Fully funded PhD fellowship in an interdisciplinary project on Democratic Resilience

Are you interested in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of normative democratic theory and political science? Then you might be the candidate we are looking for. The PhD-project is part of an interdisciplinary research project on democratic resilience funded by NTNU Community: https://www.ntnu.edu/community. The project combines normative and empirical perspectives on welfare institutions and redistributive policies as means for strengthening democratic institutions and practices in the face of increasing polarization, decline in political trust and the rise of authoritarian populism. Our focus is on what some call the social model of democratic self-defense. We are interested in what normative commitments democratic government imply, how well strengthening democratic resilience by reducing social and economic inequality aligns with these commitments, and to what extent such an approach is reflected in the public rhetoric of Norwegian political elites.

The PhD research fellow is expected to address conceptual and normative challenges facing the social model of democratic self-defense and to explore what specific policies such a model might imply. In addition, the PhD research fellow will investigate to what extent elected elites in Norway use framing that aligns with the social model, in close cooperation with supervisors. The precise direction and focus of the PhD project will be developed in the initial period of the fellowship in dialogue between the candidate and the supervisors.

The fellowship is fully funded and your gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800,- per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. The employment period is 3 years for the doctoral work.

To apply for the fellowship, you must have a relevant master's degree in Political Philosophy, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), or equivalent. Your course of study must be equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been achieved at master's level. Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.

The application must include:

• Copies of diplomas, including transcripts for both bachelor's and master's degrees. If your institution offers a diploma supplement (most European institutions do), you must also attach this.
• CV.
• Copy of Master's thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master's degree must be presented before taking up the position
• Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 pages)
• Any publications and other relevant research work
• Any certificates
• Names and contact information of three relevant referees

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview in the second half of September.