About PluriCourts

PluriCourts is a Centre of Excellence funded by the Research Council of Norway. The Centre is based at the Faculty of Law, Department of Public and International Law of the University of Oslo. Co-Directors of the Centre are Andreas Føllesdal (professor in political philosophy) and Geir Ulfstein (professor in international law).The coordinator for the political science research at PluriCourts is Daniel Naurin (professor in political science).

The primary research objective of PluriCourts is to analyze and assess the legitimate present and future roles of international courts. For more information about the general research agenda and PluriCourts, visit PluriCourts’ web site and its research agenda. Although PluriCourts is situated within the Faculty of Law, the Centre also maintains ties with the Department of Political Science at Oslo University.

Job description

1-2 postdoctoral fellowships of up to three years in political science is available at PluriCourts, the multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence for the Study of the Legitimate Roles of the Judiciary in the Global Order, at the Faculty of Law, University of Oslo.

The postdoctoral researchers will contribute to PluriCourts’ research agenda, by studying the functioning, effects and legitimacy of international courts and tribunals (ICs). We seek candidates with a background in judicial politics, international relations, comparative politics, political economy, public administration, legal economics or other relevant political science subfields. Previous experience with research on international courts is preferred, but not required. Perspectives originating in different political science subfields may fruitfully be applied to the study of ICs. Strong methodological (quantitative and/or qualitative) and formal modelling skills are particularly valued.

Successful candidates will develop their own research agenda that contributes to PluriCourts’ research plan, in collaboration with colleagues at PluriCourts. Possible research topics include, but are not restricted to; 1) judicial independence and politicization of ICs, 2) compliance with and effectiveness of ICs, 3) the effects of international judicialization on domestic politics, 4) judicial behavior, 5) the selection and retention of judges, 6) the social legitimacy of ICs, 7) descriptive and substantive representation of men and women in ICs, and 8) litigation and the role of law and courts as a strategy for achieving political goals.

The candidates may be assigned a 10% workload of tasks including teaching, supervision or other relevant tasks.

Qualification requirements

• We seek candidates with a background in judicial politics, international relations, comparative politics, political economy, public administration, legal economics or other relevant political science subfields.
• The successful candidates are expected to live and work in Oslo during the project period and participate in common activities at the Centre, such as organizing workshops, contributing to seminars, co-authoring research publications, writing grant applications etc.
• In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the demonstrated ability of the applicant to conduct, publish and present high quality research at an international level
• The quality of the project proposal will be evaluated with a special emphasis on how it contributes to PluriCourts research agenda
• Applicants must have received the doctoral degree prior to taking up the position.

We offer

• Salary NOK 524 200, - to 586 500, -per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• An academically stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• The city of Oslo – a unique mix of vibrant cultural life and extraordinary nature

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• A project proposal (max. 3 pages) outlining how the applicant proposes to contribute to PluriCourts’ research agenda.
• CV in English (maximum 2 pages) (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity) 
• A complete list of published and unpublished works. If co-authored work is include, the applicant’s role must be made clear by a statement from the co-author 
• The 3 most relevant published or unpublished works 
• Contact details of at least 2 references from whom letters of recommendation can be solicited

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Short-listed applicants will be called for interviews by Skype or at the University of Oslo. The short-listed candidates must present copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only).

Formal regulations

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

No one can be appointed as Postdoctoral Fellow for more than one specified period at the same institution.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

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

Contact information

• Professor Daniel Naurin, phone number: +47 22 85 94 80, e-mail: daniel.naurin@jus.uio.no
• Administrative manager Siri Johnsen, phone number: +47 22 85 94 92, e-mail: siri.johnsen@jus.uio.no

Apply for position