Vacancy: Post-doctoral position on religion in EU politics

Post-doctoral position, religion in EU politics and policies. Religious freedom and counter-radicalization (Université Libre de Bruxelles, 3/2018 – 3/2020)
This is a call for applications for a two-years full-time post-doctoral position in European studies and political science of religion, based at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Centre d’étude de la vie politique-Cevipol; Institute for European Studies-IEE). The researcher will work on a project funded by the Belgian scientific agency (FNRS), under the supervision of the principal investigator François Foret. Prospective candidates are invited to
submit their application before the 12th of February 2018, for an expected start at the beginning of March 2018.
Presentation of the project
“How Europe defines the ‘good god’. The European Union’ strategies to advocate freedom of religion and belief and to counter radicalization” (GOODGOD)
The European Union (EU) has recently emerged as a significant player to promote freedom of religion and belief (FoRB) in its external policy and to build a coordinated approach of counter-radicalization (CR) in internal affairs. On both issues, public authorities are led to define a “good religion” congruent with democratic and social norms to be protected and a “bad religion” that must be kept under control. The EU has direct competencies neither on FoRB nor on CR and meets its usual difficulties to deal with value-loaded issues. The purpose of GOODGOD is to explain the reasons, modalities and effects of this new role of European institutions and arenas; and what is says about the contemporary recombination between the member states and the EU on one hand; between politics and religion on the other hand.
Organization of the work and missions
GOODGOD is organized in three work packages (WPs). WP1 deals with the theory and method; WP2 with FoRB; WP3 with CR. Workloads linked to the post-doctoral position include contributions to the three WPs, with a special emphasis on WP3. Tasks will be, among others: state of the art of the debates about European secularism, radicalization and
counter-radicalization; analysis of political and policy structures of the EU and of member states dealing with CR; interviews with civil servants, politicians, experts and members of civil society; management of online surveys; supervision of parliamentary debates and qualitative case studies. The post-doc will co-sign publications in international peer-reviewed supports. Teaching on related topics, management and communication tasks are also part of
the duties.
Working environment and conditions
The research will be developed at the Centre d’étude de la vie politique (Cevipol), a research unit specialized in political sociology and comparative politics, and at the Institut d’études européennes, one of the oldest Jean Monnet Centers of Excellence in Europe. It will rely on a supportive interdisciplinary environment of political scientists, internationalists, sociologists, lawyers and historians working on legitimization of political orders; identity and
memory politics; Europe as a community of norms and values; interactions between religion and politics. The project is also inscribed in a dynamic international network of collaborations with other universities in Europe, US and Japan. Travels and short research stays may be included in the activities.
The post-doctoral researcher will have an office and relevant administrative resources at the ULB. Living in Brussels is required. According to FNRS rules, the applicant must:
– have received his/her PhD in the last six years
– have spent no more than 24 months in the last 36 months in Belgium
According to the experience of the candidate, the monthly net retribution will start from 2200 euros plus social security.
The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is an equal opportunity employer.
Your Profile:
Ø Ph.D. in political science or related field (international relations, sociology…) with ideally a
focus on one of the following topics: religion and politics; religious, identity and/or cultural
aspects of European integration; European policies related to citizenship, culture, rule of law,
counter-terrorism
Ø Proved expertise in EU politics
Ø Strong record in qualitative research and fieldwork (interviews, observation, documentary
analysis…). Quantitative skills are an extra asset.
Ø Experience in working in an international environment
Ø Very good command of English and preferably French
Ø Ability to work in a team, to meet deadlines and to combine autonomy with respect of
guidelines
Ø experience in teaching welcome
How to apply
The candidate will be selected on the basis of the quality of his/her CV, research
achievements, motivation and congruence with the project.
The following application documents must be sent into a single PDF file to:
Prof. François Foret (fforet@ulb.ac.be)
Ø a one-page motivation letter explaining the candidate’s interest in collaborating to the project
Ø a curriculum vitae listing all academic qualifications, relevant research and teaching
experience and previous publications
Ø name and e-mail of three referees that may be contacted if necessary
Ø a copy of the passport/ID, PhD and master diploma
Due to special circumstances, the recruitment has to follow a “fast-track procedure”. Applications are welcome till the 12th of February 2018 but candidates are strongly encouraged to submit earlier. The contract will start as soon as possible and at the latest at the beginning of March. A phone or face-to-face interview may be organized if necessary.

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