You will work on both the philosophical and legal subprojects of an interdisciplinary and international EU project (Towards a European Theory of Justice and Fairness, Horizon 2020, with universities from the Netherlands, Great Britain, Hungary, Turkey, and Portugal). The interdisciplinary research project seeks to articulate an empirically informed European theory of social and political justice. The aim is to refine and deepen historical and contemporary knowledge of European understandings of justice in various academic and policy fields, and to strengthen our understanding of mechanisms that impede the practical realisation of ideals of justice. Colleagues from sociology, philosophy, law, political theory, and economics cooperate. The postdoc research will work on both the philosophical and legal input into the wider project, and coordinate research input in this field from project partners.

The subproject in political philosophy is a cooperation between Utrecht University (Prof Bert van den Brink) and Central European University, Budapest (Dr Simon Rippon). The subproject forms about two thirds of the work to be done. It aims to help conceptualize the often implicit understandings of social and political justice in the disciplines mentioned above, so as to systematize and strengthen the normative theoretical basis of research in the empirical social and political sciences. You will write reports and articles on the conceptualisation of justice in various academic fields, ideal-theoretical and realistic accounts of justice, and cooperate in the preparation and publication of an edited collection (book or journal issue) towards the end of the project.

The subproject in law is a cooperation between Utrecht University (Prof Barbara Oomen) and Central European University, Budapest (Dr Marie Pierre Granger). This project comprises about one third of the post-doctoral research. The researcher will develop an analytical framework for three comparative case studies which seek to investigate how the conceptions of justice as recognition, representation and distribution permeate legal rules and their judicial interpretation and application at both national and EU level. You will provide a guideline for, coordinate and integrate six sub-national studies pertaining to the right to housing, the right to education and the right to vote. This, too, will result in an edited volume.

You will be based at the University College Roosevelt, Utrecht University’s Liberal Arts and Sciences College in Middelburg, the Netherlands, which provides a close-knit academic community and a strong interdisciplinary academic environment.

• A combined background in both Political Philosophy, Ethics and an associated field as well as in Law (European law, comparative law or similar), including a PhD dissertation in one of these fields already accepted by the PhD committee;
• Excellent track record and research skills relative to both philosophy and law;
• Excellent analytical and academic writing and presentation skills in English;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• A pro-active attitude and excellent communication and collaborative skills;
• The willingness to engage students in the research;
• Interest in interdisciplinary work and societal challenges is considered an advantage.

You will be offered a Postdoc position (0.8 - 1 FTE), initially for a period of 12 months. Upon good performance, the contract will be extended till 1 January 2020. The starting salary ranges between € 3,238 and € 3,475 (gross per month on a fulltime basis depending on experience and qualifications (salary scale 10.5-10.7 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities).

Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and and a year-end allowance of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). Here you'll find more information about working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, colleagues from various disciplines collaborate intensively on major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 6,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and teaching in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. Enthusiastic and committed faculty members and excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.