About this role
This is NTNU NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim. At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world. You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here. Video: https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0 About the position Are you interested in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of normative democratic theory and political science? Then you might be the candidate we are looking for. As a PhD research fellow with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia. Preferred starting date: 04.01.2027 About the project The PhD-project is part of an interdisciplinary research project on democratic resilience funded by NTNU Community: https://www.ntnu.edu/community . The project combines normative and empirical perspectives on welfare institutions and redistributive policies as means for strengthening democratic institutions and practices in the face of increasing polarization, decline in political trust and the rise of authoritarian populism. Our focus is on what some call the social model of democratic self-defense. We are interested in what normative commitments democratic government imply, how well strengthening democratic resilience by reducing social and economic inequality aligns with these commitments, and to what extent such an approach is reflected in the public rhetoric of Norwegian political elites. The PhD research fellow is expected to address conceptual and normative challenges facing the social model of democratic self-defense and to explore what specific policies such a model might imply. In addition, the PhD research fellow will investigate to what extent elected elites in Norway use framing that aligns with the social model, in close cooperation with supervisors. The precise direction and focus of the PhD project will be developed in the initial period of the fellowship in dialogue between the candidate and the supervisors. Duties of the position Complete the doctoral education until you obtain a doctorate. This includes: Carry out research of good quality within the framework described above Academic publications and popular science dissemination Participate in the Research Group in Practical Philosophy ( https://www.ntnu.edu/ifr/fpf ) and Team Democratic Resilience ( https://www.ntnu.edu/community/democratic-resilience ). Participate in international activities such as conferences and/or research stays at foreign educational institutions Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment. Required selection criteria To be qualified for the advertised position, you must be eligible for admission to the PhD programme in Historical and Cultural Studies . This means that you have an academically relevant master's degree in Political Philosophy, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Political Science, or equivalent, that includes a major independent work corresponding to a master's thesis of at least 30 credits. Your course of study must be equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been achieved at master's level. Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position have an average grade from the master's degree programme, or equivalent education, that is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale have very good oral and written presentation skills in English PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”. In accordance with the Regulations concerning terms and conditions of employment , former PhD research fellows at NTNU are not eligible for the positions regardless of field of study. Applications from candidates who already have an approved doctorate in related fields from other institutions, either nationally or internationally, will also not be considered if there are other qualified applicants. Preferred selection criteria Expertise in political philosophy, in particular democratic theory Background in political science Competence in quantitative method Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language Personal characteristics To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to: Work both independently and constructively with others Work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them Present and discuss your research with other professionals Get involved and contribute constructively with feedback Analyze data, assess different perspectives and draw well-founded conclusions Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. We offer An exciting job with an important mission in society Developing tasks in a strong professional environment Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues Working capital that can be used to implement the project Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK) Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2) As a PhD research fellow at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits . Diversity Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful . We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals. We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to cont