Postdoctoral Research Associate (EXPIRED)

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Department of Philosophy, School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Reference No. 1598/0818F

• Work alongside internationally renowned experts in the field
• Contribute to new developments in the philosophy of law and formal epistemology
• Full-time, fixed-term position for 16 months, Salary: $73K p.a. to $98K p.a. plus leave loading and generous superannuation contribution

About the opportunity

This position is part of the ARC Discovery Project “Formal Approaches to Legal Reasoning”.  The appointees will work with Chief Investigators Professor Mark Colyvan and Dr Brian Hedden and collaborators to develop a new philosophical approaches to legal reasoning involving decision theory, game theory, probabilistic reasoning, and other formal tools of relevance.

Specific research topics will include:

• Exploring and developing accounts of purely statistical evidence in criminal trials and how such evidence differs (if it does differ) from more familiar forms of evidence such as eye-witness testimony
• Looking at rationales for group decision-making in legal settings (e.g. juries and panels of judges) with an eye to recommendations for improving such procedures

The positions will be located in the Department of Philosophy in the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry at the University of Sydney.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Philosophy with: 


• PhD in Philosophy or another field relevant to the research project 
 

• expertise in formal epistemology (decision theory, game theory, probability theory).
• evidence of research potential by publications, successful completion of previous research projects, etc.
• interest in applications of formal philosophical techniques.
• evidence of ability to work as part of a research team, including ability to efficiently schedule tasks and to meet deadlines

About us

The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has a proud history and tradition of intellectual rigour and offers one of the most comprehensive and diverse range of humanities and social science studies in the Asia-Pacific region, and a vibrant research and teaching environment. 


The School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry (SOPHI) is one of five schools in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, made up of the departments of Archaeology, Classics and Ancient History, Gender and Cultural Studies, History, and Philosophy. The School brings together an exciting group of academics and students who participate in a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is home to some of the leading researchers and teachers in Australia and the world, as well as regularly hosting prominent visitors and international colloquia.

Philosophy at the University of Sydney has research strengths in philosophy of science — especially biology and cognitive science, history of philosophy — especially early modern, logic, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, epistemology, decision theory, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of law, pragmatism, and moral, social and political philosophy. The 2017-18 Wiley-Blackwell Philosophical Gourmet Report ranked Sydney equal first in the world for Philosophy of Biology.

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 6000 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

How to apply

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number to apply.

Closing date: 16 September 2018 11.30pm Sydney time.

For more information on the position and University, please view the candidate information pack available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

For specific enquiries please contact Professor Mark Colyvan [email protected] or Dr Brian Hedden [email protected]

Enquiries regarding the recruitment process can be directed to Mohammed Abu Naser on 02 8627 1215 or at [email protected]

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.