Postdoctoral Fellow (EXPIRED)

The University of Bonn is an international research university offering a broad range of subjects. With a 200-year history, some 35,000 students, more than 6,000 employees and an outstanding reputation in Germany and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the leading universities in Germany and has been awarded the status of a University of Excellence.

The Lichtenberg Group for History and Philosophy of Physics at the Institute of Philosophy is seeking a

Postdoctoral Fellow (full-time)  

for an initial employment of three years, with the possibility of an extension for two years.

We invite applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in history and philosophy of physics. The advertised position is part of the ERC Consolidator grant “The Centre of Gravity Project” (PI: Dennis Lehmkuhl), which will investigate the Renaissance of General Relativity between 1955 and 1975, and how this era gave rise to entirely new mathematical methods, concepts --- like that of a black hole --- and ways of thinking about gravity and spacetime structure. The position can be taken up from 1 October 2023, but a later starting date is also possible.

The project combines tasks in history of physics, including extensive archival work, philosophy of physics, and mathematical relativity. Applicants with a background in all three fields, or a combination thereof, are warmly invited to apply. More details on the group can be found at www.history-and-philosophy-of-physics.com ; and see also the connected advertisement of another Postdoc and a PhD fellowship in collaboration with the Max Planck Institutes for Gravitational Physics and the Max Planck Institute for History of Science at https://www.aei.mpg.de/1048741/balzan-phd-and-postdoc-positions?c=26171 , as well as the Heinrich Hertz visiting fellowships in history and philosophy of physics at https://www.history-and-philosophy-of-physics.com/heinrich-hertz-fellowship.html at the University of Bonn.

Your tasks:

• To participate fully in the research life of the Lichtenberg group and the Institute of Philosophy, conducting research both autonomously and in collaboration with the PI and the rest of the group, leading to peer reviewed publications and conference presentations, and participating in conferences, research groups, and outreach activities.
• Do extensive research in the relevant archives and contribute to oral history interviews.
  • To teach one seminar per semester (90 minutes per week), on topics of your own choosing, at undergraduate and/or graduate level.
  • To take part in the administration and organisation of activities by the Lichtenberg group, in liaison with Prof. Lehmkuhl.

Your profile:

• PhD in history of physics, philosophy of physics, or physics conferred within one year of the start of the position. All PhD requirements must be completed by the starting date of the position.
• Native speaker or near-native command of the English language. Additional languages, especially German, French, Polish and/or Russian would be an advantage for some of the archival work.
• Motivated, flexible, team oriented and interested in continued professional development.

We offer:

• Work in one of the largest and most vibrant groups for history and philosophy of physics in Europe.
• A research budget for travel to national and international conferences
• Remuneration in accordance with TV-L pay grade 13, comprehensive health insurance and pension system.

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. The University of Bonn seeks to increase female representation in staffing areas where women are underrepresented and provide special career support. Accordingly, the University of Bonn expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the NRW State Gender Equality Act. Applications from qualified candidates with a certified severe disability or from those of equal status are especially welcome.

If you are interested in this position, please send your complete application by email to [email protected] by 15 August 2023, quoting reference 58/23/3.202.

Before sending your application, please combine and convert all of your documents into one PDF file. A complete application will consist of a.) a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a writing sample of no more than 10.000 words; and b.) three letters of reference, which must be sent by the letter writers or the placement service directly to the above email address.

If you wish to apply for the postdoctoral fellowship but would also like to be considered for one of the Heinrich Hertz visiting fellowships, then please note this in your application; one file can then serve for the application for both positions.

Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Sascha Hilgert (phone +49 228 737740; [email protected]) if you need