Three PhD positions for a new project on a Global Constitution

Are you passionate about research and want to make an impact on environmental issues and social justice? The department of Human Geography, Planning and International Development is seeking three PhD candidates for a new project on a Global Constitution funded by the National Science Foundation’s Spinoza Prize awarded to Prof. Joyeeta Gupta.

The successful candidates will be part of a dynamic research team led by Professor Gupta. Her research focuses on the strategic issues of multi-level (local-to-global) governance and just and inclusive development. The reason for doing this is that drivers of change and development processes emerge and interact at all scale levels in unpredictable ways. Such dynamics include feedback loops at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

What are you going to do
The PhD positions will focus on innovative and interdisciplinary original research within the disciplines of environmental studies, social and political sciences, international law and the governance of new technologies. The project focuses on designing a Global Constitution. It is based on four methods: the theory on the rule of law and constitutionalism, empirical evidence of what is included in national constitutions, analysis of the new elements that need to be included in a Global Constitution (e.g. global environmental problems; governance of new technologies – block chain, AI, bio-tech; challenges in private and public international law and open science (invitation to actors worldwide to write an essay on what they see is important in a Constitution and become contributing authors). You will be part of this exercise and have expertise in governing new technologies, public private law, or the theory behind constitutionalism, global justice and rule of law. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work on a very ambitious and innovative global project.

Based on the topic agreed you will develop an extensive high-quality research, write academic articles for publications in high-impact scientific journals with the possibility of presenting them in (inter)national conferences, while supporting the writing of the Constitution. This will include literature reviews, content analysis, mixed methods and empirical research to answer the research question. You may also be involved in teaching activities within the course that the department offers.

What do you have to offer
The successful candidates should be passionate and interested about the Department’s work and main themes. They should have a clear notion of what academic research entails and possibly have some relevant professional experiences. The candidates are expected to be proactive, skilful, dedicated, and with good time management skills. They will be working in a high paced environment and need to keep up with the workflow.

Required skills

• A master’s degree in international relations, development studies, international law, politics, environmental sciences, social science. Preference given to a research master’s or a master’s degree with clear research components;
• Strong interest in the topics of rule of law, governance, constitution, environment, new technologies, public and private international law;
• Knowledge of and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods and data analysis;
• High degree or organisation and ability to work independently and meeting strict deadlines;
• Strong commitment to methodological rigour and scientific integrity;
• Excellent writing skills in English (any other languages are considered a plus, especially Dutch);
• Ability to carry out interdisciplinary research;
• Flexible, demonstrate attention to detail, curious, creative;
• Stress resilient.

Desirable skills

• 1 to 3 years of previous experience;
• Previous publications of academic articles;
• Working knowledge of Dutch is considered a plus;
• Experience and willingness to collaborative research;
• Previous prizes/awards/honours;
• Good understanding of AI;
• Knowledge of database management;
• Commitment or previous engagement within the subject of climate change, social justice, development and human rights.

What can we offer you
The starting date is set to be in October 2024. A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 12 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. There would also be the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2.872 in the first year to € 3.670 in the last year (scale P). UvA additionally offers an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• A position in which initiative and input are highly valued
• An enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues
• An inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.
• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• A complete educational program for PhD students;
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• Partly paid parental leave;
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

About us
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organisation. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Prof. Joyeeta Gupta, J.Gupta@uva.nl, +31205254366

Job application
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by the 20th of September 2024. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• A letter that motivates your choice for this position;
• Curriculum vitae, including your list of publications if applicable (max 2 pages);
• A research statement on how to approach the PhD project. Solid and creative ideas will be greatly appreciated. (max 2 pages).
• A link to your Master thesis – if online available, else include an abstract + conclusion.
• A complete record of Bachelor and Master courses (including grades and explanation of grading system);
• A list of projects or publications you have worked on, with brief descriptions of your contributions, max 1 page;
• The names and contact addresses of at least two academic references (please do not include any recommendation letters).

All the applications are going to be reviewed and successful candidates are going to be contacted for an interview following the deadline.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.

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