Context and challenges
In a context of rising populism and growing distrust towards democratic institutions, the question of the relationship between justice, the rule of law and democratic life is at the heart of contemporary political and legal debates. The Observatory on Justice and Democracy is designed to produce an empirical, theoretical and comparative analysis of these relationships, for researchers, public decision-makers and the general public.
The Observatory on Justice and Democracy
The Observatory on Justice and Democracy is one of the three interdisciplinary observatories of the JustiCité Institute. Its mission is to analyse, from an empirical, theoretical and comparative standpoint, the various questions raised by the challenges and the future of democracy and constitutional justice.
Its activities are organised around three complementary pillars:
- Conducting empirical and theoretical studies on democracy, its perception by political authorities and citizens, and the threats it faces
- Creating an international network of specialised young researchers, linking French, European and international research
- Producing accessible communication materials for civic education teachers and the general public
The Observatory is designed to serve as an interface between academic research and civil society, political institutions and educational circles, producing expertise that is usable and disseminable beyond the academic world alone.
Main responsibilities
The recruited post-doctoral researcher will be associated with the Observatory's research activities. Their responsibilities will cover three dimensions:
Research
- Conduct or coordinate empirical and comparative studies on the relationships between justice, democracy and the rule of law
- Analyse mechanisms for guaranteeing the rule of law from a comparative (France, Europe, the Americas) and historical perspective
- Study citizens' perceptions of democratic and judicial institutions through qualitative and/or quantitative surveys
- Contribute to scientific publications and Observatory reports
- Contribute to the development of national and/or European research projects (ANR, Horizon Europe, Justice programme)
Scientific coordination
- Coordinate the network of young researchers assembled around the Observatory
- Maintain regular links with institutional partners (national and European)
Training and dissemination
- Participate in the design of educational and scientific mediation materials
- Contribute to training and public awareness activities on democratic issues
- Promote the Observatory's work to media, institutions and civil society organisations
Requirements
Education and experience
Candidates must hold a doctorate in one of the following disciplines, or at the interface of several of them:
- Public law (constitutional law, European law or international law)
- History of law
- Contemporary history, recent history
- Political science (political theory, comparative politics, study of institutions)
- Philosophy of law and political philosophy
- Political sociology or sociology of institutions
Prior post-doctoral research experience or professional experience connected to democratic or jurisdictional institutions will be an asset.
Required skills
- Command of research methods in comparative law, political theory or social sciences
- Ability to conduct research in French and English (publications expected in both languages)
- Aptitude for networking and leading interdisciplinary projects
- Strong writing skills and ability to produce summaries accessible to non-specialist audiences
- Knowledge of French and comparative judicial and political institutions
- Interest in the history of democracy, the rule of law and justice (national and European levels)
Additional Information
Benefits
In accordance with the national post-doctoral contract scale (approximately €2,700 gross/month depending on experience).
The post-doctoral researcher will benefit from a research environment within Aix-Marseille University, with access to documentary resources and the national and international academic networks of the JustiCité Institute.
Institutional partners envisaged for the Observatory include notably:
- The Constitutional Council, the Council of State and the Court of Cassation
- European institutions
- The René Cassin Foundation and the Camp des Milles memorial site
- Local authorities and civil society organisations engaged in promoting citizenship
- European university networks (CIVIS, Jean Monnet network)
Selection process
Applications should be submitted electronically to: ANDO Christine <christine.ANDO@univ-amu.fr>
Subject line: "Application – Post-doc – Observatory Justice and Democracy"
The application file must include: a detailed CV including a list of publications and communications, a cover letter (max. 2 pages) and an outline of the proposed research project (max. 3 pages).
Work Location
Institut JustiCité, Aix-en-Provence, France
Contact
City: Marseille
Website: http://www.univ-amu.fr
Street: 58 boulevard Charles-Livon (Headquarters)
Postal Code: 13007
E-Mail: christine.ANDO@univ-amu.fr
