PhD Student in Philosophy of Science

The Department of Philosophy at Stockholm University is the largest in Sweden, with vibrant research groups in a wide range of philosophical disciplines. The department has significant strengths in philosophy of science. It hosts multiple research projects, for example about scientific modeling, final theory claims, and dark matter research. More generally, the department has a strong international profile: we frequently host internationally prominent colloquium speakers and other visitors, and we are involved in numerous international and national networks and research projects. In theoretical philosophy, examples include the department's Centre for Logic, Language and Mind (CLLAM) , the interdisciplinary Centre for Medieval Studies, as well as networks such as PLM, the Nordic Network for Philosophy of Physics, and the Scandinavian Logic Society. 

For more information about us, please visit the Department of Philosophy website

Subject area

The successful applicant will be part of the DECIDE project, funded by the European Research Council. The project is led by Siska De Baerdemaeker, who will serve as primary supervisor for the successful applicant. The thesis work lies in history and philosophy of experiment, with a partial focus on astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. A wide range of approaches within history and philosophy of science, and science and technology studies will be considered.

DECIDE centers around how scientists should make collective decisions about what future large-scale experiments to pursue, particularly within astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. In these fields, research is often conducted at a scale well beyond what one individual, or even one research lab can manage. Unsurprisingly, the cost of some instruments has skyrocketed to billions of euros. Since large experiments tend to require financial support from multiple government agencies over extended periods of time—often several decades—only a small number will be funded. Which experiments are conducted has a crucial influence on the future direction of science. The central research question of DECIDE is therefore: how do, and how should, scientists collectively decide what large-scale experiments to pursue?

DECIDE aims to develop a new framework for collective decision-making about the pursuit of large-scale experiments. DECIDE’s main case study is the US Astronomy Decadal Survey, one of the first and most replicated procedures for collective decision making about science funding. The project sits at the intersection of philosophy of experiment, social epistemology, and history and philosophy of post-World War II astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must meet the general and specific entry requirements. These requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

To meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

To meet the specific entry requirements, the applicant must have at least 30 ECTS credits in theoretical philosophy at the advanced level (including an MA-thesis). This requirement can also be met by those who have acquired essentially equivalent competence in Sweden or elsewhere.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

Based on previous education: assessment of both depth and breadth of previous education.

Based on previous scientific work:

• Critical ability
• English language skills
• Creativity
• Independence
• Previous experience in history and philosophy of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology is not required but may be meritorious.

Based on the research plan:

• Quality of the proposed research
• Relevance to the goals of the DECIDE project
• Originality
• Feasibility within given time constraints (i.e. full-time work during a four-year period of doctoral studies)

Please note that there is no requirement to speak Swedish to hold this post. The doctoral researcher will be expected to undertake research in English.

Read more about admission regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with teaching, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

Initial employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and subsequently renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Starting date: February 1, 2027 unless otherwise agreed.

Contact

For more information, please contact the project leader, dr. Siska De Baerdemaeker, ([email protected])., or the Head of Department, Professor Gunnar Björnsson, ([email protected]).

Further information about the PhD program in Theoretical philosophy can be obtained from the Director of Graduate Studies in Theoretical Philosophy, Professor Kathrin Glüer-Pagin, ([email protected]).

Union representatives

Saco-S ([email protected]), Fackförbundet ST/OFR ([email protected]), and SEKO ([email protected]). PhD student representative, ([email protected]).

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

Please include the following information with your application:

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for up to three referees

and, in addition, please include the following documents:

Cover letter, outlining your how your background makes you a suitable candidate for this position and how you envisage contributing to the philosophy of science environment at Stockholm University in general and the DECIDE project in particular

Academic CV, including degrees and other completed courses, as well as other relevant experience (e.g., conference presentations)

Research proposal (maximum 2 pages, not including references) describing the research you wish to undertake in your doctoral studies. The research proposal should:

• Present the research area
• Sketch the main research questions, and
• Briefly indicate how the proposed research fits with the general goal of the DECIDE project

Individual MA degree project or thesis

An additional writing sample of up to 10 000 words is optional. This can be one longer or multiple shorter pieces.

Degree certificates and transcripts confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files). This should include a statement of how credits obtained outside the ECTS translate in to ECTS.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

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