Research Fellow in Foundations of Thermodynamics

Job Description:

The Foundations of Thermodynamics Group is a newly formed group in the School of Humanities at the Nanyang Technological University Singapore led by Nanyang Assistant Professor of Philosophy Eugene Y. S. Chua. Its goal is to provide a space for research on all aspects of the conceptual foundations of thermodynamics, with particular focus on understanding the conceptual foundations of thermodynamics beyond the classical domain, e.g., in the quantum and relativistic domains, how thermodynamics relates to other non-fundamental domains such as fluid dynamics and neuroscience, and how it bears on questions in philosophy such as (but not limited to) questions about emergence, reduction, inter-theory relations, the nature of non-fundamental reality, the laws of nature, and the relation between symmetries and reality.

The group is seeking applications for a postdoctoral Research Fellow position on a 2 year contract. Successful candidates will carry out research which contributes to the group’s goals, primarily collaborating with Asst. Prof. Chua on ongoing projects while developing their own independent research projects. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in philosophy or physics, a strong research track record, a concrete proposal for a research project related to the Group’s interests, and excellent communication skills.

The deadline for applications is March 3, 2025, 11.59PM Pacific Time.

Please send any inquiries about the position to [email protected]. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborating on Asst Prof. Chua’s projects

• Carrying out their own research projects

• Planning and organizing events (workshops, conferences, summer schools) for the Group

• Hosting visiting academics

• Presenting work related to the group’s goals at relevant conferences and workshops

Job Requirements:

• PhD in philosophy or physics (in hand by start of position)

• Demonstrable research track record on topics related to the project, such as but not limited to:

  • General philosophy of science

  • Philosophy of physics (especially philosophy of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics)

    • Demonstrable interest or experience in quantum or relativistic thermodynamics is a plus.

  • Cognate topics in philosophy

    • Emergence and reduction

    • Inter-theory relations

    • Effective realism

    • Metaphysics of non-fundamental reality

    • Natural kinds

    • Conceptual change and conceptual engineering

    • Symmetries and reality