Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Philosophy (EXPIRED)

Post Details

Full time
Fixed term contract for 30 months 

Salary: Grade 7 £33,797 - £40,322 p.a.

Summary and aims of the project:
The notion of risk plays a central role in economics, finance, health, psychology, law and elsewhere–and is prevalent in managing challenges and resources in day-to-day life. Almost all of the existing literature on risk takes it for granted that there is one and only one legitimate notion of risk: the probabilistic notion on which the risk of an event or state of affairs is equated with its probability. The primary aim of this research project is to challenge this monist view of risk and provide a philosophical framework for a pluralist perspective, on which there are multiple, equally legitimate, notions of risk. This new framework will then be applied to crucial questions about risk that arise in psychology, criminal law, outdoor sports, and risk management. More information about the project can be found on www.varietiesofrisk.info

The Post

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Stirling is offering one 30-month full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Philosophy. The Research Fellow will work in collaboration with Dr Philip Ebert (Stirling, Principal Investigator) and Dr Martin Smith (Edinburgh, Co-Investigator) on a project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, entitled ‘Varieties of Risk’.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Philosophy and should be at an early career stage. We welcome applicants with research interests in epistemology (traditional or formal), philosophy of psychology, or philosophy of law who are able demonstrate how their work connects with one or more aspects of the project (see Project Summary above). Some experience with knowledge exchange and impact activities are desirable. Existing expertise in specific project topics, such as the philosophy of risk or in specific research methodologies, such as experimental methods, would be an additional strength but are not required.

The successful candidate will be expected to work with Ebert and Smith on the project by

• contributing to project outputs,
• providing logistical support in organising the project’s events
• engaging in outreach and/or impact activities.

The successful candidate will be integrated into a research project conducted in conjunction with the senior project members and a network of local and international researchers. The aim is to provide an opportunity for an early career academic to develop their own distinctive research profile and engage in networking activities and in impact/outreach activities. The successful candidate will be offered the opportunity to strengthen their own teaching profile by engaging in teaching (maximum one course a year) on a topic that is directly relevant to their research interests.

The successful candidate will be a full-time member of the Division of Law and Philosophy at the University of Stirling.  The University provides a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting all individuals' differences. We therefore welcome applications from people who identify with any of the Protected Characteristics, such as race/ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation.

The successful candidate will start on 01 September 2020 (or by mutual agreement)

For informal inquiries about the project or the post please contact: Dr Philip Ebert, email: [email protected]

Description of Duties

• Conduct and publish original research within the remit of the project, including potential collaborative work with other project members
• Take responsibility for the organisation of workshops and assist the project leaders in organising conferences and other events
• Attend and participate fully in the fortnightly project seminars and oversee the production of online minutes
• Maintain up-to-date online bibliographies and online information about project seminars and outcomes
• Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project
• Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
• Undertake other appropriate project-related duties as required

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. (pending or assumed complete) in an area of Philosophy relevant to the project’s agenda

Research

• A demonstrated record of high research achievement in Philosophy, commensurate with their career stage
• Evidence of outstanding research potential
• A strong background in areas of Philosophy that connect to the project –such as epistemology, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of law

Skills, Attitude, & Behaviour

• Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently
• Evidence of excellent administrative and project management skills
• Proven ability to interact effectively and work collaboratively with colleagues and external parties
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of working in a research team
• Previous experience of conference or project administration
• Record of research publications in areas relevant to the project
• Previous experience engaging in impact or outreach activities