The Political Science Department and the Institute for European Studies (IES) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invite applications for an early-career postdoctoral researcher in the framework of the joint Strategic Research Programme “Evaluating Democratic Governance in Europe” (EDGE) (beginning as soon as possible in 2018). The EDGE programme aims to further and deepen our understanding of the challenges to democratic governance and the normative frames with which they are analysed and discussed. More information on the Political Science Department and the IES can be found at http://poli.vub.ac.be and www.ies.be, respectively. For the EDGE programme, see http://www.edge-programme.eu.
The postdoctoral researcher is expected to advance research with respect to the EDGE core theme on “time and sustainability”. This theme focuses on exploring the tensions emerging from the divergence between short-term election cycles (generally 4-5 years) and the long-term nature of important challenges such as sustainable development/climate change. We are particularly interested in exploring the tension and possible synergies between democratic governance structures in the EU and its member states with the challenge of climate change as a long-term cross-sectoral policy problem (requiring decarbonisation of European societies by 2050). Specifically, the role of long-term policy objectives, commitments and planning/frameworks regarding the climate and energy transition in the EU and its member states would be a welcome focus.
The postdoctoral researcher will be placed at the IES and be part of the IES Research Cluster on Environment and Sustainable Development. She/he will be expected to proactively advance the research agenda of the Strategic Research Programme in the indicated area and to contribute to advancing and organising the overall Programme which aims at a further integration of, and the strengthening of synergy between, the participating departments, in particular the Political Science Department and the IES.
Requirements:
- PhD or equivalent academic expertise, with specialisation in areas relevant to the subject area indicated, preferably received since 2015.
- Have proven academic research expertise and excellence in areas related to the research to be conducted, including relevant academic publications.
- Be able to operate in a multicultural research team;
- Have fluency in English. Knowledge of other (European) languages is considered an asset.
There are no nationality requirements.
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
The VUB is committed to creating and supporting a diverse work environment and is an equal opportunity employer.
Interviews with pre-selected candidates are to be held at the beginning of February.
For more information please see the full call for applications here.
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