Job Overview

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The role

We are recruiting for two Postdoctoral Research Associates within the Department of Philosophy. The purpose of the Postdoctoral Research Associate role is to work on an ERC funded project “Representing Evolution”, PI Samir Okasha. Please follow this link to the full project description: Representing Evolution | Department of Philosophy | University of Bristol

The aim of the project is to examine how biological evolution has been represented – diagrammatically, verbally and mathematically – in the scientific literature, past and present. A secondary aim is to examine representations of evolution in the context of pedagogy and science communication. “Biological evolution” is taken to include the process of descent with modification that Darwin first described; the mechanisms that drive evolutionary process such as natural selection; and the products to which the process has given rise, such as organic adaptation and diversity. Scientists have constructed representations of each of these elements in their quest to understand how evolution works. This project will offer a systematic study of these representations, the concepts from which they are built, and the associated inferences, from an overarching philosophical perspective.

The core project team will comprise the Principal Investigator, two post-doctoral researchers, and a PhD student.

What will you be doing?

• Participate in project related research activities
• Employ research methods standard to philosophical enquiry, namely individual and collaborative scholarship, close study of the relevant literature, discussion with colleagues at conferences and specialist workshops, and regular writing
• Contribute to the project’s distinctive methodology, namely its strong inter-disciplinary character
• Produce at least two articles over the course of the project
• Engage with a range of different audiences to communicate research findings
• Participate in project-related work-in-progress meetings
• Provide support for the organisation of events

You should apply if

Applications are invited from candidates with an interest in the project’s research questions who wish to pursue postdoctoral research in Philosophy, with a focus on philosophical issues to do with evolution. Applicants should have a background in philosophy of science, philosophy of biology, evolutionary biology, cognitive psychology, or a related field. The main criteria for the job are academic excellence and compatibility with the research project. The successful candidates will work with the Principle Investigator (Professor Okasha) and the project team.

Additional information

The anticipated start date for these roles is September, with the possibility of a few months flexibility if necessary.

Please direct any questions relating to the application process to the University of Bristol’s PG Arts Admissions team: artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk.

For further information on the research project, prospective applicants should contact Samir Okasha directly (or project coordinator Charlotte Withers cw1658@bristol.ac.uk)

Applicants should a submit a research proposal, indicating any ways in which their research relates to any of the project themes to Charlotte Withers cw1658@bristol.ac.uk when submitting their application.

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.

Apply Now!!