in the context of climate change, with a focus in peasant and indigenous communities affected by drought and crop failure. Candidates are expected to deliver a project proposal showing how it will contribute to Dynamic Territory’s research plan.

Among the questions to be explored by the postdoctoral fellow are: What are the territorial strategies being used by peasant and indigenous communities affected by changed climatic patterns? How to think of the distribution of land and natural resources in agricultural territories that are or will be affected by desertification? What role are indigenous communities playing in the conservation of Global Systemic Resources and what role should they play in their governance? For more detailed information on Work Package 3, directly connected to this position, check the project’s website.

The research will apply methodology from the fields of philosophy, political theory, geography, or a relevant related discipline (e.g. anthropology, environmental history). Preference will be given to applicants with an interdisciplinary background in the above-mentioned fields. The successful candidate is expected to produce at least 4 peer-reviewed articles during the three-year period.

The position is available for a period of 3 years. There is a 10 % component of the position which is devoted to teaching and administrative duties.

The successful candidate is expected to be based in Oslo during the project period, starting the 1st of January 2022. They will actively collaborate with the project’s team, and participate in the Practical Philosophy Group and other departmental activities.

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

Qualification requirements

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications in philosophy, political theory, geography or a relevant related discipline (e.g. anthropology, environmental history), or PhD with an interdisciplinary profile in some of the above-mentioned disciplines.
• The candidate's research project must be closely connected to Work Package 3 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 defense 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 Work Package 3 of Dynamic Territory.
• 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 526 000 – 608 200 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 (maximum 3 pages) 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 four 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

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

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

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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

Contact information

For questions about the position:

• Professor and PI Alejandra Mancilla, e-mail: alejandra.mancilla@ifikk.uio.no

For questions about how to apply: HR Adviser Julie Tøllefsen

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