2 PhD vacancies - NWO Vidi Project Inequality Against Freedom (EXPIRED)

Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil) currently has a vacancy for a

PhD – 2 Positions (1.0 fte, 4 years) within the NWO Vidi Project Inequality Against Freedom

Inequality Against Freedom: Economic Power, Markets, and the Workplace studies the relationship between individual freedom and economic inequality. It undertakes to re-evaluate recent arguments about the freedom of market and workplace transactions in the context of mounting social and economic inequality.

Job description
Your primary responsibility will be to write a PhD dissertation in political philosophy under the supervision of dr. Nicholas Vrousalis. Your dissertation will advance a thesis related to the political theory of work, markets, and the workplace, against the background of recent debates about the relationship between freedom and economic inequality.

Secondary responsibilities include assisting dr. Vrousalis in the organization of project-pertinent workshops and conferences, contributing as a tutor and junior lecturer to the Erasmus School of Philosophy’s (ESPhil) educational programme and presenting papers at academic and popular meetings related to the project.

Job requirements
We are looking for two enthusiastic and clear-headed PhD candidates with a background in moral/political philosophy and/or economic ethics, who know some economics, have a professional command of English and a demonstrable interest in the project theme. A Master’s thesis on a related subject in moral/political philosophy and/or economic ethics would be a boon.

In return, we offer a first-rate scholarly research environment in the academic setting of the PhD programme of the Erasmus Institute for Philosophy and Economics (EIPE) within the Erasmus School of Philosophy.

Further job requirements:

• Excellent speaking and writing skills in English
• Independent work ethic and ability to meet deadlines
• Scientific integrity
• Conceptual analysis capacities
• Presentation skills
• Planning, organising and monitoring skills

Desirable:

• Knowledge of basic microeconomics
• A research-focused Master’s with a thesis in moral/political theory and/or economic ethics

Period
The contract period will start on 1 June 2020 and last until 31 May 2024. In consultation with project leader dr. Nicholas Vrousalis, 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 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)
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 University Rotterdam (EUR)
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 February 28, 2020 by e-mail to [email protected]. Please mention “PhD Inequality Against Freedom” in the subject line.

The application package should include the following files in PDF format:

• Motivation letter, describing how your work fits into the research project
• CV
• Writing sample (max 1,000 words)
• Two recommendation letters

The interviews will be held on March 26and 27, 2020. Candidates will be notified whether they have been selected for interview in early March.

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from the project website www.inaf.info or dr. Nicholas Vrousalis, [email protected] – tel.: 010-4089 702.