Postdoctoral Fellowship in Philosophy of Neuroscience

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Philosophy of Neuroscience  

Department of Philosophy, Rotman Institute of Philosophy, and Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario

A full-time postdoctoral position is available, working with Dr. Jacqueline Sullivan (Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, Rotman Institute of Philosophy, Western University) as part of a research team embedded in and investigating a large-scale transdisciplinary research initiative in the neurotherapeutic discovery space called TRIDENT (Translational Initiative to DE-risk NeuroTherapeutics). TRIDENT brings together a group of diverse stakeholders from across Canada and internationally including experts in cellular and animal models of neurodegeneration, clinical neurology, cognition,imaging, open science and science policy, epistemology, ethics, law, and SBA+ studies, working across disciplinary and institutional boundaries to improve and accelerate preclinical assessments of candidate molecules for treating neurodegenerative disease. A unique feature of TRIDENT is that it adopts a living laboratory framework in which the functioning of the platform from its inception and the actions and interactions of its participants are subject to critical scrutiny by a research team that includes philosophers of science. The successful candidate will have a background in philosophy of neuroscience or related field in philosophy of science and either experience with or a willingness to use empirical methods to study science. Candidates must have had a doctoral degree (PhD) conferred within five years of the start of the fellowship and all degree requirements must be completed by the starting date of the contract.

This position is funded through a New Frontiers in Research Fund Transformation Grant (See https://www.tridentpreclinicaltrials.org). The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $45,000-60,000 (+benefits) per year along with excellent career development opportunities both within academia and industry. The position is for a term of one year, with possible renewal for up to 3 years, conditional on the availability of funding and performance. Candidates must, at the time of appointment, have a PhD in Philosophy of Neuroscience, or a closely related area of Philosophy of Science. The position will be held at the University of Western Ontario (Western) and will involve travel to conduct empirical research at TRIDENT partner institutions including McGill University, The Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH-Toronto), and the University of Toronto. 

Western University (www.uwo.ca) is a major educational and research center in Ontario with over 25,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. Philosophy of science and cognitive neuroscience in health and disease are major research focuses at Western. The Rotman Institute of Philosophy (https://www.rotman.uwo.ca) offers a research-intensive environment with colleagues with various philosophical interests in the sciences. Ongoing research at the institute focuses on a variety of philosophical problems arising in contemporary physics, biology, cognitive neuroscience, medical science, artificial intelligence, public health policy, and more. The Postdoctoral fellow will be a part of this research community and will be expected to participate in institute related activities including reading groups and seminars. They will be given office space within the Rotman Institute, located in Western’s Interdisciplinary Research Building. 

London, also known as the Forest City, is an affordable and lively community close to the Great Lakes and two hours from Toronto. The city offers many options for outdoor and cultural activities.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.  Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Please direct specific inquiries about duties related to the position to Dr. Jacqueline Sullivan, [email protected]. Please send application materials (statement of interest, Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of at least two references) directly to Dr. Sullivan.  

The soft deadline for applications is August 31, 2024. Reviews of applications will continue until the position is filled.