PhD research fellowships in political theory, Norway

Deadline: 15 November 2010
Open to: holders of Master’s degree in social or political theory and those who have academic experience in international political economy or European law
Scholarship: 377,500 NOK (46,345 EUR)

The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) invites applications for two doctoral researcher positions in the field of political theory with special emphasis on political economy and European law, respectively. The doctoral researchers will integrate and support PRIO’s EU funded research on European security.

The candidates will be selected on the basis of academic record, experience, and the quality and relevance of the proposed doctoral research. Applicants must account for their qualifications in the following areas:

1. Academic background: Candidates must hold a two-year Master’s degree in social or political theory, and have academic experience in international political economy or European law.
2. Area competence: Candidates should possess broad knowledge of the organization and structure of the European Union, its institutions and politics, particularly in the area of security.
3. Language skills: English is the working language at PRIO and fluency in English is required. Mastery of other European languages is an advantage.
4. Professional skills: The doctoral researchers will share responsibility for the success of the overall project and work closely with other members of the project team. Excellent writing skills, strong IT skills, administrative experience and ability to produce results under pressure are important assets.
5. International cooperation: The project requires significant travel within the European Union and collaboration with several European partners. Collaborative skills are essential.

The projects will be carried out in PRIO’s Security Programme under the leadership of Prof. J. Peter Burgess. PRIO is an independent, international and interdisciplinary research institute that combines academically oriented research with short-term policy-oriented projects. Security research at PRIO takes place within a forward-looking, theoretically innovative unit with emphasis on European security research.

PRIO will be the doctoral researchers’ workplace and employer. PRIO is an independent, international and interdisciplinary research institute that combines long-term academi-cally oriented research with short-term policy-oriented projects (website). The institute encourages academic publishing of research results at the highest international level and has a strong publication record. PRIO is located in attractive premises in central Oslo, with a staff of about 70 people and a friendly, inclusive and professional work environment.

The PhD degree must be awarded by a university, and each doctoral researcher will be responsible for applying to, and enrolling in a compatible PhD programme at a Norwegian university. A two-year Master’s degree in the same discipline is generally required for enrolling in such programmes. Candidates with an interdisciplinary Master’s degree should make enquiries about eligibility for enrolling in a relevant programme. To facilitate integration in the overall project, the dissertation should be written as a compilation of journal articles.

PRIO is committed to promoting the careers of female researchers and to foster a more ethnically diverse work force at the institute. PRIO is not required to publicly announce vacancies but uses open, merit-based competitions to find the best possible candidate for each position.

The initial salary for a doctoral researcher without relevant seniority is step 47 in the Norwegian state salary system (currently NOK 377,500). The starting date for both positions is 1 February 2011.

Essential guidelines for each of the positions should be requested by sending an e-mail to recruiting@prio.no, stating clearly which position you are interested in. These guidelines include further details about the EU project(s) that the doctoral project will be part of, as well as  guidelines for what should be included in the Description of doctoral research. Other questions about the position can be directed to J. Peter Burgess (peter@prio.no).

Applications should include the following:

* Application form (download)
* Covering letter, thoroughly accounting for the personal qualifications numbered 1–5 above.
* CV, including a list of publications
* Copies of certifications of university exams
* One recent sample of academic writing (e.g. master thesis)
* Description of doctoral research (see guidelines)
* Names and contact details of two references

The application should be sent by e-mail, preferably as one PDF file, to recruiting@prio.no. The application deadline is Monday 15 November 2010. If you have not received an e-mail confirming that we have received your application within two working days, please contact PRIO immediately.

The official page.

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