Two PhD research fellowships in Religion, Ethics and Society at the University of Agder, Faculty of Humanities and Education Ref. 56/11
 
Deadline 9 June 2011
 
Full details are available at http://uia.easycruit.com/vacancy/552223/35068?iso=en
The University of Agder invites applications for two full-time PhD research fellowships for a period of three years. The PhD research fellows will be associated with the PhD Programme in Religion, Ethics and Society at the Department of Religion, Philosophy and History, which is part of the Faculty of Humanities and Education. (More information about the programme may be found at http://bit.ly/cX1tC3). The starting date will be determined in agreement with the Faculty. The positions are currently located in Kristiansand, in the south of Norway. Kristiansand is Norway's fifth largest city, a lively port and regional centre with good transport links. 
 
The Department of Religion, Philosophy and History offers an active and exciting academic environment with a scholarly emphasis on empirical religious studies. At present, the department has over 35 persons in the academic staff, including six full time PhD research fellows. In addition there are eight external research students, who also play an important role in the monthly PhD seminar. All PhD research fellows benefit from a full and internationally recognised programme of training in research methods, theory and ethics. 
The programme supports research in the areas of sociology of religion, religion and ethics, and theology, with an emphasis on religion in the contemporary world.  For these positions we welcome applications in any of these areas, and interdisciplinary proposals which work across them. The language of instruction on the PhD programme is English. PhD theses may be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language. The PhD seminars are held in Norwegian and English, depending on the language of the paper presented. PhD students are encouraged to learn Norwegian (free classes are available), but this is not a requirement of the programme. 
The successful applicants must have a master’s degree within a relevant academic field.
Further provisions relating to the position as PhD Research Fellow can be found in the Regulations Concerning Terms and Conditions of Employment for the Post of Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Research Fellow, Research Assistant and Resident, available for download at www.uia.no/vacancies
The positions require that the applicants are able to work in a goal-oriented, organised, concentrated and independent manner. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their project proposal, awarded examination marks, and any previous research and development work. Relevant practical experience, personal suitability and good teamwork skills will also be considered.
Applicants must develop a project proposal, which is to accompany the application. The proposal is to be a maximum of 8 pages (including references).  It should describe and discuss the applicant’s proposed research topic, relevant theoretical perspectives, and initial methodological plans for engaging empirical material within the chosen conceptual framework.  It should also contain a tentative timeline for completion within three years, and a preliminary bibliography.
Informal enquiries from English speaking applicants may be addressed to Professor David Herbert, [log in to unmask]