Postdoctoral Researcher/Researcher

We seek a researcher for a fixed term two-year position that runs from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2028. The researcher will be a core member of the research team for the project The Many Faces of Inquiry: Towards a Dynamic and Pluralistic Epistemology. The project began in 2024 and will run until December 2029. It is funded by the Kone Foundation and is housed at the Philosophy unit at the University of Helsinki.  

Project

For us to be responsible epistemic agents, it does not suffice that we respond properly to the evidence that we happen to have. There are questions we should ask, facts we should consider, evidence that we should seek. There are both practical and epistemic norms that govern the (social or individual) practice of inquiry, and various kinds of aims that set standards of success for this process. The purpose of this research project is to contribute to developing a novel, principled, and systematic account of these norms and aims. 

What is the nature of the questions that initiate inquiry? What kind of answers fulfill the aims of inquiry? What kind of norms govern the questions and activity of inquiry, and what grounds their normative force for the subject? What kind of value do the answers have?

 The project team consists of the following members: Jaakko Hirvelä (epistemology), Antti Kauppinen (moral and political philosophy), Maria Lasonen (epistemology), Lilian O’Brien (philosophy of action), Ninni Suni (moral responsibility).

Responsibilities

The main task of the appointed researcher will be to conduct research on the central questions of the research project. They are expected to participate in project meetings, to contribute to the regular reading group of the project, and to attend research seminars held at the philosophy unit in Helsinki. The researcher will also help to organize conferences, seminars, and workshops, and assist in preparing new research proposals. 

Requirements for the position and assessment of qualifications

The appointed researcher will hold a doctoral degree in philosophy and have an ambitious research agenda on topics relevant to the project. Applicants must have strong philosophical writing skills and excellent command of written and spoken English. When assessing applicants’ qualifications, particular attention will be paid to high-quality peer-reviewed publications and the quality of the research proposal.

What we offer

The philosophy unit at Helsinki is home to several research projects on related topics and provides a vibrant and supportive research community. There are no teaching responsibilities with this position but there will be teaching opportunities. The salary for the position is paid by a grant from the Kone Foundation. The gross monthly amount, much of which is tax-free, ranges between 3,200 Euro and 3,800 Euro.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Lilian O’Brien: [email protected]. 

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.