Fair Limits (project archive)

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Vacancy: Postdoc in political philosophy/climate ethics (1.0 FTE)

Postdoc in political philosophy/climate ethics

Function
Fair Limits is a research project analysing whether upper limits on the distribution of economic and ecological resources can be justified. It is supported by an ERC Consolidator Grant and is directed by Prof. Ingrid Robeyns (PI). Within the field of philosophical theories of distributive justice, the Fair Limits project aims to analyse the plausibility of limitarianism, the view that there should be upper limits to the distribution of valuable scarce resources. The team currently consists of one PhD candidate (working on economic limitarianism) and 2 postdocs (working on methods and on agents of justice). The PI is also responsible for a subproject on what insights can be drawn from non-liberal global philosophies for investigating the limits of liberal egalitarian thinking on distributive justice.

We are now hiring another postdoc to work on questions of upper limits in the area of ecological resources (with preferably a focus on climate ethics). You will work under the supervision of the Project Leader Ingrid Robeyns and be part of the Fair Limits research team. You will play an active role in the research team, organize and take part in workshops, public events and other activities, as well as engage with the research of the other team members. You will be based at the Ethics Institute, which is part of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies of Utrecht University, which provides a stimulating and internationally oriented research environment.

Profile
  • You have completed a PhD in (political) Philosophy or in a related field. Additional knowledge in a field relevant to the project (especially: ecological/sustainability studies) is welcome.
  • You are specialised in ethics and political philosophy, especially in the field of theories of distributive justice and applied political ethics.
  • You have an excellent track record and research skills, relative to experience; and excellent academic writing and presentation skills.
  • You can work independently but are also able and willing to be part of a team.
  • You have an active interest in interdisciplinary work which connects philosophical analysis to other relevant disciplines and societal challenges.
Offer
We offer a full-time postdoc position (1.0 FTE), initially for a period of 12 months. Upon good performance, the contract will be extended for another 12 months (two years in total). The starting salary ranges between €3,389 and €3,637 (gross monthly salary on a fulltime basis depending on experience and qualifications (salary scale 10)).

Utrecht University offers a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% per year, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and terms of employment. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities. More information: working at Utrecht University.

About the organisation
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. Through its research and teaching in these domains, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent facilities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

Additional information
For further information about the vacancy, please contact Prof. Ingrid Robeyns, Project Leader, at i.a.m.robeyns@uu.nl, but note that she is probably not able to respond to emails from 18 to 24 March.

More information: Fair Limits project.

how to apply
Applications should include (1) a one-page letter of motivation, (2) a one-page research note, explaining how you would take the subproject forward (3) a curriculum vitae, (4) the names and contact details of two scholars who can be contacted for a reference; (5) two writing samples (i.e. two papers or a chapter of your PhD dissertation).

Applications are only possible via this website: https://www.uu.nl/organisatie/faculteit-geesteswetenschappen/over-de-faculteit/vacatures

Interviews are scheduled for Monday April 15th. Employment will become effective by 1 September 2019.

Deadline for applications:
29/03/2019