Application deadline: June 14, 2020
Project: How much is enough?
How much is enough? Global natural resources are depleting. A transition away from current economic systems is of highest urgency, but such transitions face an apparent conflict between environmental policies and a core liberal value: non-interference in private lifestyles. This project aims to overcome this apparent conflict and develop an approach to green liberalism. It will do so by drawing on political philosophy, decision theory and philosophy of economics in particular. The PhD candidate will work on the relationship between resource use, ideas of the good life and preference formation.
Job description
The candidate's primary responsibility will be to write a PhD dissertation under the supervision of dr. Constanze Binder. Secondary responsibilities include assisting dr. Binder in the organisation of project-pertinent workshops, conferences and (if it fits the area of interest of the candidate) a deliberative poll. Furthermore, the PhD candidate is expected to contribute as a junior lecturer to the Erasmus School of Philosophy’s (ESPhil) educational programme and to present papers at academic and popular meetings related to the project.
Job requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic and clear-headed PhD candidates with a background in political/moral philosophy and/or economic ethics and/or decision/social choice theory, who has an excellent professional command of English and a demonstrable interest in the project theme. Furthermore, the candidate should possess planning, organising and monitoring skills and be able to work independently, as well as in a team.
Period
The contract period will start on 1 September 2020 and last until 31 August 2024. In consultation with project leader dr. Constanze Binder, a specification of research, educational and administrative tasks and a plan for supervision will be drawn up at the start of the contract period.
Diversity
We particularly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply: We genuinely value diversity and believe that a diversity of talents contributes to our vision and strategy to excel as a university on research and education. ESPhil is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities and nationalities. Given the current composition of the ESPhil academic staff and priorities relating to staff diversity, the School especially encourages candidates from an ethnic minority, candidates with an international background and female candidates to apply.
Terms of Employment
The appointment concerns a temporary PhD position for four years. This position comes with good employment conditions, compliant with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The position begins with a temporary employment contract for 14 months in which the candidate’s suitability is evaluated. If the candidate is suitable, then an additional contract of 34 months follows, leading to a total appointment of 4 years.
The salary is in accordance with the doctoral candidate scale of the CAO NU. For a full-time appointment, the salary is € 2,325 gross per month during the first year, which will increase annually up to € 2,972 gross per month in the fourth year. In addition, the attractive employment package includes an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, generous leave provisions for a healthy work-life balance, a good pension scheme, a budget for conference and research travel, excellent options for collective insurance, and a provision for the use of the Internet at home. The employee may also use a number of campus facilities, such as sports facilities and the library. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme.
Erasmus Institute for Philosophy and Economics (EIPE)
[https://www.eur.nl/esphil/eipe]
The Erasmus Institute for Philosophy and Economics (EIPE) is one of the world’s leading research institutes in philosophy and economics. The research topics covered at EIPE span all branches of philosophy and economics, including foundations of economic theory, rationality, economic methodology, ethical aspects of economics, political theory, and the critique of political economy. The graduate programmes at EIPE comprise the prestigious two-year Research Master in Philosophy and Economics and an outstanding Ph.D. programme.
Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil)
Erasmus School of Philosophy is a leading research and teaching institution of Erasmus University Rotterdam. The faculty is one of the two independent faculties of philosophy in the Netherlands. ESPhil has a broad international orientation, with many international students (total number of students is currently about 800), PhDs (about 15), and staff members (about 30), and has excellent connections with universities abroad.
Erasmus Initiative ‘Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity’
[https://www.eur.nl/en/research/erasmus-initiatives/dynamics-inclusive-prosperity ]
The Erasmus Initiative ‘Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity’ focuses on enabling as many people as possible to benefit from increasing prosperity, whilst minimising the negative consequences. Increased prosperity requires constant coordination of the changing needs and values of governments, businesses, citizens and entrepreneurs. In order to chart this dynamic field, scholars from Erasmus School of Law, Rotterdam School of Management and the Erasmus School of Philosophy are entering into a multidisciplinary partnership.
Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) [https://www.eur.nl/en ]
The Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), named after Rotterdam-born humanist and theologian Erasmus, is a research university with a strong international orientation and a pronounced social focus, both in its education and research activities. On the lively, modern campus, more than 28.000 students and scholars of more than 100 nationalities are constantly encouraged to develop their talents and meet their ambition. Our more than 2700 scientists and employees work together with all our students to solve challenges faced by global society, drawing their inspiration from the consistently dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. The academic education offered at our faculties is intensive, engaging and strongly focused on practical application. We increasingly perform our research in multidisciplinary teams, which are closely interwoven with international networks. In terms of research impact and the quality of its degree programmes, EUR can compete with the foremost universities in Europe, which is reflected in its consistent top-100 position in most major university rankings.
How to apply
To apply, please send your application package, no later than June 14, 2020 by e-mail to office@esphil.eur.nl. Please mention “PhD How much is enough” in the subject line.
The application package should include the following files in PDF format:
1. Curriculum Vitae (including the contacts of two references)
2. Anonymised pdf including:
- Motivation letter, describing how your work fits into the research project.
- Writing sample (max 2,000 words).
The interviews will be held on July 7 or 8, 2020. Candidates will be notified whether they have been selected for the interview by the end of June.
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from dr. Constanze Binder, binder@esphil.eur.nl .