Call for Applications: Two Postdoctoral Positions in Law

11 Oct 2022

Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Researcher/Senior Postdoctoral Researcher posts based at the School of Law, University College Cork. The Postdoctoral/Senior Postdoctoral Researchers will join the research team of the Societās Project, “Exploring the Potential of Freedom of Association” for two years. The project is funded by the prestigious Irish Research Council Laureate scheme, which supports frontier research and thought leadership, and led by Professor Maria Cahill as Principal Investigator.

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 Postdoctoral Researchers/ Senior Postdoctoral 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.

Full details including information about how to apply can be found on the UCC HR vacancies webpage: https://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/vacancies/ (Reference Number: 060771) or at

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