Doctoral Research Fellow in Philosophy (EXPIRED)

A three-year Doctoral 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

The Doctoral 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

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. The application should contain a project description, which shows how the applicant´s project would contribute to the objectives of ModHap.

The person appointed will be affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities’ organized research training. The academic work is to result in a doctoral thesis that will be defended at the Faculty with a view to obtaining the degree of PhD. The successful candidate is expected to join the existing research milieu or network and contribute to its development. Read more about the doctoral degree.

The appointment is for a duration of 3 years. All PhD Candidates who submit their doctoral dissertation for assessment with a written recommendation from their supervisor within 3 years or 3 ½ years after the start of their PhD position, will be offered, respectively, a 12 or 6 month Completion Grant.

Qualification requirements

A Master's degree or equivalent in Philosophy or in other subject relevant to the project. The Master's degree must normally have been obtained and the final evaluation must be available by the application deadline
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
To be eligible for admission to the doctoral programmes at the University of Oslo, applicants must, as a minimum, have completed a five-year graduation course (Master’s degree or equivalent), including a Master’s thesis of at least 30 ECTS. In special cases, the Faculty may grant admission on the basis of a one-year Master course following an assessment of the study programme’s scope and quality.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on:

The project's scientific merit, research-related relevance and innovation
The applicant's estimated academic and personal ability to complete the project within the time frame
The applicant's ability to complete research training
Good collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities
Applicants who have recently graduated with excellent results may be given preference.

We offer

Salary NOK 501 200 –534 900 per annum depending on qualifications
An innovative, interdisciplinary and academically stimulating working environment
Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
Attractive welfare benefits