CfA: Postdoc in philosophy and social studies of biology (Ruhr University Bochum, Deadline: September 24, 2021)

Submitted by Jan Baedke (RUB).

 

Call for Applications

1 x 1,0 Post-Doctoral Researcher

The Institute of Philosophy I at the Ruhr University Bochum seeks applications for a post-doctoral research position. It will be part of the Emmy Noether-research group ROTO (“The Return of the Organism in the Biosciences: Theoretical, Historical, and Social Dimensions”, PI Prof. Jan Baedke), financed by the DFG (German Research Foundation).

Project and research group description: https://rotorub.wordpress.com/

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Planned starting date: 1st Nov. 2021
  • Deadline for the application: 24th Sept. 2021

YOUR PROFILE

A PhD in philosophy, social sciences or another relevant discipline. The candidate should have expertise or some knowledge in one (or more) of the following fields:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • Science Studies (especially of the life sciences)
  • Social Philosophy
  • Health Disparity Studies
  • Race Studies
  • Social epigenetics or human microbiome research

Experience in ethnographic research is an additional (though not necessary) methodological expertise. Mastering the German language is not required.

YOUR TASKS

The successful candidate is expected to actively contribute to the above project from a perspective that addresses socially, anthropologically, and philosophically relevant issues in public health, personalized medicine, policy-making, etc., which concern present (or past) trends in the life sciences to highlight the unit of the organism, organisms-environment relations, or organismal individuality and agency. This project could (but does not have to) consider developments in the area of postgenomics (e.g., microbiome research, epigenetics, nutrigenomics, proteomics). Research collaborations with other members of the ROTO group (and with members of the Chair of History and Philosophy of Science) are encouraged. The candidate will also be expected to participate in international workshops and conferences and in events jointly organized by ROTO (reading group, lecture series). She/he will enjoy the groups’ administrative facilities and financial support. In addition, there is the possibility, though no obligation, to do some teaching in either English or German (e.g. in our M.A. program in HPS).

APPLICATIONS

Applications should include:

  • A cover letter that addresses, among others, personal academic background and research interests
  • CV, including list of publications and 2 references (recommendation letters are not required)
  • 3 samples of written work
  • A brief description (maximum: 2 pages) of a planned research project in the context of the research group
  • A copy of the relevant degrees/certificates

WE OFFER

  • A diverse and fair working environment
  • Support in reconciling work and family life
  • Extensive advanced training opportunities
  • Occupational health management offers

The Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is located in the dynamic metropolitan region of the Ruhrgebiet. With its 20 faculties it houses over 43,000 students and a broad range of disciplines on one compact campus. It offers rich opportunities for collaboration across different disciplines. RUB’s Department of Philosophy (I and II) is the largest Philosophy Department in Germany, which provides an ideal environment for postdoctoral researchers to both broaden and deepen their expertise and personal skills to further their career. The Emmy Noether group is currently composed of a Post-Doc, two PhD-students, two Mercator Fellows (who visit the research group), and the PI. For more information on the members of ROTO, see here: https://rotorub.wordpress.com/team/

For more information on the research unit of Prof. Jan Baedke, see here: www.rub.de/philosophy/wtwg/index

The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. For the sake of internationalization and gender-equality, applicants from abroad as well as non-male candidates are especially encouraged to apply. Disabled persons with the same professional and personal qualifications will be given preference.

The position is available from 1st Nov. 2021 on a full-time basis. It is limited to 2 years. If the applicant meets the relevant general requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on occupation group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector. Please submit your documents electronically to jan.baedke@rub.de under the subject line “Application Emmy Noether PostDoc” by 24th Sept. 2021. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed (via Zoom).

For any further inquiries please contact jan.baedke@rub.de.