Research Fellow in Foundations of Thermodynamics

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 (https://www.eugenechua.com/foundations-of-thermodynamics).

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 foundational questions in thermodynamics can inform or relate to other non-fundamental domains such as fluid dynamics and neuroscience,

• and how issues in the foundations of thermodynamics bear 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, the role of idealizations in physical reasoning, issues to do with scientific modelling, and conceptual engineering in physics.

The group is seeking applications for a 2-year Research Fellow position. 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.

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

• 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

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please apply by March 20 (midnight SGT). Applications submitted after this date will still be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The position is expected to begin in Fall 2026.
 
Please apply by submitting the following documents as a single .pdf file in Workday:

• Cover letter

• Research statement

• Research proposal outlining in detail at least one research project to be pursued during their time as research fellow.

• The contact information for at least 3 referees (referees for shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly at a later stage and asked to comment on the candidate's ability to undertake this particular role)

• Writing sample

• CV

 For further enquires, please drop an email to [email protected].

 We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.