Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Philosophy (EXPIRED)

A three-year postdoctoral research fellowship (SKO 1352) in Philosophy is available at the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas.

The position is part of the project Modeling Human Happiness (ModHap), which will run from 2022-2027. ModHap is an interdisciplinary project that integrates insights from ancient philosophy, philosophy of science and psychology in order to develop new empirically testable notions of well-being (or happiness). Our main objective is to develop new scientific models of happiness, which will provide vital knowledge about the sources of happiness, generate novel metrics for empirically measuring happiness, and lay the groundwork for innovative interventions aimed at improving and sustaining happiness. Our core hypothesis is that an integration of ancient conceptions and contemporary scientific investigations will generate novel models and understandings of human happiness. Four ancient theses about the nature of happiness structure the project: it is best understood (i) as fundamentally interpersonal or social, (ii) as inherently value-laden, (iii) as grounded in human nature and (iv) as a temporally extended dynamic activity. We will explore each thesis on three integrated levels: historically, conceptually and empirically. The candidate is expected to present a research project closely connected to the main project.

More about the position

We are looking for a philosopher who can contribute to the project by pursuing research that is directly relevant to one or more of the project themes about well-being (or happiness). This includes (but is not limited to) historical research on ancient philosophical notions of happiness, conceptual issues about the nature and constituents of happiness, and methodological issues concerning how to study happiness and what methods are appropriate to the science of happiness. The postdoctoral fellow will also be expected to contribute to further project activities, including collaborative research, the organization of workshops, and the formulation and writing of grant applications.

Applications are invited from candidates with interests in any of a range of disciplines relevant to the project such as ancient philosophy, ethics, philosophy of psychology, epistemology or philosophy of science. Interest in engaging with empirical psychology may be considered an asset.

The successful candidate is expected to become part of the research environment/network of the department and contribute to its development. The main purpose of postdoctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is jointly funded by the Norwegian Research Council and the University of Oslo, and is associated with the ModHap project (325898).

For more information on the project, please visit the project website: https://www.hf.uio.no/ifikk/english/research/projects/modhap/index.html

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.

Qualification requirements

PhD or equivalent academic qualifications with a specialization in Philosophy (or other areas relevant for the project)
The candidate is expected to develop a project description, which must be submitted as a part of the application. The candidate's research project must be closely connected to ModHap
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 public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.

In the evaluation of the applications, emphasis will be placed on:

The research project’s scientific merit, research-related relevance and innovation
The applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame and contribute to ModHap’s research goals
Good co-operative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines

We offer

Salary NOK 544 400 –626 300 per annum depending on qualifications
An exciting and professionally stimulating interdisciplinary research environment, with a high level of activity and large network of international collaborators
Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
Attractive welfare benefits