PhD position Philosophy/Psychology
Organisation
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 30,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.
The Faculty of Philosophy and the Department of Psychology of the University of Groningen are looking for a PhD student in the NWO-funded research project "Designing Innovative and Responsible Heating Systems".
The PhD position is hosted by the Department of Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy of the Faculty of Philosophy. The successful applicant will be working under direct supervision of Prof. Frank Hindriks, Prof. Linda Steg and Dr Angela Ruepert.
Project description
Eliminating natural gas use form the built environment and replacing it with suitable heating systems is vital in reaching CO2 reduction targets, which is important for reducing climate change. However, it is a challenge to do this in a way that is fair and acceptable to the stakeholders including (semi)public actors and consumers. Although heating systems are more sustainable energy sources than natural gas, acceptance among end users is relatively low. A major obstacle is that it limits freedom of choice. Other values such as trust and responsibility also have an impact on acceptability. Furthermore, the implementation of heating systems raises issues of fairness, both distributive and procedural. Will the benefits of heating systems be available to all? Do consumers play any role in the decision process to implement heating systems? The main goal of this project is to integrate philosophical theories of fairness with empirical findings concerning acceptability or perceived fairness. This will be conducive to developing a perspective about the conditions under which stakeholders regard heating systems as a suitable option.
Qualifications
Our ideal candidate has:
- a strong theoretical background in philosophy (preferably ethics/political philosophy) and in social psychology (preferably environmental psychology)
- can work independently, but can also collaborate in an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with different stakeholders
- experience in experimental research or willingness to acquire the relevant skills (e.g. questionnaires and experiments)
- excellent English and academic writing/presentation skills
- an MA or MSc degree in philosophy and/or psychology.
You will publish the results of your studies in international scientific journals as well as popular magazines and newsletters, and present your studies at international conferences and to private partners.
Conditions of employment
The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,191 (salary scale PhD candidates Dutch Universities) gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 2,801 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position, excluding a 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% end-of-the-year bonus. The position must result in a PhD thesis within the contract period. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement. The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years.
The interviews will be held on Thursday 18 May 2017 9.00-13.00. Candidates who are selected for an interview may be asked to submit a writing sample and give a presentation.
The preferred starting date is 21 June 2017, or earlier.
Application
You may apply for this position until 30 April 23:59 / before 1 May 2017 Dutch local time by means of the application form.
Applications should include the following documents:
- letter of motivation
- curriculum vitae
- contact information of two academic referees
- list of grades.
Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=00347-02S0005G6P&cat=phd