Postdoctoral Researcher

As part of the Cluster of Excellence ‘Knowledge in Crisis’, funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) [COE 03], the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg is seeking to appoint a 

postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d; 40 hours/week; for 2 years) 

The advertised position is based at the Philosophy Department, Faculty of Social Sciences. The recently awarded Cluster of Excellence research project ‘Knowledge in Crisis’ investigates the current crisis of knowledge. Our claims to knowledge are being threatened by rapid and spectacular developments in technology, and by attacks on the very ideas of knowledge and truth themselves.The aim of the Cluster is to advance our understanding of this crisis. It will explore fundamental philosophical questions about the nature of knowledge and investigate various challenges to scientific and other knowledge. In this pursuit it brings together philosophers working on metaphysics, ethics, political and social philosophy, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science and epistemology to jointly investigate the many facets of the crisis. 

 The Cluster is a collaboration between four Institutions (CEU and the universities of Vienna, Graz and Salzburg). The Cluster will eventually involve over 45 researchers across the four participating institutions. 

You can find out more about the project on this website: https://philosophy.ceu.edu/knowledge-Crisis 

The main duties are: 

•To conduct independent research in Philosophy of Science on topics that include model building, experimental knowledge, analogical reasoning and/or values in science. The research should be aligned with the aims of the project and disseminate it through publications in international peer-reviewed academic journals; 

•to actively participate in the regular meetings and events of the Cluster; 

•to contribute to Cluster activities by organising Cluster events (e.g. workshops, seminars, talks,summer schools); 

•to participate in outreach activities of the Cluster and contribute to events aimed at the general public; 

•to help with organizational tasks that are part of the self-administration of the university. 

We expect: 

•a PhD in philosophy (the PhD should be completed by the application deadline); 

•a record of producing high-quality research in Philosophy of Science as evidenced by publications (commensurate with the applicant’s career stage); 

•excellent written and spoken English; 

•the ability to work both independently and as part of a team; 

•willingness to take on a formative role in fostering a community across the Cluster; 

•organisational skills.  

While there are no teaching duties associated with these positions there will be opportunities to teach courses in the department. Courses can be taught in English. 

The gross monthly salary is € 4752,30. In Austria, 14 monthly salaries are paid out in a year. (Netsalaries can be calculated on this page: onlinerechner.haude.at/BMF-Brutto-Netto-Rechner/.) 

Funding is available for conference trips and stays abroad. The contract is for two years and there might be a possibility to extend the contract after two years. 

Selection Process:

We expect to shortlist candidates for an interview by late October and hold online interviews in early November. Our preference is that the successful candidate starts the position by February 2025 or March 2025, but it can also be started in October 2025 Important: If your application is successful and you accept a position at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, you will need to move to Salzburg before you can start the employment. Any questions can be directed to Patricia Palacios ([email protected]). 

The Paris Lodron University of Salzburg is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion,gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. 

Individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses who meet the required qualification criteria are explicitly encouraged to apply. The Paris Lodron University Salzburg aims to increase the proportion of women in its staff and therefore, in case of equal qualifications, women will be given priority.