PhD Studentship in Kantian Justice: A Desert-sensitive Responsibility-enhancing Theory (KantianDESERT)

The University of Liverpool invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship as part of the KantianDESERT project, an innovative research initiative aimed at developing a new model of distributive justice. This project responds to the pressing issue of global economic disparities by offering a distinctive approach within contemporary political theory and philosophy, focusing on the concept of 'desert'—the idea that individuals should receive outcomes based on their just deserts. KantianDESERT challenges prevailing egalitarian perspectives by retrieving and reconstructing the notion of desert, addressing both practical and metaphysical objections. The project is structured into three sub-projects: the first revisits the concept of desert in distributive practices, the second addresses metaphysical concerns about moral responsibility by drawing on Kant’s theory of freedom and agency, and the third develops a desert-sensitive theory of distribution that also considers equality, efficiency, and need. The doctoral student will contribute primarily to the formulation and application of the desert-sensitive principle of distribution, engaging with contemporary analytic political theory and philosophy. The research will involve in-depth study of distributive justice, with case studies in healthcare, education, and business. The student will join a vibrant research team led by Professor S Baiasu, working alongside postdoctoral and research assistants. The project is embedded within the Department of Philosophy’s doctoral programme, offering access to standard and project-specific training, including editorial work, event organisation, conference preparation, and participation in reading groups. Additional networking opportunities are available through the Liverpool-Oxford-St Andrews Kantian Research Centre and the Kantian Standing Group of the European Consortium for Political Research. This studentship is funded by UKRI (ERC), covering full tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate. Applicants should hold a BA and MA in a relevant field (or demonstrate equivalent professional experience). Required application materials include degree certificates, transcripts, two references (one academic), CV, passport, a 500-word personal statement, and a research proposal (3000 words with a 300-word abstract). The application deadline is 28 February 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the University of Liverpool’s PhD application portal and specify your interest in the ‘KantianDESERT Studentship (Department of Philosophy)’ in the funding section.