Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Role
The Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a three-year full-time postdoctoral position in conjunction with the "Consortium for Advancing a Science of Purpose" (CASP) project sponsored in part by the John Templeton Foundation (www.biologicalpurpose.org/). Note: this is one of two postdoctoral positions associated with the project.

CASP extends and develops innovative research structures and activities in support of interdisciplinary work in the life sciences. It specifically engages a broad community of scholars, bringing together philosophers, theoreticians, and experimentalists to advance how we investigate and understand topics related to the complex theme of teleology (i.e., the study of purposiveness), which includes a variety of contested concepts (e.g., agency, directionality, function, goal-directedness) related to phenomena across spatial and temporal scales.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in philosophy or a related field with a background in the biological sciences, demonstrated interest in questions surrounding the purposiveness of living systems and teleological reasoning, and evidence or promise of scholarly achievement. Prior experience with multi-institutional grant projects and/or interdisciplinary research teams is preferred.

The successful candidate will: (a) carry out an original philosophical research program under the supervision of Alan Love at the University of Minnesota focusing on the intellectual themes of CASP, and (b) work in close collaboration with the central administrative team at the University of Minnesota in conceptualizing and implementing novel research facilitation activities.
 

The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to reside in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, undertake research on topics related to the intellectual themes of CASP full-time in an office on the West Bank of the Twin Cities campus, and collaboratively work with Alan Love and the central administrative team on the CASP project more broadly.

Postdoctoral Fellows are not expected to undertake service responsibility while in the role.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Applicants will have been awarded a doctorate in philosophy or history and philosophy of science within six years of the starting date of the position.

Additionally, applicants must have evidence of a research interest in one or more aspects of the complex theme of teleology in biology, such as in one’s dissertation project or with a substantial publication on the topic.

Applications are encouraged from scholars with newly awarded doctorates in philosophy or history and philosophy of science at early stages of their career who have not yet secured a permanent academic position. Submissions from members of traditionally underrepresented groups are particularly welcome.

Preferred Qualifications
Candidates that have prior experience with multi-institutional grant projects and/or interdisciplinary research teams should describe this in their cover letter.

About the Department

The Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science is located on the west bank of the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. We offer a flexible working environment and encourage Center members, visitors and staff to engage in the vibrant intellectual community of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students created by the diverse interest groups, colloquia, and other activities the Center organizes.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62, 232; depending on education/qualifications/experience

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. hbps://policy.umn.edu/hr/postdocappoint-appa

How To Apply

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

Please submit:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Letters of recommendation from three academic/professional references
• Writing sample (preferably peer-reviewed work, forthcoming or already published)

Application deadline: May 29th, 2026