The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Trondheim), Department of Historical Studies, offers a full-time 3-year PhD position within the project "The Fate of Nations: Natural resources and historical development, 1880-2015", funded by the Norwegian Research Council (NFR). The project explores the global political economy of natural resources from 1880 to the present. See the project website (www.fateofnations.no) for more information about the project and the group members. The project is organized in different work packages and the position is placed within one of these.
The PhD candidate will work closely with Professor Espen Storli in a work package investigating the historic role of companies and cartels in the exploitation of natural resources and their impact on societies in which they operate. Topics to be addressed could include the question of how companies have integrated economies across borders through the creation of global value chains, how the relationship between firms and states have shaped the outcome for different communities, the interactions of companies and cartels with the natural environment through extractive activities, as well as how firms cope with problems of environmental degradation and resource depletion.
The successful applicants will contribute toward the broader objectives of the Fate of Nations project though research and participation in the research project’s workshops and conferences both nationally and internationally. International publications are expected.
For this PhD position, applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in history or a related discipline that provide experience with historical scholarship. A strong academic record is required, specified as a weighted average grade of at least B for the last two years of the MA degree program, in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. We will rank qualified applicants based on the quality, originality and potential of the proposed project, its relevance for the overarching project and its feasibility. The candidate should include a 5-page project proposal outlining possible topics and background for the project as well as thoughts on its overall contributions and relevance. We will invite promising candidates to an interview for the position. The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidates’ motivation, ambitions and personal suitability for the position.
PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross NOK 449 400 per annum before tax. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
The period of employment is 3 years. Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in Historical and Cultural Studies . As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.
Appointments will be made in accordance with the current regulations for universities. The successful applicants must agree to the conditions that apply to public employees. A contract will be drawn up regarding the period of appointment and required duties.
Work place will be at NTNU, and primary residency in Trondheim is a prerequisite.
Complete applications include:
A cover letter including a statement of interest and motivation.
A project proposal of not more than five pages outlining the research agenda and how the PhD project will contribute towards the bigger project
A full CV and list of publications
Electronic copies of relevant publications
The names and e-mail addresses of two references.
Applicants that are considered for the positions will be asked for references and called in for an interview.
To receive a full description of the Fate of Nations research project, please contact Espen Storli (espen.storli@ntnu.no). Any other inquiries concerning the posts may also be directed to him.
Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number HF 18-046 when applying. Please notice that applications sent by e-mail will not be considered.
Application deadline: December 2, 2018