Research Fellow -- Public Philosophy

ABOUT US

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.

PHILOSOPHY AND SOCIETY INITIATIVE

The Philosophy & Society Initiative is dedicated to reigniting a national tradition of public philosophy. Through publications, events, and original research we seek to stimulate the appetite for reflection about our largest and most haunting issues of societal purpose—What is justice? What is a good life? What is society for?

 ABOUT THIS ROLE

We are pleased to invite applications for 2 post-doctoral “Research Fellows in Public Philosophy” positions. The term of the position is initially September 2026-August 2027, with potential for renewal for a second year based on candidate performance.

The positions are designed as rigorous fellowship experiences to develop both the candidate’s aptitudes in public writing and to develop the field of public philosophy at the highest levels of national discourse. As a foundation for the position, candidates are expected to have doctoral or equivalent level training in political philosophy, political theory or related disciplines.

Our institutional goal is to raise the profile of public philosophy in the United States and across the world and to develop new infrastructure at the intersection of academia and public discourse that can engage robustly on both sides.

Our ideal candidates will possess a rigorous understanding of philosophical concepts, and a capacity to apply them to pressing societal issues. The role demands a blend of creativity, independence, vision setting, leadership, effective project management, attention to editorial detail, and intellectual ambition.

The Research Fellows will report to the Director, Philosophy and Society. The salary range for the Research Fellow position is $67,000 - $72,000. Selected candidates will be expected to be located in Washington DC from September to June each year, and in the office a minimum of 3 days a week to participate in our on-site public philosophy research group.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Among other expectations and activities, the position will include:

• Intensive training modules and mentoring in public writing and argument.

• Primary emphasis will be on a weekly rhythm of engagement with public argument in which selected candidates will be expected to produce targeted arguments directly engaged in the news-cycle—both long and short form—with the goal of publishing in both in-house and national media. Specific quota of written and other media outputs (usually 2+ per month) are expected and a tailored output plan will be developed with each candidate at the start of the fellowship.

• Research fellowship will usually include opportunities to collaborate with the Civic Thought Initiative at Yale University, including an in-person residency. Scholars will have a chance to interact with students and scholars in fields related to their interests and to participate in salon-style discussions on campus."

• Administrative responsibilities tied to P&S’s broader work and the individual’s particular portfolio.

• Development of longer-term academic work in a candidate’s given field.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• A PhD in Philosophy or a related field. In exceptional cases we are open to intellectual journalists who have a strong record of genuine intellectual engagement and national level publication.

• Demonstrated intellectual interest in primary pressing philosophical issues facing society. We are also particularly interested in individuals who have aptitude in philosophical anthropology. Questions of humanism and transhumanism, society and technology, virtue and ways of life, eudaimonia and societal purpose are all of specific interest.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

• At base we expect candidates to have strong academic records both in research and publication. Experience in public writing about ideas and in engaging with media and social media is also welcome.

TO APPLY

Candidates should submit full academic CVs and a 2 page letter of interest. Letters should both offer clear articulation of the given candidate’s profile, and statement of intent regarding:

1. Research interests, particularly highlighting overlap with topics listed above

2. Interest and experience in public philosophy both within academia and if relevant, in other contexts

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about accessibility, please email [email protected] or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability.