Your primary responsibility will be to write a PhD dissertation in political philosophy under the supervision of dr. Nicholas Vrousalis. Your dissertation will advance a thesis related to the political theory of work, markets, and the workplace, against the background of recent debates about the relationship between freedom and economic inequality.

Secondary responsibilities include assisting dr. Vrousalis in the organization of project-pertinent workshops and conferences, contributing as a tutor and junior lecturer to the Erasmus School of Philosophy’s (ESPhil) educational programme and presenting papers at academic and popular meetings related to the project.

We are looking for two enthusiastic and clear-headed PhD candidates with a background in moral/political philosophy and/or economic ethics, who know some economics, have a professional command of English and a demonstrable interest in the project theme. A Master’s thesis on a related subject in moral/political philosophy and/or economic ethics would be a boon.

In return, we offer a first-rate scholarly research environment in the academic setting of the PhD programme of the Erasmus Institute for Philosophy and Economics (EIPE) within the Erasmus School of Philosophy.

Further job requirements:

• Excellent speaking and writing skills in English;
• Independent work ethic and ability to meet deadlines;
• Scientific integrity;
• Conceptual analysis capacities;
• Presentation skills;
• Planning, organising and monitoring skills;

Desirable:

• Knowledge of basic microeconomics;
• A research-focused Master’s with a thesis in moral/political theory and/or economic ethics

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

The appointment concerns a temporary PhD position for four years. This position comes with good employment conditions, compliant with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The position begins with a temporary employment contract for 14 months in which the candidate’s suitability is evaluated. If the candidate is suitable, then an additional contract of 34 months follows, leading to a total appointment of 4 years.

The salary is in accordance with the doctoral candidate scale of the CAO NU. For a full-time appointment, the salary is € 2,325 gross per month during the first year, which will increase annually up to € 2,972 gross per month in the fourth year. In addition, the attractive employment package includes an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, generous leave provisions for a healthy work-life balance, a good pension scheme, a budget for conference and research travel, excellent options for collective insurance, and a provision for the use of the Internet at home. The employee may also use a number of campus facilities, such as sports facilities and the library. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme.

Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (EUR)

The Erasmus University RotterdamOpens external (EUR), named after Rotterdam-born humanist and theologian Erasmus, is a research university with a strong international orientation and a pronounced social focus, both in its education and research activities. On the lively, modern campus, more than 28.000 students and scholars of more than 100 nationalities are constantly encouraged to develop their talents and meet their ambition. Our more than 2700 scientists and employees work together with all our students to solve challenges faced by global society, drawing their inspiration from the consistently dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. The academic education offered at our faculties is intensive, engaging and strongly focused on practical application. We increasingly perform our research in multidisciplinary teams, which are closely interwoven with international networks. In terms of research impact and the quality of its degree programmes, EUR can compete with the foremost universities in Europe, which is reflected in its consistent top-100 position in most major university rankings. 

Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil)

Erasmus School of Philosophy is a leading research and teaching institution of Erasmus University Rotterdam. The faculty is one of the two independent faculties of philosophy in the Netherlands. ESPhil has a broad international orientation, with many international students (total number of students is currently about 800), PhDs (about 15), and staff members (about 30), and has excellent connections with universities abroad.

Erasmus Institute for Philosophy and Economics (EIPE)

The Erasmus Institute for Philosophy and Economics (EIPE) is one of the world’s leading research institutes in philosophy and economics. The research topics covered at EIPE span all branches of philosophy and economics, including foundations of economic theory, rationality, economic methodology, ethical aspects of economics, political theory, and the critique of political economy. The graduate programmes at EIPE comprise the prestigious two-year Research Master in Philosophy and Economics and an outstanding Ph.D. programme.