Postdoctoral Fellow

The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for two Postdoctoral Fellowships for the 2025-26 academic year. These fellowships offer philosophers of science, who have earned their doctorate within the last five years, the opportunity to engage in a self-nominated research project over a two-term academic year.

We particularly encourage applications from early-career assistant professors and newly awarded doctoral scholars, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Expectations: While Postdoctoral Fellows do not have formal duties, they are expected to:

• Reside in Pittsburgh and conduct full-time research in their designated office at the Center for Philosophy of Science.
• Actively participate in the intellectual community of the Center by attending and presenting talks, as well as contributing to discussion groups.

Program Benefits:

• A stipend of $55,000 plus benefits, distributed monthly over the eight-month fellowship term.
• A centrally located office on the 11th floor of the Cathedral of Learning, with access to the University of Pittsburgh Library System, including the Archives of Scientific Philosophy and electronic journals, along with minimal office support.
• A diverse calendar of talks, workshops, and conferences, with opportunities to attend graduate seminars in the Departments of Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science (with instructor permission).
• A stimulating and collegial environment for discussing, thinking about, and creating philosophy of science alongside other Visiting Fellows, Resident Fellows, and Center Associates from various universities in the Pittsburgh area.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Candidates must hold a doctorate in philosophy or history and philosophy of science, with a dissertation project focused on or substantial publication in a relevant topic in philosophy of science.
• Doctorates must be awarded within five years of the fellowship's starting date.
• Offers will be made by March and must be accepted or declined by April 15. The fellowship cannot be deferred. Applicants must confirm that they possess the necessary status (e.g., U.S. citizenship or appropriate visa) to receive the fellowship stipend at the time of acceptance.
• Applicants without the requisite doctorate at the time of application should only apply if they expect to complete their degree by August 15. By that date, they must have either received their degree or fulfilled all formal requirements for their doctorate, including unqualified acceptance of their dissertation and passing their oral exam. Failure to document these requirements by August 15 will result in the withdrawal of the fellowship offer, which will then be extended to an alternate candidate.

Project Proposal: Applicants are required to submit a focused project proposal in philosophy of science to be undertaken during the fellowship term. Evaluation will be based on the academic merit of the proposal and the candidate’s scholarly qualifications.

Fellowship Details:

• The fellowship lasts for one academic year, aligning with the Fall and Spring terms at the University of Pittsburgh, typically running from late August to the end of April. This fellowship is not renewable.
• Fellows may remain in residence during the summer months, but the Center will not provide a stipend or office support during this period. Those wishing to extend their stay into the summer must submit a written request specifying the desired dates.

Supervision: The Director of the Center will serve as the supervising faculty member by default. This role may be delegated to another faculty member upon mutual agreement among the Postdoctoral Fellow, the faculty member, and the Director.

Eligibility Restrictions:

• Scholars who have previously held a Postdoctoral Fellowship are ineligible to apply for a Visiting Fellowship within five years of completing their Postdoctoral Fellowship.
• Scholars who have held a Visiting Fellowship are not eligible to apply for a Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Required Documents for Application:

• Cover Letter: A letter indicating your interest in a Visiting Fellowship that includes the proposed period of residence, details of any previous Fellowships at the Center, the source and amount of anticipated funding, and a statement regarding the need for supplementary funds.
• Project Description: A 500-1000-word description of the project you intend to undertake during your residency.
• Curriculum Vitae: A current CV detailing your academic background and experience.
• Writing Sample: A sample of your written work that showcases your research and writing abilities.
• Letters of Reference: Three letters of reference from knowledgeable scholars. We recommend that these letters be blinded to the applicant. Please email all letters directly to [email protected].

Applications are due by December 8th, 2024, and must be submitted electronically on the University of Pittsburgh jobs portal:  https://cfopitt.taleo.net/careersection/pitt_faculty_external_pd/jobdetail.ftl?job=24007692&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York

More information and link to apply can be found here: https://www.centerphilsci.pitt.edu/programs/postdoc-fellowships/program-overview/