Job description
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.
Foto: Colourbox
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
How to apply
The application must include:
- Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
- Curriculum Vitae with grades listed (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
- List of publications
- Project description (approx. 3 – 5 pages, maximum 14,000 characters. See Template for project descriptions). The project description must present a feasible progress plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment
- 2 academic works written within the last five years that the applicant wishes to be considered. These may be published works, dissertation chapters, or unpublished manuscripts.
- The names of three references who can attest to the applicant’s skills and qualities
Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.
The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, jobbnorge.no. Applicants with education from a foreign university must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.
The short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview
Formal regulations
See also Regulations concerning Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships.
Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.
No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.
The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.
The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.
Contact information
For questions about the postion:
Professor and Project Leader Thomas Johansen
For questions about how to apply:
HR Officer Anders Rykke
About the University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.
The Department embraces four disciplines: Philosophy, Classical Languages (Greek and Latin), History of Ideas and Art History. The Department is also responsible for the introductory philosophy courses, obligatory for all students attending study programmes at the University of Oslo. The Department has about 110 employees.