Post-Doctoral Researcher/Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher – 2 Positions, School of Law

24 Month, Fixed-term, Whole-time Posts

Position Summary

Please note that these positions can be filled at postdoctoral or senior postdoctoral level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidates.

Applications are invited for two postdoctoral researcher positions based at the School of Law, University College Cork. Founded in 1849, UCC School of Law is ranked 75th in the world and 1st in Ireland (QS Rankings 2022). The School of Law also holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of its commitment to advancing gender equality.

The Post-Doctoral Researchers/ Senior Post-Doctoral Researchers will join the research team of the “Societās: Exploring the Potential of Freedom of Association” Project, a four-year project funded by the Irish Research Council and led by Professor Maria Cahill, Principal Investigator (PI).

The project seeks to understand the nature and potential of freedom of association, a fundamental right that is unusual for its protection of individuals, but in their sociality rather than their individuality. A comparative study of the ways in which freedom of association is interpreted in laws and by courts around the world (currently being undertaken by the project) will provide a foundation for philosophical investigations exploring tensions between self and group, which will build towards the development of a theory of freedom of association.

The Post-Doctoral Researchers/ Senior Post-Doctoral Researchers will conduct a specific programme of research under the supervision and direction of Professor Cahill over the course of 24 months, focusing on the insights that theories of selfhood and theories of collective intentionality can offer to illuminate the practice of associations and the nature of freedom of association. They will collaborate with the PI in the dissemination of the project’s research findings through publications and conference papers. They will undertake additional duties and training as may be required within the general scope of the project.

The ideal candidates will hold a PhD in legal theory, political theory or philosophy, or a PhD with a substantial theoretical/philosophical component. They will have a publication record commensurate with their career stage. For one post, expertise in theories of selfhood is desirable. For the other, expertise in social ontology, particularly theories of collective intentionality, is desirable. A legal education and familiarity with the field of human rights law are desirable. Proficiency in major languages other than English is also desirable. Successful candidates will have excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.

Candidates must submit the following documentation as part of their application:

• An Application Letter (max 2 pages single spaced), describing your qualifications, research experience and your interest in this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae (including full details of education, relevant experience and publication record).
• A sample piece of writing such as a recent publication.

It is envisaged that interviews will take place in December 2022 and that the posts will commence in September 2023.

Post Duration: 24 months

Salary: Post-Doctoral Researcher: €39,522 – €45,609 p.a. (IUA PD1 Salary Scale), Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher: €46,906 – €51,035 p.a. (IUA PD2 Salary Scale)

Project Title: Societās: Exploring the Potential of Freedom of Association

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Maria Cahill (PI) at maria.cahill@ucc.ie.

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to recruitment@ucc.ie, quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Thursday, 24 November 2022. No late applications will be accepted.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.  As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER