Utrecht Centre for Global Challenges Two Postdoc Positions for UGlobe 2017, Netherlands

Two Postdoc Positions for UGlobe, the Utrecht Centre for Global Challenges

UGlobe, the Utrecht Centre for Global Challenges, has vacancies for two postdoctoral researchers within the multidisciplinary research theme ‘Putting a Contested Global Order in Perspective’. The researchers are invited to develop their own research proposal, but should contribute to at least two of the four research lines as described below. The proposal needs to be multidisciplinary in nature.

What is UGlobe?

UGlobe is the international multidisciplinary centre of Utrecht University for research, education and valorisation that develops and disseminates knowledge and understanding on the theme of the contested global order. In this context, UGlobe studies global distribution issues relating to natural resources, space and food, as well as questions about identity, legitimacy and contestation. UGlobe explores the issue of contestation relating to tangible and intangible inequalities focusing on four central lines of research: 1) human rights; 2) conflict & security; 3) sustainability; 4) development & equity.

International developments, such as climate change, increasing inequality, conflicts, breaches of human rights, terrorism, technological advances and changing power relationships in Europe and the world have major consequences for the structure of our society. The current world order is characterised by far-reaching and widespread contestation. Although this is nothing new, the contested global order is now intensifying in many areas. UGlobe has set itself the challenge of acquiring and disseminating knowledge and understanding on this central concept of a contested global order.

UGlobe will focus on two crucial and interrelated issues. The first of these is the global distribution of natural resources, space and food. Despite technological advances, the issue of scarcity and inequality remains and in many cases has increased in urgency. Conflicts between citizens are also increasing, within states, in Europe and globally, catalysed by increasing inequality of income and assets. Simultaneously, globalisation has resulted in increased mobility of people, money and goods and also information. This raises questions about how states should relate to each other in the international order and about the nature of a society that is ideally based on the foundations of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and a sustainable economy. This order is under pressure in many places and descending into war and conflict, increasing polarisation and a serious loss of legitimacy.

Alongside the issue of global inequality in terms of distribution, UGlobe will also focus on a second crucial issue: globalisation appears to be increasing a sense of insecurity among the general public, reinforcing the need to cling to what is familiar and trusted. A counter-movement appears to be emerging in which an increasing awareness of global connections goes hand-in-hand with a growing need for a focus on and a reinforcement of cultural and religious identity. This raises questions about the relationship between identity, freedom and the security of citizens and the way in which an awareness of identity relates to the normative foundations of societies and the international order.

We look for two enthusiastic scholars who match the UGlobe profile and have affinity with the four central lines of research.

We expect them to:

• conduct postdoctoral research within at least two of the four central lines of research;
• contribute to the overall coordination and direction of the research programme;
• make an effort to acquire external research funding for UGlobe;
• be active in developing the external network of academics and professionals;
• take the lead in external and internal communication on activities, projects en research;
• report on progress, output and activities;
• participate in the organization of research activities and events, such as conferences, workshops and joint publications;
• regularly present research results at (inter) national workshops and conferences, and publish them in proceedings and leading journals.

Requirements:

• a completed dissertation in a for the programme relevant disciplinary field, such as international relations, law, philosophy or governance;
• experience with multidisciplinary research or at least a strong motivation to invest in multidisciplinary research; relevant articles in both national and international journals, as well as books and book chapters;
• strong affinity with the profile of UGlobe, with at least two of the four central lines of research and interest in crossing disciplinary borders;
• creative thinker and prolific writer;
• team player and good communication skills (affinity with public communication, such as website maintenance, Facebook, Blogs, Twitter is an asset);
• excellent command of English and an international academic orientation.

We offer two postdoc positions (0.8 FTE research and 0.2 FTE organization each), initially for a period of 12 months. Upon good performance, the contract will be extended with 24 months (3 years in total). The starting salary - depending on experience and qualifications - ranges between €3,427 and €4.691 (scale 11 Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full-time employment.

Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 % per year. We offer a pension scheme, collective insurance schemes and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information: working at Utrecht University.

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

UGlobe is a joint initiative between the Faculties of Humanities and Law, Economics and Governance. The Faculty of Humanities comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies and Languages, Literature and Communication. The Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance includes three departments: The Utrecht School of Governance, the Utrecht University School of Economics and the Utrecht University School of Law. Enthusiastic and committed faculty members and excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where both Faculties are housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

The applications should include:

• a one-page letter of motivation;
• a two-page research note, explaining your potential contribution to a combination of at least two lines of research;
• a curriculum vitae;
• the names and contact details of two scholars, who can be contacted for a reference
• two writing samples of maximum 8000 words each.