Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Digital Philosophy of Science

 

The Institute of Philosophy invites applications for the position of a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Digital Philosophy of Science (Salary Scale 13 TV-L, 75-100 %) starting October 1, 2024 or earlier. The duration of the position is 3.5 years. Working time is negotiable (75-100%); employment beyond 75% requires regular teaching obligations.

In the context of the project “MODEL TRANSFER – Model Transfer and its Challenges in Science: The Case of Economics,” funded by the European Research Council (ERC) through a Starting Grant to Prof. Dr. Catherine Herfeld (Leibniz University Hannover), we seek to appoint a postdoctoral researcher in philosophy of science with special expertise in computational and statistical methods / digital humanities. To study the phenomenon of model transfer and its challenges in science, focusing in particular on economics, the project will primarily use network analysis, blockmodeling and topic modeling to identify relevant transfer patterns as well as track and empirically map the transfer processes of models across different domains. Find out more about the project here. The position is also attached to the Chair of Philosophy and History of Economics (Prof. Dr. Catherine Herfeld). The position is remunerated according to salary scale “13 TV-L” (Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Länder).

Responsibilities and tasks

The position requires to conduct research within the ERC-funded project ‘Model Transfer and its Challenges: The Case of Economics’ (MODEL TRANSFER; a short summary of the project can also be found here). While your research will center around philosophical and empirical issues raised by model transfer in science, you will have the opportunity to develop your own research focus. The successful candidate will also be expected to work in a team, actively participate in all project events, co-organize events on the project topic and present their research at conferences and workshops on a regular basis.

Employment conditions and requirements

To qualify for the position, applicants must hold an academic degree in philosophy and/or a field that applies computational and/or digital methods to empirical data. Previous research that demonstrates excellent skills in at least one of the aforementioned methods is expected. Applicants should also have a research focus in philosophy of science, integrated history and philosophy of science, philosophy of economics, and/or history of economics. They should be fluent in English; fluency in German is not required.

The Institute of Philosophy at Leibniz University Hannover has a thriving focus in philosophy of science, with an emerging specialization also in philosophy of economics. We offer an attractive working atmosphere in a research-oriented environment and team with opportunities for your academic development. Due to our international collaborations and visiting scientists, our institute languages are English and German.

 

Leibniz University Hannover considers itself a family-friendly university and therefore promotes a balance between work and family responsibilities. Part-time employment can be arranged upon request.

The university aims to promote gender equality. For this purpose, the university strives to reduce under-representation in areas where a certain gender is under-represented. Women are under-represented in the salary scale of the advertised position. Therefore, qualified women are encouraged to apply. Moreover, we welcome applications from qualified men. Preference will be given to equally-qualified applicants with disabilities.

 

Please submit your application with supporting documents (cover letter explaining your interest in and qualification for the position, research statement of max. 2 pages explaining your research plan within the MODEL TRANSFER project, CV including a list of publications, a summary of your dissertation, certificates, a writing sample of max. 20 pages on any topic that reflects your best philosophical writing, and names as well as contact information of two referees) the latest by May 22, 2024 as a single pdf in electronic form to